What type of Oil would you suggest using in a 2003 C-15 Cat Engine, or does it really matter?

What type of Filters would you run? When I checked it out last Friday it had all cat filters on it.

I spoke with the Service Mgr and questioned him about this, and he told me that you can use any type of oil and filters as long as they were good quality.

I told him I had heard that you should only use Delo oil, and only Cat Filters, and he said not necessary.

Advice on this matter please.

Thanks

 

15W40, unless you're in an arctic climate.

We use all OEM Cat filters on the Cat engines at work.

No, it's not necessary, but it does give you added peace of mind, knowing that you're using OEM filters, and my favorite oil is Shell Rotella 15W40.

I know someone will challenge my reccomendation of Shell Rotella, but I believe it is the best.

 

For a dino oil, you'll want a 15w40. It *MUST* be either ci-4 or cj-4 rated. If it's not, then it's not designed for diesel engines.

Delo 400 is about the best oil money can buy in dino form, although I've had good luck with rotella t.

If you're looking into synthetics(you do not need to be in cold climate to use them), look for a 5w40 or 0w40 that's ci-4 or cj-4 rated.

Shell makes a good synthetic version of rotella T.

 

Why wouldn't anyone run synthetic oil, interval changes make it cost efficient, and it's a better oil...

The newer engines may need more frequent oil changes due to the soot being saved in the engine oil... But I don't know much about that...

My own opinion, The c15, 3406e, are my favorite engines, I haul heavy and these engines can "work" for a driver that needs to get over the top of an icy hill... :wink:

 

It depends, the new engines(2008 model) have even more EGR and more soot going into the oil, I don't think it's worth it.

Besides, the extra long oil change intervals aren't worth it on an engine with a warranty on it. OEM's don't recognize extended drains.

My 12 litre Volvo is very suitable for it, no EGR, 50,000 km's (31,000 miles) oil changes are turning out great.

I'm going to shoot for 100,000 km's on the synthetic, maybe even more!

 

most oils will indicate right on the label if they've met cat's specs... any of these will work, although i prefer rotella as well. a good quality filter will do the trick, too. but, if you want to reduce the 'risk' factor, cat filters are clearly superior in construction to any i've cut open before


i.e.- cat oil & fuel filters, rotella 15w40 oil (or equivalent

 

For a piece of mind CAT filters. I've tried them all, and stopped on DELO, works best for my "kitty"! 8) :roll:

 

I got a CAT 15 engine, and I want to switch over from Shell Rotella T oil to a company called Sinopec. There almost half the price of any other brand and they meet all of the requirements for a heavy duty truck oil. My truck has currently 800k on it. Would this be a good idea? Has anyone heard of this company Sinopec? And if so any good reviews?

 

Hint, hint.... Donaldson makes Cat's filters. I don't have a Cat engine, but I have been using Donaldson filters for years. In talking with the Donaldson rep about a year ago, he confirmed that they are making filters for Cat.

As for oil, there is not perfect solution for every engine. Engines and oils are like rifles and ammunition. I can take two finely made rifles, feed them both the same high quality ammunition, and get different downrange results. I can then take these same rifles and feed them both the some other quality brand of ammunition and the results may be reversed. Nothing wrong with either rifle or the ammunition. One of those little mysteries of life. Engines and oils are very similar. Try a quality brand of oil, do regular used oil samples, and see the results.

Sinopec oil is based in Beijing, China. It is a Chinese oil company. No experience with the products.