Oil Consumption in 5.9 between oil changes

[Bisinger]

I have a 2005 with 80k and I have noticed that the oil consumption is getting greater between oil changes of 3500 mile intervals. After filling with 12 quarts the level shows on the dipstick over the top hashmark and at the oil change the level shows right at the lower hashmark. I am guessing this to be at least 1 1/2 to 2 quarts. Also I have noticed the coolant level in the overflow resevoir is at the low level and I always kept it at the high level.

Is this normal? Since I'm getting closer to the 100k warrantee I wondered if this should be addressed. My truck runs flawlessly and I plan on keeping it in tip top shape for 15 more years which will probably be about 275K.

Thank you in advance for any input. Robert

 

[Mark31]

I know the big technical guys will jump in shortly. Have you been under the truck? Any weeps/seeps? How 'bout that little coolant hose behind the turbo? Have you done an oil analysis? Is the reason you are changing your oil so often is because you are a real short tripper? (I know some people that would love to have your old oil for their machines. What kind??) How long has it been since you had enough load to make that Cummins grunt and groan for a couple of hours? No answers---just questions. . Mark

 

[AH64ID]

Are you checking the oil at the same temp? Do you idle the engine for a while and let if fully drain at the first check?

I have 74K miles on my 05, and don't use any oil on my last 10K mile OCI, even with about 40% towing.

Check for any leaks, and check the blow-by tube.

 

[Bisinger]

I know the big technical guys will jump in shortly. Have you been under the truck? Any weeps/seeps? How 'bout that little coolant hose behind the turbo? Have you done an oil analysis? Is the reason you are changing your oil so often is because you are a real short tripper? (I know some people that would love to have your old oil for their machines. What kind??) How long has it been since you had enough load to make that Cummins grunt and groan for a couple of hours? No answers---just questions. . Mark

Mark, No weeps or seeps. I'm under the truck and check it thoroughly every oil change. I use Valvoline 15/40 premium blue and change it every 3500 because I figured more often is better and want my engine to last. I really don't have the engine running under extreme loads. Just occasional towing of a horse trailer and quad trailer. I have not checked the coolant hose behind the turbo and will do so. No analysis done on the oil. I always check the oil at running temp.

 

[TomBrady]

111,000 on my truck, always loaded and 30% towing 15,000lbs. Just changed my oil at 7000 mi. , and no oil consumption between changes.

 

[Bob4x4]

Anybody that does not see the dipstick drop some in 10 k is not being honest. If that were true the valve guides would eat themselves as would the cylinder walls.

 

[Wingate]

I really dont look at it between oil changes... Every engine uses some oil... as long as its still on the dipstick when I get ready to change it, i consider it good. .

 

[rbattelle]

I am guessing this to be at least 1 1/2 to 2 quarts.

The hatched "safe" zone on the dipstick is 2 quarts. So movement from the top to the bottom in 3500 miles is 2 quarts consumption.



AH64 could be onto something about checking it in a consistent way. I've found the level on the dipstick can vary significantly depending on how long it's been since you ran the engine.



To get an accurate reading, I always let mine sit overnight. It takes a long time for all the oil to drain back to the pan after shutdown.



For instance, during a fuel stop, I've learned that during the 10 minutes or so between shutdown and checking the dipstick, the oil level only makes it halfway up the hatched area (1 quart low). But if I let the engine sit overnight (or at least a few hours), it reads exactly full.



If the level really is dropping 2 quarts in 3500 miles, wouldn't we expect the exhaust to have a consistent blue haze to it?



As for the coolant - it does evaporate from the overflow bottle over time.



-Ryan

 

[FourBarR]

Truck now has 571,000kms ,oil and filter changed at 10,000kms (6000k) Shows no oil usage between changes. Shell 15/40 for 400,000kms and walmart 15/40 since. Always fleetguard filters. People who have looked at this truck are amazed at well it runs. Engine has never had a start ,or driveability problem . Still has original vp-44 and injectors. Only things replaced are ,alternator ,starter and apps. all were still working when removed .

 

[rscurtis]

If the level really is dropping 2 quarts in 3500 miles, wouldn't we expect the exhaust to have a consistent blue haze to it?



You won't begin to see smoke until you're using 2-3 quarts with a tank of fuel.

 

[HBarlow]

OP, what brand of filters are you using? Oil filter and air filter?

The quickest and surest way to create a Cummins engine with high oil consumption is to replace the OEM air filter element with aftermarket junk that filters like a window screen.

 

[KLauber]

Harvey is right, but do an oil analysis and see what level of wear metals is present. Or not.

 

[Bisinger]

I am using Fleetgaurd filters and have the factory air box with not mods to the engine at all. I will have an oil analysis and pay extra attention to when I check the oil per Ryan's post.

If I truly am having a problem does anyone have any feedback on Cummins warrantees regarding this issue?

 

[HBarlow]

"Factory air box"? What about the air filter?

Warranty? What warranty? Your truck is seven model years old and approaching seven years of age depending on what month it was actually placed in service.

 

[steved]

"Factory air box"? What about the air filter?



Warranty? What warranty? Your truck is seven model years old and approaching seven years of age depending on what month it was actually placed in service.

Mine came with a 10yr/100k engine warranty? The 7/70 was everything else...

 

[mwilson]

Doesn't matter if under warranty or not,



Cummins and I assume Dodge will not even consider a teardown until you are using more than a quart in 400 miles.



See my screen shot... ... this is the guideline, Period!

 

[HBarlow]

I've never heard of Dodge offering a 10 year engine warranty. Perhaps it was some extended warranty you paid for.

 

[Bisinger]

Well stupid me..... I thought Cummins warrantee was 100k with no time table (above and beyond the Dodge 7/70K) but I guess it would not matter anyway according to the oil usage table as posted above.

 

[Turbo_Bob]

Truck now has 571,000kms ,oil and filter changed at 10,000kms (6000k) Shows no oil usage between changes. Shell 15/40 for 400,000kms and walmart 15/40 since. Always fleetguard filters. People who have looked at this truck are amazed at well it runs. Engine has never had a start ,or driveability problem . Still has original vp-44 and injectors. Only things replaced are ,alternator ,starter and apps. all were still working when removed .

I change my oil every 7,500 miles, I notice no measurable drop between the changes, I have 190K on engine. I use Fleetguard oil and fuel filters, 15-40 diesel oil, what ever is the best deal, and I supplement one red bottle of STP oil treatment in each oil change, ZDDP.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Well stupid me..... I thought Cummins warrantee was 100k with no time table (above and beyond the Dodge 7/70K) but I guess it would not matter anyway according to the oil usage table as posted above.

I wish that was the case. I'd still be under warranty too.