oil change - when?

[CGresswell]

How often do you change your oil? I know what the manual says... ... . but how often do you change yours?

The dealer gave two vouchers (free oil change) and said that they represent a year's worth?

I just turned 3000 miles on my "new 04. 5".

Driving has been light with no pulling yet.



Dick Gresswell

 

[ndurbin]

I change mine every 3000.

 

[04 Diesel Power]

First time at 3,000. From then on 7,500.

 

[CGresswell]

As this is my first diesel... ..... I know that I'm asking "basic"questions... ... ... . but what kind of oil do you use? I was using Mobil One in my gas cars, but read that Syn oil should not be used until 10,000 miles. Is that right? I went to WalMart and they have a Shell diesel (5 - 30) and a Mobil diesel (15 - 40)... ... is either of these better than the other?

I could not find the filter, so have bought one from the Dodge dealer.

Your thoughtss.

Dick

 

[GerryDrake]

Filters and oil

While the filter at the Dodge dealer isn't terribly overpriced, it is overpriced. I stick with the Fleetguard filters (stratapore?) from either Cummins or from Geno's Garage. When you go to replace the fuel filter, if you go to the Dodge dealer, take a cosigner with you. Parts department will all have lunch on you on that one. Definitely Geno's or Cummins.



As for moving to synthetic oil for the engine, there are as many points of view as you can want. With 17K on mine, I haven't done it, but would have felt okay about it after 10 or 15K. Don't know about the oils you mention at Walmart, but I believe we are supposed to stick with 15w-40, so the Shell one makes me wonder. I use Dello 400, and find it on sale now and then for $6 a gallon. I used Rotella T on a prior ride, but it seems to smell a bit, so I haven't on the CTD.



As to how many miles... depending on how much/if you tow. I changed at 3800, then am trying for for about 7000 intervals, feeling comfortable to stretch that a bit if it doesn't involve much or any towing. According to the book, with the HO 7500 is the "B" interval, while 15000 is the "A" interval, but it would surprise me if more than one or two percent of the trucks qualify for the "A" interval.



Hope this helps. . Gerry

 

[CRSmith]

Every 5000 miles because it's easy to keep track of. Too lazy to keep log books. I use rotella, and a napa gold filter.

 

[rekabeka]

I've had 2 diesels, a 1997 and now a 2000. I change oil & filter every 3000 miles and fuel filter every other oil change. I have always used Shell Rotella 15W40. I buy my filters by the case from a farm implement dealer and I use only Fleetgard Stratapore filters and fleetgard fuel filters. As a new Amsoil dealer, I'm probably going to go all the way with synthetic on my next change but I will continue to use the fleetgard filters and I will continue to change the filter and add a quart every 3000 miles. Anything else, -- email address removed -- C YA.

 

[Tcolesanti]

Oil Change: Every 5,000 miles.

One Amsoil bypass filter, one Baldwin filter, and 3 gallons of Delo 400.

 

[SSage]

I follow the book's B section, every 7500 miles. Delvac 1300 and Fleet Guard filters. First change was just over 2200 miles.

 

[Tony T.]

Oil Change

Oil change every 5K with Delo 400 15w-40, Fleetguard Stratespore oil filter, 10K on fuel Fleetguard filter. My first oil change was at 5K.

 

[Ralph Wood]

Normally you don't need to drain the oil if you have a filter that actually cleans oil. Your oil needs to be clean continually plus you need enough new oil added to keep the additive package up to the right amount plus dilute the soot under 1/10 micron in size down to a safe level.

If you could find a filter that could remove all of the soot the oil would never get black. Oil can be very black and be well under one %. If you can rub that very black oil into the palm of the hand and it leaves a clean oily film the soot is low. If the skin turns black and can't easily be wiped off the soot is too high.



Ralph

 

[Byershome]

I have decided to hit it right down the middle. I changed it at 5000 for the first and second change but have gone every 10000 for oil, oil filter, fuel filter and air filter from there on. I am using Rotella 5w-30 Synthetic. If I was working the truck hard I would back off to 7500 or 5000 but I only use it occasionally to pull anything heavy.

 

[Heelin]

JHByers,



Look at that jug again... The Rotella Syn is 5-40 not 30... I use it too. I'm changing every 5000 miles (lots of towing) and use a Purolater filter every time and change the fuel filter every other time. Good luck with you new ride!

Y.

 

[KSommer]

these mileage numers are great, but i don't have that option right now, anyone have a hourmeter?

kent

 

[fishjack1]

KSommer - depending on the year model of your truck I "think" you can get the hours of operaton of your engine by doing some trick. Like hold the trip odo. reset switch while turning the key to the on position.



I may be wrong but I'm sure someone with a newer (24v) truck might know if this is correct.

 

[Byershome]

I know you can do it on 03' and up but I do not remember the trick off hand.

 

[KSommer]

mine's a '91 and the odo does not work, speedo either, for that matter.

kent

 

[CTD 600]

Hrs. Readout

I changed mine at 7800 for the first time along with the rear diff oil. I'm about to change mine and switch to ams oil synthetic at 15000.



** On edit ** You can view the hrs on the engine by turning the key to the ON position and holding the trip odometer button for about 4-6 seconds.

 

[Bellon]

I use Cummins Premium Blue today.



I change oil every 7,500 miles, although I changed the oil at 500 miles when I first picked up the truck.



I also use FleetGuard Filters (Oil and Fuel).



My next oil change will be 22,500 miles, and I plan on switching to the Cummins Premium Blue Extreme Synthetic.

 

[Mad Bomber]

when

Mine is done every 3k but then again the dealer sold me a contract for 250. 00 for a lifetime oil change BTW a month after I bought it they realized how much it really cost them and stopped selling them