New Guy Figuring Stuff Out

[RamFan]

I've done a lot of research on here but this is my first post. I recently purchased a 2004 Ram 1500 4.7l with 43k on it and the first thing I did was change the oil with M1 5w30 since I wasn't sure when the last change was. I'd like to start doing 6k changes so I've been looking at the UOAs on here and have been astonished by what I've found on M1, well I guess I was just suckered in by their marketing. I've seen that PP holds up pretty well across the board so I'm thinking about giving that a shot.

Here is the question. The truck is in Guantanamo Bay and the speed limit is 25 mph so the absolute maximum I go is 40 mph and my trips are generally 2 to 4 miles with a total of 20-30 miles daily so needless to say a lot of engine starts. I've got some bolt on mods- 180 stat., CAI, Cat back, and I've tuned it with SC for 87 octane since it is the only gas grade we have available on the base. I wont be able to do any of my own UOAs until I get back state side so with the given information what do think would be a suitable oil?

I will say that the truck drives fantastic so I'm not knocking how M1 drives at all but after seeing the UOAs and some of the levels on there I'm definitely going to be switching some oils that bring me the best UOA once I'm able to properly run an assessment so I can find what is best for the truck.

 

[hate2work]

Don't give up so quick on M1, it's a very good oil and will do 6k quite easily.

 

[Nick R]

Try Valvoline Synpower, it returns fantastic UOAs with regularity.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Another vote for Valvoline or Pennzoil.

 

[RamFan]

I don't believe we have Valvoline down there I'm trying to remember the shelf at the shop and if I remember correctly we've got Mobil, Pennzoil, Quaker State, and Castrol.

 

[tig1]

Are you on Leeward or Windward side? I was in Gitmo in the 60s two differant times. M1 is a great oil, but any will do. UOAs are not a good way to make decisions on regarding which oil to use. UOAs are fine for determining if you have outside contamination, or possibly trending wear metals.

 

[RamFan]

Originally Posted By: tig1
Are you on Leeward or Windward side? I was in Gitmo in the 60s two differant times. M1 is a great oil, but any will do. UOAs are not a good way to make decisions on regarding which oil to use. UOAs are fine for determining if you have outside contamination, or possibly trending wear metals.


Windward side, now leeward has the Cuban migrants and some of the foreign workers but other then that everyone lives on Windward side. With the prison being there Gtmo has changed a lot I can't even begin to explain the differences but it is a much different place I've been there before, during, and after 9/11 so I've been able to see the full transition and it has evolved quite a bit.

 

[tig1]

Soory to get off topic, but I was there right after the CMC and again when Castrol turned off the water to the base. I was on Leeward with a P2V Patrol squardron flying night patrol, during the Dominican crisis, looking for Cuban gun runners. Gitmo was very priminative in those days. Outdoor EM club and theatre.

 

[RamFan]

You mentioned that UOAs aren't a good way to decide on which oil to use, what is a good determining factor then?

 

[tig1]

I have been using M1 oils for 32 years, and have had great results. All oils today are fine for the average engine. Stay with the engine oil spec. that comes from the engine manuf. for one thing. I like synt oils for the little extra insurance you will have as for deposit control(M1 oils are excellant for this), extreme temps(hot and cold), extended OCIs(I go 10K with my type of driving)but you may drop that to 5-6K because of shorter trips. In my case, experience with a given oil is a good way to evaluate an oil. Can't beat results for choosing an oil.

 

[Audi Junkie]

If you have a lot of sand in the air, heavier oil will produce a thicker oil film to keep the particles from abrading. Since you are doing all short trips, your oil probably stays thick, but it's something to consider.

Also, I use 2-cycle oil in the fuel at 500:1. It's something you likely have access to, and may combat any fuel quality issues.

 

[RamFan]

After looking at a lot of other posts and doing some more looking into it throughout the web I think I may switch to some dino rather than staying with syn. and go ahead and do the typical 3k / 3mo. Here is my reasoning:

1) Extremely dusty air
2) Extremely hot in the summer, warm in the winter (mid 60s at its lowest)
3) Short trips at low speeds
4) Many trips in a typical day

What are your thoughts?

 

[Johnny]

I would split the difference as long as your down there. I would use regular Pennzoil and change it every 4 months/4,000 miles. When you get back home to IL then you can go your extended synthetic oil changes or just stay with the regular Pennzoil and change it every 6 months/5,000 miles.

 

[sangyup81]

Originally Posted By: RamFan
After looking at a lot of other posts and doing some more looking into it throughout the web I think I may switch to some dino rather than staying with syn. and go ahead and do the typical 3k / 3mo. Here is my reasoning:

1) Extremely dusty air
2) Extremely hot in the summer, warm in the winter (mid 60s at its lowest)
3) Short trips at low speeds
4) Many trips in a typical day

What are your thoughts?


How would you feel using Shell Rotella T 15w40? It's cheap but provides enormous value and it should be warm enough in Cuba to not cause you any problems. Are you sourcing this stuff stateside though? It might be different if you're buying locally

 

[RamFan]

Originally Posted By: sangyup81
Originally Posted By: RamFan
After looking at a lot of other posts and doing some more looking into it throughout the web I think I may switch to some dino rather than staying with syn. and go ahead and do the typical 3k / 3mo. Here is my reasoning:

1) Extremely dusty air
2) Extremely hot in the summer, warm in the winter (mid 60s at its lowest)
3) Short trips at low speeds
4) Many trips in a typical day

What are your thoughts?


How would you feel using Shell Rotella T 15w40? It's cheap but provides enormous value and it should be warm enough in Cuba to not cause you any problems. Are you sourcing this stuff stateside though? It might be different if you're buying locally


Unfortunately they don't have Shell down there but in addition with the 4.7 being a supposed sludger (User error imo) I'd like to stay with the manufacturer 5w30-10w30 recommendation none the less.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: RamFan
After looking at a lot of other posts and doing some more looking into it throughout the web I think I may switch to some dino rather than staying with syn. and go ahead and do the typical 3k / 3mo. Here is my reasoning:

1) Extremely dusty air
2) Extremely hot in the summer, warm in the winter (mid 60s at its lowest)
3) Short trips at low speeds
4) Many trips in a typical day

What are your thoughts?


Many Short Trips in a typical day enables the use of thinner oil such as dino 5W20 and 3-4k/6mo OCI.

 

[Audi Junkie]

Do a UOA on dino at 4 months. Can you get Formula Shell?

 

[RamFan]

Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
Do a UOA on dino at 4 months. Can you get Formula Shell?


I don't remember seeing any Shell products on the shelf. I'll be back down there on the 22nd and plan on changing the oil first thing so I'll be able to give a detailed listing at that time. For now I'm just making sure that I'm right about conventional being more suited under these driving conditions.