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Engine Oil Grade for Cummins

Discussion in 'Engines' started by roger rey, Jun 11, 2022.

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  1. roger rey

    roger rey New Member

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    Hello Everyone. I'm trying to get information on the recommended engine oil brand and grade for my Cummins 6CTA 8.3 (2002, with 2,090 hrs). Also appreciate views on synthetic or other.
  2. spreda

    spreda New Member

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    I have the same engines and have used Rotella 15-40 for the last 1800 hrs without any issues.
  3. SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

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    As long as the specs are those Cummins recommends I would not worry about brand names. I always used straight SAE 40 in both past Cummins (different model) & Detroit's.
  4. mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    Grade can actually depend a bit also on your prevailing climate.
    Ref. synthetic vs. mineral, I'd use the former only if and when recommended by the manufacturer.
    Not sure about those Cummins, but for instance MAN prescribe synthetic for the CRM engines, but not for the older non-CRM.
  5. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    We serviced our customers with NAPA 15W40 in Florida.
    NAPA # 75121.
    One customer uses shell synthetic blend 15W40 on his 8.3 HOs.

    In Seattle, I would recommend not using a straight 40W oil.
    yr2030 and roger rey like this.
  6. roger rey

    roger rey New Member

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    Thx Capt Ralph! For learning, why not use straight 40?
  7. mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    Multigrade oil is much better for cold start, particularly in cold climates.
    roger rey likes this.
  8. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    When I repowered my boat with Cummins 6CTAs they came with Valvoline 15w40. I ve now switched to Rotella 15W40 because that’s what I ve been using for years in anything from generators to 3412s and C32s
  9. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    To thick on cold mornings. To thick for cold water.
    10W30 may be a recommendation for colder climes.

    There is also an API class rating on diesel engines. CH-4 is probably the minimum grade of oil required by Cummins.
    You can not use gas engine oil in a diesel (API S*) only API C*.

    Again, consult the MFG or the manual on this.

    Don't confuse other post regarding Detroit Diesel engines oil specs. They require CF-2 only and that only comes in straight weights (30, 40 & 50Ws).
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2022
  10. yr2030

    yr2030 Senior Member

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    Used Rotella T for twenty years. Now using NAPA 15W/40.
  11. CaboFly

    CaboFly Member

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    Common Rail Diesel in Seattle

    Mobil Delvac 5W40

    Attached Files:

  12. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Gold in the garage. I hope big dawgs are there guarding these..
    dawgs.jpg
  13. CaboFly

    CaboFly Member

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    Coastal Farm Supply had a few stores that decided to stop carrying Mobil 1 Delvac. My avg price per pail was under $75. I cleared both locations out. Told them if District Mgr decided to do any addtl stores call me direct. Happy to help.
  14. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I found the Mobil distributor in N/E FL years ago and have been doing business with them directly since for our MAN customers.
    If you have any kind of company credentials (Fed ID and tax number) or a friend with, I'd call your local Mobil distributor directly.

    My partner has luck shopping the internet. Hit & miss but shopping and stocking has save him big bux. Sometimes free shipping with a min order.
    Freaking cheaper than jobber cost sometimes.
  15. yr2030

    yr2030 Senior Member

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    Buy by the barrel
  16. Frank Morton

    Frank Morton New Member

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    Sorry to be so late replying. Best bet for marine engines is Texas Refinery Corp Moly XL Pro Spec 15/40. Free oil analysis included.