Down 2 Quarts in 4000 miles (ETH)

[RobG]

I changed my oil yesterday, for the second time since I got the truck last October. I'm a tad under 8000 miles, and the last change was at 4000.

After emptying the contents of my drain pan into gallon jugs, I noticed that it only filled two jugs (including what came out of the oil filter). I know I put 10-11 quarts into it last time, so that means it's down about two quarts.

Does that sound normal for the first 8000 miles?

Also, I noticed some oil residue on the bottom of the transmission immediately behind the oil pan. I'm wondering if I have one of those leaking oil pans. I wiped it off, and will look again in a week or so to see if it's returned.

So far, fuel mileage remains the same... low 14's unloaded, even with the addition of the DD3's.

Rob


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2001. 5 RAM 3500 QC 4x4 ETH/DEE Silver/Agate, 4. 10, USGear OD, Rickson 19. 5 Wheels, DD EZ, DD3 Injectors, SPA Guages, Psychotty, Firestone Airbags, Hellwig Rear Swaybar, Torklift Superhitch & Camper Tiedowns, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover, DD 4" Exhaust, US Gear Exhaust Brake, etc. On order: Southbend Clutch, HX-40

 

[Guest00]

Do you tow a lot ???

Have you broken it in pulling a heavy load ??? this will seat the ring rather quickly.

Check the dipstick before you change oil as this will tell, I assume that you do regularly check the oil and know if and under what driving conditions it uses oil.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

RobG, even if you empty your filter there is probably 1/3 to 1/2 a quart of oil that doesn't come out of the filter. I wouldn't worry about 1. 5 quarts of oil in 4000 miles.

My truck did an odd thing at ate 2 quarts of oil in a short distance, like 2000 miles, but then used about 1/2 quart the next 6000 miles. This occurred between 20,000 and 30,000 miles. Go figure.

Vaughn

 

[Alan Reagan]

Mine seems to always do the same thing when I change the oil. I fill up two gallons jugs and part of the third. One thing is, I really fill up the jugs. Some has to be hiding in the engine somewhere. I always check the stick before I change and it is hasn't been off full but once. That time I had been pulling and had a good bit in the blow by bottle. After that the blow by has maybe 1/4 inch at most when I change oil. Just keep an eye on the stick level. As far as the residue on the transmission, I get some of that, too. I've been keeping an eye on it. I don't know if it's clutch dust mixed with road grime or what the stuff is. I know it's tough to clean off.



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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, SPA EGT/Boost Gauges, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights, Molded Running Boards

 

[RobG]

I always change my oil cold, since I'd read that running the truck beforehand can leave up to two quarts in the injection pump...

Lesse... I figure about 15-20% of the miles on the truck have been towing, and you'd think that the motor would be broken in by now. I HOPE it isn't, though, since my mileage still sucks (low 14's unloaded).

If I have left a quart behind in the motor and/or filter, then one quart in 4000 miles isn't a problem.

Thanks!

Rob

 

[24V-DSL]

#ad


I always change my oil cold, since I'd read that running the truck beforehand can leave up to two quarts in the injection pump...

Uhhh... . this is my first diesel, and I'm ready for my first oil change. With my gassers I've always drained the oil hot.

What's the deal... . cold or hot???

thanks...

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White 2001. 5 2500 ST, SWB, 4X4,QC, AUTO, 4. 10's, LSD, 285/75/16 On Weld Outbacks, PIAA 510's, Line-x, Tinted glass, Redline 85+, Blow-by-bye, RE-0880 & 25-0880,muffler fell off,level truck with 2" tuff country kit, Bilsteins at the corners, Di Pricol egt and boost, Mag-hytec "original flavor" transmission pan and Dana 70 diff. cover, Westin Step Bars, Custom Plate 24V-DSL

 

[24V-DSL]

Big-D (Dave), and illflem... .


Thanks very much for the clairification and extra hints.

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White 2001. 5 2500 ST, SWB, 4X4,QC, AUTO, 4. 10's, LSD, 285/75/16 On Weld Outbacks, PIAA 510's, Line-x, Tinted glass, Redline 85+, Blow-by-bye, RE-0880 & 25-0880,muffler fell off,level truck with 2" tuff country kit, Bilsteins at the corners, Di Pricol egt and boost, Mag-hytec "original flavor" transmission pan and Dana 70 diff. cover, Westin Step Bars, Custom Plate 24V-DSL

 

[Deezal Man]

With the exception of the filter tip, my procedure is exactly like Big D's.

As a test, when most would be putting the plug back in... removed the drain pan and place a clean container underneath overnight. You'd be surprised what drips out throughout the night.

Sorta inconvenient though. But I'm fortunate enough to have 2 vehicles.

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98. 5' Emerald Green 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), AMSOIL air filter.

 

[Big-D]

24V-DSL,

Here is how I change mine and seems to work well for me anyway.

After driving the truck into the shop I place the oil drain pan underneath the engine and remove the plug. The next morning I remove the oil filter and here is the nice part. As the oil drains overnight (engine is at running temperature when driven in) a portion of the oil in the filter also drains back. This allows removal without spillage for the filter is no longer full. Some guys use a large size plastic baggie to rap around the filter before removal for added protection in not spilling any oil as the filter is turned on an angle for removal. No I do not remove any air intake or other lines.

Replace the filter by filling with oil before putting it back on. Put the drain plug back in and fill the crankcase. I always grease my truck at the same time which provides an opportunity to inspect things.

One word of caution if you change oil this way! Place a sign (of sorts) on the steering wheel saying NO OIL. If an emergency should arise during the night, have another vehicle available.

Hope this helps. Dave

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by RobG:
I always change my oil cold, since I'd read that running the truck beforehand can leave up to two quarts in the injection pump...

Rob the oil in left in the injection pump applies to the 12 valves, not the 24s, you are better off to drain your oil warm.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

So far, I have been keeping good tabs on the volume of oil I get out of the truck when I change it. I change it every 10K miles, and it has never been down more than a half quart. Blowby is virtually non-existant. I have 41K on the truck now, and it keeps getting smoother every day. Mileage is great at 22 mpg, 70/30 hwy/city. Typically, it takes me about 3,500 miles to start to turn the oil black. It is still golden at the 3,500 mile mark, then starts to get a dark tint to it from then on. It is never a deep, dark black when I change it, and does not smell of any fuel dillution.

Two quarts in 4K is odd... Keep an eye on it, and also check the blowby. #ad