Oil change interval question

[Kodiak]

I have been running Amsoil 15W-40 for two change cycles. The first time I changed it after 5000 miles with an extra filter change halfway through. I am considering extending the current change interval to 7500 miles. I do change the filter halfway through the interval.



The truck will sometimes sit "resting" for the better part of a week, but when it is driven, it goes at least 15 miles and climbs hills.



Are 7500 mile oil change intervals too much to ask of any oil without additional filtering systems?

 

[Sled Puller]

Absolutely not.

Over 10,000, samples are needed to keep the Amsoil warranty coverage.



Quality petro oil can run 7500, and many more as I have seen, but the oil companies DO NOT want you to do that, for obvious reasons.

Amsoil is the only company that recommends extended drains and warrantees them. Since 1972.



I would suggest the Amsoil SDF 80, or the Fleetgaurd Stratapore full flow filters.



Take a few samples, put your mind at rest!

Gene

 

[Oil Man]

MGM,

Just for your info. Lubrication Engineers also recommends and warrants extended oil drain intervals and they have been in business since 1951.



Kevin

 

[Extreme1]

I would go 600-7500 miles on petro based oil without a second thought. I haven't change my oil for almost 2 years!

 

[Sled Puller]

Kevin,

No kidding?

Good to know someone else out there is not hiding behind the 3000 mile changes sells lots of oil bit.



How many years have they been going with extended drains?



Gene

 

[Oil Man]

MGM,

My time with LE only spans 22 years but as I'm told they have been making long drain oils since the company was founded in 1951.



Kevin

 

[RHebert]

Yearly Oil change

I've got a 96 Dodge, I'm using Amsoil 15-40 Heavy Duty Syn. with an Amsoil Bypass and Fleetguard microglass filter. I change the fleetguard every 5K and the oil and all filters every June. I take oil samples every 6 months and every one comes back within specs. I could probably just change the filters and continue running the oil without any problems. I've got 96K on the engine now, and it seems to be getting better the more miles I put on it.

 

[Kodiak]

Thank you, gentlemen, for your responses. Your reassurances (and perhaps a sample or two as recommended by MGM!) make me comfortable stretching the changes to at least 7500 miles. This will definitely justify the cost of the Amsoil.



Thanks again.



Dennis

 

[Swamp Donkey]

I use either shell rotella or chevron delo 400 and change my oil every 10,000 km's. Done about 3 oil analysis and all come back excellent. 130,000 km on truck now.



Aprox 6200 mile interval. Never had to add any oil between changes, maybe goes down about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from full.



On a side note, just following my owners manual!

 

[Champane Flight]

Same same

I use Amzoil and have since 10000 mile mark. I am going 12000 miles between changes and 6000 between filters. All my samples have tested good(one per oil cycle). I am not running bypass system yet. I now have 76000 miles on it(bought new). The engine is spotless and the oil at 12000 miles is still clean. I change it because it has paid for itself and some at that point(four 3000 mile dino oil changes cost 144. 00+--Amzoil 70. 00... . )

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Rotella@5000 miles. some trailer towing. While your at it pull the drums and ajust rear brakes. Easy to remember,165,170,175000 etc.

 

[Bill Littlefield]

Oil Samples?

Where are you guys sending your oil samples to have them checked?

What does it cost?



Bill L.

 

[migraineman]

I use Amsoil 15w-40 heavy duty and haven't changed it since last October and 12,000 miles. I was just being lazy and not changing it. I usually change it at 6,000 miles and was starting to feel guilty. Not anymore after reading this thread. My wife drove an 88 Chevy Nova (Toyota Corolla) that had over 225,000 miles before she got tired of driving it and it was running fine with NO oil changes (honest). At over $50 for the Amsoil per oil change I figured it should be good enough to handle the miles. Even at that price, oil is still relatively inexpensive compared to any repairs. I'm gonna stick to 6,000 mile changes.

 

[Sled Puller]

Bill,

I use Oil Analyzers Inc. $14 for the kit, the testing, and postage.

Any Amsoil Dealer can get you a kit.



There are several good labs out there.



Gene

 

[amsoilman]

Kodiak,

Amsoil's recommendation for "Heavy Duty and Turbocharged Diesel Engines" for the 15W-40(AME)oil is:"up to 2 times OR longer with Oil Analysis or 6 Months.

Personaly, I utilize the Amsoil By-pass system with oil analysis done every 10,000 miles. The oil in my truck has been changed one time in 133,000 miles, and that was done because I changed from the 15W-40 oil to the 5W-30 oil. I recently removed the valve covers to perform valve adjustments, and found the valve train and inside valve covers to be extremely clean!

 

[DBR]

I change every 5000, and use Delo and Fleetguard on both trucks. Why did I choose 5000 miles, because it is easier for me to add in increments 5's instead of 3's.

 

[Kodiak]

amsoilman

My truck is driven hard when it's out, but that is only 2-3 days a week. The current Amsoil 15-40 has been in for 6500 miles--BUT, 8 months. It seldom does short trips, and I change the full-flow filter at @3500 miles. Is the time-in-service too long under these circumstances?



Thanks.

 

[amsoilman]

Kodiak,

If it were my truck, I wouldn't sweat it! But if you want too,you could get an oil analysis to set your mind at ease. I have seen them go much longer in terms of time, but with fewer miles. I think Amsoil Inc. just wants to keep their bases covered and with the oil analysis, they can keep their warranty covered.



Wayne

 

[Kodiak]

Thanks, all! I will now crank out some more miles before I change the oil. Just these added miles up to 7500 makes the Amsoil investment look so much better. On top of that, I have burned almost no oil in the ensuing 6500 miles, fuel mileage is up about 1 mpg, and the oil still looks clean! All-in-all, a good move.



Thanks for putting my mind at ease of the change intervals.