I just purchased a 2001 f250 7.3, I am getting ready to change fluids and found while searching for maintainance tips, a web site for amsoil. The manufacturer claims that this synthetic oil is a much better product for the motor. any one use or used amsoil?

 

Yes, I've used Amzoil. My honest opinion, it's just too expensive to run in the crankcase. You can find excellant petroleum based heavy duty diesel oils over-the-counter, such as Chevron Delo 400 15W-40(that shows excellant used oil analysis reports) for at least 1/4 the cost you're going to pay for a specialty lubricant such as amzoil. Shell Rotella T and Mobil Delvac 1300 are other popular diesel oils.

Synthetics will give good performance at temperature extremes, particularily cold winter starts, but if you look at just a few of the UOA reports on several of the premium priced synthetics on this forum, you often find only medicore results. Not worth the extra cost IMO. And I wouldn't automatically do extended drain intervals, unless supported with oil analysis.
Otherwise you may not know if your oil is contaminated.
There are other synthetics beside Amzoil. Mobil Delvac 1 5W-40 is a true synthetic, API certified, and easily obtained. And Red Line, Synergen, and Schaeffer's are just a few other speciality oil blenders.

Bottom line: Use whatever oil you feel you're going to get the best cost/benefit ratio from.

 

I started using amsoil six months ago and have done one oil analysis to make sure I didn't need to change it again. In fact I'm up for another oil analysis.
My mileage per tank of fuel went up at least 50 miles on highway. Of course I'm very satisfied with amsoil, but I have been using it for only 6 months.

 

Medic641: You mention Mobil Delvac 1 being easily obtained, and I was wondering if you knew what stores or places usually carry it. That's one of the oils on my list of 'possibles' to run in my pickup - and I haven't been able to find it anywhere except through mail-order. I figure that truck stops would be the most likely place to find it, but so far I haven't had any luck...which bugs me, since I *know* I've seen it on the shelf somewhere, but can't remember where I saw it. I tried Mobil's web site, but didn't come up with much - I found one place that says they have it, but they're a 50 mile drive.

Anyway, just wondered if you knew of any chains that might carry it but aren't on Mobil's list.

Thanks,

LK

 

Check the yellow pages for your local Mobil Jobber, they should have Delvac 1, or be able to get it for you. I know that's where I can get it locally.

Also, AV Lubes sells it online in 4 gal. cases.

 

Ah, okay - thanks for the info. I knew there must be a place around to get it, just couldn't figure out where that place might be.

I'll have to call around a bit later this week when I get a chance - I haven't really decided yet if I'm going to run that oil, but in case I do I want to secure a source.

Thanks again,

LK

 

LK I think walmart sells it too

 

I've been to several (3, 4 - 5?) Wal*Mart's in Virginia - they all sold it - around $6 a gal.

*EDIT* - Sorry - I believe that was the Delvac 1300 - which is "dino" -- correct?

 

The only Amsoil oil for the Power Stroke that is API certified is a synthetic blend. If this doesn't bother you, use their synthetic oil. If you want to go by the owner's manual, only use an oil with the correct API specification for your truck and change no later than the maximum oil change interval.

 

Yup, the 1300 is a dino - that's what I run in my diesel farm truck. I've looked at Wallyworld, and haven't seen any of the Delvac 1 synthetic - but if they had it it'd probably be around $25 a gallon. I can get it online for a bit cheaper if I buy in bulk, but with shipping it still ends up being pretty pricey.

LK

 

My dad used esso XD3 15w-40 deisel oil in his psd, and I still see it roaring around town with 400 000+ miles and no RB's.I think that would my choice if I could afford a psd for my old beast.

 

I run amsoil in my old Volvo 240. Mostly because I am lazy and don't have to change it as often. My mechanic is a heavy duty mechanic and does oil analysis on machinery oil (and his own volvo) the last time he tested his oil at 35000km it was still good. He is shooting for 40000km on one oil change. He currently has 575000km on his car. That was enough of an endorsement for amsoil for me. He doesn't sell it but still highly recomends it.