04.5 Oil usage

[JohnnyH]

I just completed an Oil/Filter change. The truck has 12500 miles and the oil had 5000 on it. It appears that only about 11 quarts came out when I put 12 in a few months ago. I drained the filter as best I could, but is it possible the media holds some back. Or am I burning oil. This is the 3rd oil change since I've had the truck. I've been using RotellaT and Fleetguard filters from genos.



Thanks

John

 

[jwilliams3]

Don't worry.

That engine has alot of places to hide that oil.

 

[GerryDrake]

# of quarts

I would suggest movement of the level on the dipstick between oil changes would be the best indicator of oil usage.



What I do is:

Check the dipstick prior to the oil change, drain what will come out. Change the filter (I prefill it) add a total of 11 quarts, run the engine for 3 or 4 minutes, let it sit for 5 or so, check the dipstick level, and add what portion of the 12th quart it takes to bring the dipstick to full. Usually the whole quart.



If you are measuring the quantity of old oil, remember that the original containers weren't 'plumb full' and it is pretty hard to fill them to exactly the same. Also, there is likely some residue in your drain pan that you won't be counting.



I would rely more on dipstick levels.

 

[swexlin]

John, I would think 1 qt in 5000 miles is acceptable, anyhow. My PSD used to use about 1 qt in 3000. To tell the truth, I haven't really monitored my oil usage in this engine. Only had 1 change so far, at 5000 miles. Have 7500 on her now; she'll be due in January or so. I'll see then.



Scott

 

[Yo Hoot]

I just did my second oil change today at 14,400 miles.



I think i got 11. 5 quarts out of it. For all intents an purposes, no oil usage whatsoever. Not adding any oil between changes.



Using the oil filter wrench that grabs the flats on the bottom of the filter I got it out without a drop of oil spilled. I'm amazed how easy an oil change is in this truck. Ten minutes. No spills.



I also noticed looking in the oil fill I could see an injector, Nice. Easy to get to if I ever feel like playing. My old Dmax would have been a nightmare.

 

[roperteacher]

Mine never uses a drop of oil inbetween changes, then again, I only go 3,000 between them. Since I have free Oil changes from the dealer to 100,000 I figre what the heck, can't hurt. I have noticed that my oil is sooooooo much cleaner now at the time of change as well. My truck used to get black oil within the first 1,000 miles or so. I guess it just got broken in!

 

[JohnnyH]

I think I might be using a little oil. I do notice that after 3000 miles, the level on the dipstick drops ever so slightly. It never gets close to the add mark, but does drop off full a bit. I've done about 1300 miles of towing the 5er, so I should be broken in by 12500 miles. I'll have to keep an eye on it over the next few changes.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[jelag]

My 04 now has about 90K, most pulling a large trailer... . A local lube center does the changes for me... . However when we raise the hood... we always look at the oil level and its within 1/4 of where it was when we closed the hood 6 or 7K miles before. I've looked at the oil level each time their done and each time they start... and watch as they check the boxes... .



Just my thoughts...



Jim