Oil change required after 1200 miles??

[dodger22]

I have approx 63K on the truck and the overhead message center shows an oil change is due. This is after approx. 1200 miles since the previous one. That one occurred at approx. 1200 miles too and I put it down to the fact the garage did not reset the computer. I reset the computer the last time and it was good for a week or so and then starts giving me the warning again. The oil is really dirty looking and I am thinking that perhaps it is due to nearing the time to change the CCV filter and clean the EGR valve and cooler etc.



Could there be some other explanation for this?



Thanks,



Richard

 

[FPettijohn]

The oil was really dirty 30 minutes after you changed it because of the egr/dpf. My truck makes approx. 1 qt of diluted fuel in the oil in 5k miles but oil analysis has shown no harmful consequences other than the fuel in the oil. I just reset the indicator and change at 5k.

Fred

 

[HBarlow]

I have approx 63K on the truck and the overhead message center shows an oil change is due. This is after approx. 1200 miles since the previous one. That one occurred at approx. 1200 miles too and I put it down to the fact the garage did not reset the computer. I reset the computer the last time and it was good for a week or so and then starts giving me the warning again. The oil is really dirty looking and I am thinking that perhaps it is due to nearing the time to change the CCV filter and clean the EGR valve and cooler etc.

Could there be some other explanation for this?

Thanks,

Richard

What is your truck's duty cycle?

Is it only low speed short trip commuter/grocery getter service?

If not, a visit to your dealer might not be a bad idea.

Pettijohn's idea is not a bad one.

I change mine at 10k intervals but it is a cab and chassis with different tune and emissions crap.

 

[dodger22]

HBarlow, the duty cycle for the first event was pretty much all interstate hauling an 10,000lb trailer from Oklahoma to Ontario. The second event was about 50/50 short hauls (grocery getter) and hauling the trailer.



Richard

 

[dlmetzger]

Do you have the latest ECM software update. If it is more than 2 years since the last update, I'd take it to Dodge and have them load the latest. I think they will still do this for free (not sure since it's out of warranty).

 

[AH64ID]

I agree on the most recent software.

The ECM uses an algorithm to determine fuel dilution in the oil and sets the oil change reminder at a predetermined level. If you have no way to dispute the ECM's logic I would change the oil.

 

[CKelley1]

do the deletes and get a smarty jr. your truck and pocketbook will like you.

 

[HBarlow]

HBarlow, the duty cycle for the first event was pretty much all interstate hauling an 10,000lb trailer from Oklahoma to Ontario. The second event was about 50/50 short hauls (grocery getter) and hauling the trailer.

Richard

If that's the case something is wrong. If it was mine I would find a Dodge dealer with a genuine Cummins trained mechanic who can truly see the big picture and do a thorough analysis and diagnosis.

Something is causing excessive fueling which is diluting crankcase oil or the ECM thinks it is. I don't know which and can't advise you.

Sag2, a TDR member who is either a Dodge dealer tech or a corporate service rep for Ram and very knowledgeable once posted that there are four levels of Cummins training and certification. The really good techs are Level 4 trained and certified. They are rare.

There are also some older, experienced, self-trained mechanics (not parts changers) around who have learned through experience but never did the certification.

Your problem may be serious and will greatly increase operating costs and reduce service life if not corrected.

 

[Bob4x4]

Do you have the latest ECM software update. If it is more than 2 years since the last update, I'd take it to Dodge and have them load the latest. I think they will still do this for free (not sure since it's out of warranty).

Flashes are covered under the warranty period... ..... beyond the 3/36 for the ecm.

The service advisor can check your coverage relatively easy.

 

[HBarlow]

I wasn't sure about flash updates and who would pay.

Bob is a dealer tech and knows. I would start by taking your truck to a dealer and ask to have the latest software updates loaded.

Then change the oil and filter, reset the counter, and drive it to see if the oil change service light comes on early again.

 

[dodger22]

Thank you guys for all your replies and suggestions. I did have the flashes checked end of June due to another problem and they were current!



FYI we were driving down to OKC on I70 when the truck lost power. Long story short was that, according to the Dodge tech, there was too much oil in the crankcase which had some effect on the dpf/pollution control crap! He reset the codes and drained some of the oil out and it has not happened since. I do keep an eye on the oil level now. The last oil change done at the dealership, I checked the level after the truck had sat for 2 days and it was a quart over the filled mark so I drained some out.



Seems the major issue is not fuel dilution so much as improper draining of the old oil. The fill cap should be removed prior to draining and let the oil drain for 1/2 hour. Basically this means if you want the job done right, do it yourself!



Thanks again,



Richard

 

[AH64ID]

Fuel dilution adds to the oil, be sure to keep checking it to make sure it was overfilled and not making oil.

The service manual does state to let the 6. 7 drain for 30 minutes when changing the oil. But not draining all the oil shouldn't have an effect on overfilling if you use the dipstick. Just draining and adding 12 qts (thou many do it) is careless.

 

[tempforce]

i was having short oil changes and high oil levels, until i started my own oil change service. i haven't had a high level or short interval since. . the dealerships don't let the engine drain long enough, so when they add the required amount of oil. the engine ends up over full.

 

[HBarlow]

i was having short oil changes and high oil levels until i started my own oil change service. haven't had a high level or short interval since. . the dealerships lon't let the engine drain long enough, so when they add the required amount of oil. the engine ends up over full.

That's interesting. I wonder if this is a widespread occurrence?

Expecting a dealership tech who is being paid a small amount per each oil change he completes to wait 1/2 hour or longer for a full drain is not compatible with his needs.

 

[AH64ID]

i was having short oil changes and high oil levels, until i started my own oil change service. i haven't had a high level or short interval since. . the dealerships don't let the engine drain long enough, so when they add the required amount of oil. the engine ends up over full.

Just goes to show that doing it yourself is the way to go.



It does still amaze me how many people/dealerships beleive that crankcase capacity is the amount needed to add at an oil change. It's simply that crankcase capacity, not oil change amount. There is always some oil left in the pan/cooler/block and just blindly adding 12qts will almost always yield an overfull condition. . which just as amazing is the response "the dipstick must be wrong". .

 

[Bob4x4]

That's interesting. I wonder if this is a widespread occurrence?



Expecting a dealership tech who is being paid a small amount per each oil change he completes to wait 1/2 hour or longer for a full drain is not compatible with his needs.

Good point Harvey,our oil changer is paid about $3. 00 for a diesel oil change

 

[macdaddy]

i was having short oil changes and high oil levels, until i started my own oil change service. i haven't had a high level or short interval since. . the dealerships don't let the engine drain long enough, so when they add the required amount of oil. the engine ends up over full.

This is what my son and I do. He has a 08 and has never had a CEL. Let it drain overnight, but loosen the filter while it's still hot.



Also when drawing a reference point to checking for fuel dilution (making oil). Change the oil and filter, drive it getting it up to full operating temperature. and let it sit overnight in a location where it will be all the time when checking the oil level.



Now check the level in the crankcase after it has sat all night and mark the dipstick. From that point on every time you check the oil level it will always be under the same conditions giving you a accurate indication of any fuel dilution.



Mac

 

[dodger22]

Thanks for your suggestion macdaddy. I changed the oil and filter this morning and reset the ecm so no chime each time I turn on the key. I'll be keeping a close eye on this.



Richard

 

[HBarlow]

Good point Harvey,our oil changer is paid about $3. 00 for a diesel oil change

Wow. We can't blame the man for rushing to get the next one on his rack. It takes a lot of $3 oil changes for your oil change tech to earn a day's pay.

 

[macdaddy]

Thanks for your suggestion macdaddy. I changed the oil and filter this morning and reset the ecm so no chime each time I turn on the key. I'll be keeping a close eye on this.



Richard

You will find this works very well. And it will also let you breath a sigh of relief. I'm sure you truck is fine.



Mac