changing oil brands

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Mar 13, 2004 | 10:05 AM

MJW

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From: upstate new york

changing oil brands

I had been using Shell rotella t synthetic in my '02 PSD,but the last oil change I used Mobil Delvac 1. I want to go back to using the Shell,due to the price difference. Is it ok to switch oil brands without any problems? I went with the Delvac 1 because I heard it was the best,but I will stick to the rotella.(better price and availability). Thanks.

Mar 13, 2004 | 04:05 PM

jschira

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From: Mansfield, TX USA

I always buy what is cheapest, so I change brands all the time. I've never had any problems.

Mar 13, 2004 | 05:19 PM

powerstroker250

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No problems.

Mar 13, 2004 | 06:28 PM

feddoc

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From: Wherever the Navy says to

My nephew the ford mech (X18 years) tells me that anytime oil brands are changed, make sure you let the oil drain for a long time. He says that some additves may not mix well with additives from another brand.

Mar 13, 2004 | 08:58 PM

FarmerPhilCo

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From: Louisville, KY

All oil has to meet strict API standards. Changing oil from one brand to another is the same as buying fuel from different places--some are better than others but they all meet a set standard and some exceed those standards.

Mar 13, 2004 | 09:32 PM

johnsdiesel

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From: Denton,TX

Quote:

Originally posted by feddoc
My nephew the ford mech (X18 years) tells me that anytime oil brands are changed, make sure you let the oil drain for a long time. He says that some additves may not mix well with additives from another brand.

If that was really true, which I don't think it is, you would have to do a lot more than let the oil drain until it stops dripping. The actual capacity of the newer PSD's is around 16 quarts, but only 15 will drain. That extra oil is in the HP resevoir and oil cooler. Some folks have actually drained this oil when doing an oil change. For those of you who don't, you have a 15/16 mixture of new/old oil when you change.

Don't worry about it as long as the oil has the proper API rating.

Mar 14, 2004 | 08:25 AM

feddoc

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From: Wherever the Navy says to

Well, johnsdiesel,
I suppose you could be right about not having to let the oil drain completely when changing brands. I think my nephew's point was that most folks drop the drain plug, change the filter and then reinstall the plug. And I am sure some will only drop the plug and change oil. With that kind of oil mixture in an engine, I would be concerned. I kinda think that most folks on this forum are a lot more detailed about how their vehicles are maintained.

Oils contain: viscosity improvers, pour point depressants, oxidation inhibitors, corrossion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants, and anti-foaming agents. They may not contain the same kind/brand of those agents, and, not knowing how well those agents will/will not mix with agents from another brand, (and produce a synergistice effect) I would rather be sure and let the dealer flush the engine for me.....if I change oil brands.

In the end, it has to do with peace of mind.