Going beyond 6 months

[Newsa]

Have never done an oil analysis on any vehicle I have ever owned, don't intend to. Would rather just spend that $20-30 as you say on a oil change.

It may have been explained, but I have wondered what an oil analysis does for someone. I get the feeling at times, its the one that needs to stretch that expensive Amsoil out as long as possible.

I don't do oil analysis. But there might be value in doing it if it helps diagnose an issue.

 

[gsbrockman]

It may have been explained, but I have wondered what an oil analysis does for someone.

I do it to satisfy curiosity, but I also get an extended kick out of disproving all of the 3,000 to 5,000 mile OCI naysayers :-laf

 

[jgillott]

I don't do oil analysis. But there might be value in doing it if it helps diagnose an issue.

That is exactly why I sample. Start when the vehicle is new or new to you for a baseline and then you can monitor for any potential issues. Normally I sample every other change on my trucks.

 

[762vram2043]

I appreciate dialogue like this, hadn't considered doing oil analysis. Haven't changed my own oil for years, how do you get your oil samples if you are like me? Have 17,000 on vehicle. Thanks

 

[Cummins2014]

I appreciate dialogue like this, hadn't considered doing oil analysis. Haven't changed my own oil for years, how do you get your oil samples if you are like me? Have 17,000 on vehicle. Thanks

I believe if you get ahold of Blackstone Labs, they will send you sample bottles to send them.

 

[SnoKing]

I appreciate dialogue like this, hadn't considered doing oil analysis. Haven't changed my own oil for years, how do you get your oil samples if you are like me? Have 17,000 on vehicle. Thanks

Not doing your own oil changes might complicate doing oil analysis. The Sample is suppose to be caught at half oil drain point. I tried to get a sample with tube down dip stick hole and could not get the plastic tube to the pan. SnoKing

 

[762vram2043]

Not doing your own oil changes might complicate doing oil analysis. The Sample is suppose to be caught at half oil drain point. I tried to get a sample with tube down dip stick hole and could not get the plastic tube to the pan. SnoKing

Thanks for replies. I wondered if a small tube could be threaded down the dipstick hole, guess this won't work. Don't get into the dealership often enough to develop relationship with mechanics there, build confidence that they would get a good sample when oil is changed. Have not followed 6 month OC guidance so far but wondering if that would be wise. But having exceeded it already warranty may be out the window already and need focus at this point on what's best for the engine. Primary use is towing the RV but run it every week or so the rest of the time, drive it a good 30 miles or so at highway speed to get everything up to temperature and cook off any condensation. Should I consider anything else?

 

[JR]

My OPINION only, your not hurting anything by doing what your doing, the key is your regularly getting the engine hot for a period of time. I personally think the 6 month requirement is overly conservative, I can snap several pictures of suggested maintenance intervals of 6.7 And 8.3 CTD in construction/Ag application, they are all 500 hours/annually. Keep in mind they recommend fleet spec oils at these intervals, Conoco Fleet, Mobil 1300, Shell T3, etc. Synthetic not required unless below 0F.

Just to clarify, I did not do an oil analysis just to see if I could extend my intervals based on time alone, I already knew with confidence from my experiences of other equipment that 6 months is overly conservative for these engines. I do an annual analysis regardless.


RE pulling samples from the dipstick tube. This is actually the preferred method over obtaining a sample mid stream during draining, less chance of accumulating contaminates, but it is difficult. I've done it before on my 98 but now just take the sample mid stream while draining.

 

[762vram2043]

SnoKing, wondering what size tube you tried to poke down the dipstick tube. I see tygon tubing is available down to 1/8" OD and under. Wondering if tube with OD small enough to fit and reach the sump would have large enough ID to extract sample and sufficient wall thickness to prevent tube collapsing due to vacuum. Could use hand vacuum pump such as used for bleeding brakes to keep flow rate down and maybe prevent tube from collapsing. Has anyone tried this approach?

Not doing your own oil changes might complicate doing oil analysis. The Sample is suppose to be caught at half oil drain point. I tried to get a sample with tube down dip stick hole and could not get the plastic tube to the pan. SnoKing

 

[6V92TA]

one thing for sure, some of the newest diesel engines on the market ( like the DD5) are advertising 35 to 50 thousand mile oil change intervals.

 

[bob53magnum]

I change the filter at 7500 and sample the oil. I change the oil and filter at 15000. Samples are all good since I got rid of the DPF.

 

[JR]

I change the filter at 7500 and sample the oil. I change the oil and filter at 15000. Samples are all good since I got rid of the DPF.

What tuner did you go with?

I'm looking hard at MM3 (Smarty based) tuner through Double R Diesel

 

[bob53magnum]

It is app $100 for 12 qts of Amsoil and 15 dollars for a filter. The 27 dollars for oil analysis is well worth it to me.

 

[Cummins12V98]

" I get the feeling at times, its the one that needs to stretch that expensive Amsoil out as long as possible."

I'm not stretching anything. My trucks computer says to change at 15K based on my driving. I could stretch it as my last sample said I could go 17K but did not advise until warranty was up.

 

[6V92TA]

one thing foir sure John Martin covered the whole subject of drain intervals etc well 4 years ago in the TBD. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/issues/IO81_TechTopics.pdf

 

[Cummins2014]

" I get the feeling at times, its the one that needs to stretch that expensive Amsoil out as long as possible."

I'm not stretching anything. My trucks computer says to change at 15K based on my driving. I could stretch it as my last sample said I could go 17K but did not advise until warranty was up.

I keep waiting for a LEGITIMATE reason why you run Amsoil, and then change at the same intervals as one that runs conventional. I think you were waiting for where it said you couldn't run Amsoil , hopefully you got your answer. I am still waiting for mine from you. .

 

[bob53magnum]

I bought a Smarty based tuner from Canada Diesel. It was labeled "Made in Austria, Middle East Version". I also eliminated the EGR with a Sinister Diesel package.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I keep waiting for a LEGITIMATE reason why you run Amsoil, and then change at the same intervals as one that runs conventional. I think you were waiting for where it said you couldn't run Amsoil , hopefully you got your answer. I am still waiting for mine from you. .

I have explained it several times, sorry you missed.

 

[bob53magnum]

I know people that sample at 7500 and change at 30000, or whenever the analysis says to change it.

 

[Cummins2014]

I have explained it several times, sorry you missed.

I sure did miss the several times on THIS thread., post #18 on THIS thread I quote : Personally I like having all the numbers , is that your explanation, and something on another post on THIS thread about being able to go 17K.

Let me rephrase ,what do YOU think the benefits are to YOUR 6.7 Cummins motor running Amsoil ,that are superior to Rotella , Delo, etc etc .