I'm up to oil change time and have just been thinking about this - - - thought it would be good to get others' opinions - - - what is the best motor oil? My '92 b2600i 4x4 is running good and isn't burning any oil. but does have a little lifter noise occasionally. I want to keep it running good - - - I don't mind a little extra expense; just want to use the bestproduct for it. Is synthetic oil better than "regular" oil? Is there a substantial difference in brands? I suppose it makes a difference what kind of driving is done - - - mine is used gently - - - commute to work five miles a day and normal kinds of errands and short trips - - - only a little freeway driving and no long road trips. Can anybody offer any insights into this mysterious subject? Thanks

Rolomac

 

I prefer Valvoline. I avoid Quaker State and Pennzoil.

 

Royal Purple is top of the line imo, you just have to try to justify the cost, I can.

 

Thanks sstlaure and Fastasfast - - - now I'm wondering - - - what is it that makes your choice the best? What characteristics make it your favorite oil? Are some oils better at upper cylinder lubrication or are they better at keeping things clean? A petroleum engineer once told me that oil on your dipstick should look dirty - - - that means it's doing its job of keeping contaminants in suspension. He also said that oil never actually wears out but just reaches a saturation point and can't pick up any more contamination.I'm still wondering about synthetic oils - - - are they better? Thanks for the discussion

Rolomac

 

I have read and been told the same things you just said, and I agree. There are those that will brag about there oil being clean, even after 3000 miles, my truck was that way until I switched to synthetic. I started using mobile one for a while and then I saw the commercial for Royal Purple on Horsepower TV, and that sold me. If you wants some real info on it check out the web site www.royalpurple.com ,all I have after that is just hearsay from guys I see using it. I now go 10k on my oil changes and expect to get well over 200k out of my truck.

 

Performed some testing awhile back comparing the oils ability to lubricate a bearing surface with a weight applied. Valvoline continually did the best.

 

I really appreciate the discussion - - - this is the kind of information I was looking for. I've been using Valvoline in both of my vehicles for some time and don't have any reason to be unhappy with it - - - just exploring options. I took a look at the Royal Purple website and it's interesting and I want to spend some more time with it. Now another question in my mind - - - how about oil filters? Is there any difference in them? If I should change to synthetic oil do I need a special filter? thanks for the help

Rolomac