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Nonno · 02-09-2009, 04:37 PM

Just curious. What are the brands of choice for these.

I had my initial oil change done by Cummins Northeast on both the MH and Onan generator. Being a Cummins facility I was expecting Rotella for the engine and Onan for the generator. My mistake for not asking beforehand but I was surprised they used Valvoline for both. In fact, I was also surprised that they used 10W 30 instaed of 15W 40 for the generator.

GaryKD · 02-10-2009, 04:48 AM

I use Penzoil 15W-40 for both engine and generator. I think all the modern brand name oils work. I was just brought up on Penzoil and told never change the brand of oil you start with. Also, I've been using Penzoil since 1965 and never had an engine oil related failure. If it isn't broke, I don't fix it.

RustyJC · 02-10-2009, 05:34 AM

Cummins has a marketing agreement with Valvoline, so left to their own devices, Valvoline is Cummins' oil of choice.

Oil threads are close behind religion and politics as far as generating fervor is concerned, but I'll go out on a limb and offer that two excellent diesel engine dino oils (if that's your preference) are Shell Rotella and Chevron Delo 400.

Rusty

Joe-K · 02-10-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RustyJC:
Oil threads are close behind religion and politics as far as generating fervor is concerned, but I'll go out on a limb and offer that two excellent diesel engine dino oils (if that's your preference) are Shell Rotella and Chevron Delo 400.

Rusty

I agree with you there

There are many excellant oils, but just be sure to use one with the proper API certification for your specific application.

I've personally used both Rotella and Delo 400 although I usually stick with one product in a particular engine rather than frequently switch brands. In my previous rig, I used Delo 400 for 5 years, but now I'm using Rotella in the new rig.

Nonno · 02-10-2009, 11:05 AM

Rotella was in it from HR and I plan on switching back. One reason is I carry some with me to top off if necessary.

Whichever brand you use for your engine, do you use the same for your generator? Reason I ask is that this is my 1st diesel engine & generator and both call for 15W40.

Raca-roni · 02-10-2009, 03:40 PM

I use Valvoline Premium Blue 15W40 in my Cummins ISL 400hp engine and I use Onan 15W40 in my genset. I wouldn't have a problem using The Valvoline in both.

Nonno · 02-10-2009, 05:14 PM

Raca-roni,

If your NH location happens to be near the Wolfboro/Wakefield area of the Lakes Region who do you use for any Cummins work?

chasfm11 · 02-10-2009, 06:26 PM

If I remember correctly, the genset manual recommends different weights for different temperature ranges. I stayed with the 15W40 because it seemed to match the temperatures that we have here, where we normally use it.

In fact, I stayed with Rotella for the same reason. I'm not a fan of switching brands of oil in the same engine. Call me paranoid but I worry about the different additives getting along well with each other. Besides, life is much more simple when it is consistent.

Raca-roni · 02-10-2009, 06:41 PM

Nonno,
I've gone to Yankee Truck in Concord. Nice guys to do service work with. They are setup for all kinds of stuff.
I am actually from Milford, but drive up there for service.

BZam · 02-10-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nonno:
Just curious. What are the brands of choice for these.

I had my initial oil change done by Cummins Northeast on both the MH and Onan generator. Being a Cummins facility I was expecting Rotella for the engine and Onan for the generator. My mistake for not asking beforehand but I was surprised they used Valvoline for both. In fact, I was also surprised that they used 10W 30 instaed of 15W 40 for the generator.

I asked the Onan rep at FMCA what oil I should use when I service my generator and the said exactly the same as you use in your engine. So that made things simple!!

Raca-roni · 02-12-2009, 03:05 PM

Here is some info for you folks that do your own maintenance.

I was in a Auto Zone Parts Store today and noticed that they had a "Special Sale" on Valvoline Premium Blue 15w40 diesel oil. Buy 2 gallons, get one FREE !

Awesome!

Andy M · 02-16-2009, 05:56 PM

Rotella 15-40 in the engine, Rotella 15-40 in the genset. I also add ZDDP to the Rotella as well. This brings the zinc and phos levels back up to the same ppm (parts per million) prior to the reduction enforced by the EPA.

I would highly recommend the ZDDP additive when your doing oil changes. Kirban is the company that manufactures it and has also been know to sell it to the oil companys such as valvoline and many more. They use it to bring up the levels of zinc and phos in thier racing oils. The phos is a protectant that prevents metal to metal contact, the zinc is an anti corrosive agent.

Up to about one and a half years ago your average shelf oils had sufficiant enough zinc and phos, now they are pure garbage and little to no protection. This pertains to all shelf oils.

moisheh · 02-26-2009, 06:20 PM

I doubt that thgat using additives will do anything for A modern engine running a good oil such as Delo, Rotella or Valvoline. Why did the EPA remove those chemicals from current oils? Must be a reason. Do you have actual info that those chemicals were ever in diesel oils and are now prohibited? Have you asked an oil mfr. why they do not use those chemicals and have they added something else to replace them. Current CI and CJ diesel oils are very high tech and I would never add anything to them. When was the last time you heard of a MH engine failing due to either the brand or type of oil???

Andy M · 03-05-2009, 05:33 PM

Moisheh I would recommend that you read up and speak with oil companys yourself. You can doubt all you want. What I stated are simple facts. This is not new information that I have spoken, it's old news.

Current diesel oils are hi-tech? I think you ment to say they are better than shelf oils intended for gas engines.

I happen to know a litttle bit about engines and oils. This will be my 27th year of engine building.

I have no links to that company ZDDP what so ever.