6 Month Oil change??

[photowrite]

That is some story!

Sorry to say I'm not terribly surprised. Your example is one that emphasizes why I'm more concerned about running the best oil in my manual transmission, even if it doesn't meet the Ram spec, because I want it to last beyond the warranty period, when it might fail. Plus, I often make modifications to my rigs that void or jeopardize the warranty anyway, and with the kind of BS you noted, sometimes it doesn't seem worth it, warranty, 'free' service, etc. I prefer to stay far away from dealers and manufacturers whenever possible.

My wife's VW TDI, came with 'free maintenance' for the first few oil changes... No thanks, I'll do it myself as long as I'm able and care as much as I currently do.

 

[rynosback]

That is some story!

Sorry to say I'm not terribly surprised. Your example is one that emphasizes why I'm more concerned about running the best oil in my manual transmission, even if it doesn't meet the Ram spec, because I want it to last beyond the warranty period, when it might fail. Plus, I often make modifications to my rigs that void or jeopardize the warranty anyway, and with the kind of BS you noted, sometimes it doesn't seem worth it, warranty, 'free' service, etc. I prefer to stay far away from dealers and manufacturers whenever possible.

My wife's VW TDI, came with 'free maintenance' for the first few oil changes... No thanks, I'll do it myself as long as I'm able and care as much as I currently do.

If you are running the best oil you can get it should meet or exceed what is required by the manufacture.

 

[photowrite]

If you are running the best oil you can get it should meet or exceed what is required by the manufacture.

It's a bit more complicated than that when we are speaking about the G56 6-speed manual gearbox.

When it comes to the engine, agreed.

 

[rynosback]

It's a bit more complicated than that when we are speaking about the G56 6-speed manual gearbox.

When it comes to the engine, agreed.

I do not think so. As long as what you are putting in meets or exceeds what the manufacture specs it at. I'm sure they even give weight rating based on ambient temps also.

 

[photowrite]

I do not think so. As long as what you are putting in meets or exceeds what the manufacture specs it at. I'm sure they even give weight rating based on ambient temps also.

I do think so. As I said it's more complicated... Which manufacturer, Chrysler, the manufacturer of the truck? In the case of the G56 transmission, Chrysler specs ATF, many knowledgable people agree that something closer to the Mercedes spec, a 90 weight gear oil, is better. So not meeting the Chrysler spec in favor of meeting the Mercedes spec, which would not help with possible warranty issues, is not a simple solution for some.

No need to further derail this 'motor oil' change interval tread, there are plenty of G56 transmission discussions here as well.

 

[sluper]

I bought my truck in July, just received an email from thje dealer reminding me of the 6 month service reminder, 3200+ miles 78% oil life remaining of the 15-K. Nice from my perspective for the dealer, salesman, to remind me of the required service. I had already passed on the fact that I did not plan to drive back to OK. for the service.

 

[rynosback]

I think my millage is going to be like yours. Going to suck changing the oil every 3,000 miles when they say it can go 15,000. I wounder if you could just change the oil every 6 months and the filter every year?

 

[photowrite]

I think my millage is going to be like yours. Going to suck changing the oil every 3,000 miles when they say it can go 15,000. I wounder if you could just change the oil every 6 months and the filter every year?

That's sounds like a good idea if a guy is going to do six month oil changes despite traveling few miles.

 

[rynosback]

That's sounds like a good idea if a guy is going to do six month oil changes despite traveling few miles.

Sounds reasonable to me, but might not to Ram.

 

[photowrite]

Sounds reasonable to me, but might not to Ram.

Yes sir, agreed.

 

[rscurtis]

The oil can stay in my signature truck for up to two years. Two caveats- the truck is garaged when not in use, and when started, it's run for at least an hour, and usually more. I don't use it for local driving. That's what the old Mercedes is for. When I changed the rocker box "O" ring several years ago, the inside of the engine looked like it did the day it left the factory.

 

[RVTRKN]

I generally change the oil in my boat once a year, but it has gone longer, which I'm never worried about. The engine runs around 3500 to 4500 RPM's most of the time on the water with cruising around 4200. BTW its a 4.3LX with an Alpha One Mercruiser I/O

 

[rynosback]

I generally change the oil in my boat once a year, but it has gone longer, which I'm never worried about. The engine runs around 3500 to 4500 RPM's most of the time on the water with cruising around 4200. BTW its a 4.3LX with an Alpha One Mercruiser I/O

I changed my boat oil once a year also. 4.3L LX Fuel injected Volvo SX. I ran Mobil 1 15w50.

 

[RVTRKN]

I only run Mercruiser 25W40 motor oil, the engine runs so cool, I don't feel the need to use a synthetic, and it's hard for me to justify the use of synthetic oil. I hydrauliced the motor in 2002 and cracked the block when I tried to crank it over. I wasn't aware of the condition due to motor mysteriously shutting down. I learned two important lessons 1) Visually inspect your Exhaust Flappers before every boating season. 2) Any time your motor shuts down suddenly while underway, where the water backs up on the transom, pull the plugs before cranking it over.