Oil Changes for 03

[davidclark]

I hit 3800 miles and was wondering if I should do the A or B schedule for oil changes. So far I drive to and from work 17 miles each way on hilly roads. I tow a 3500 pound boat every weekend up to a couple hundred miles. 2000 miles were a road trip to AZ. Should I change the oil now or at 7500 miles? Thanks!

 

[Dean Upson]

7500 miles is the B schedule unless you have a "California" truck.

15000 miles on the A schedule (no one meets the criteria for that!)



Dean

 

[Steve G]

I'm going to change my oil in new one just like the old one. Oil and fuel filter every 5000.



Steve

 

[Steve M]

Did I read that right? 7500 miles on an oil change for severe service and 15000 miles for light service? I take delivery of mine tomorrow. I can almost see the oil filter! This should be interesting...

 

[MattSt]

Originally posted by Steve M

Did I read that right? 7500 miles on an oil change for severe service and 15000 miles for light service? I take delivery of mine tomorrow. I can almost see the oil filter! This should be interesting...

Trust me, when you find out how much $$ an oil change in a CTD beast costs you will be glad they don't have a gasoline 3000 mile

change interval!



I'm looking at the book right now and this is what it says:



miles listed: 7,500 - 15,000 - 18,750 - 22,5000 (yes my book says 22,5000!!! LOL) you get the idea.



Schedule "B" defined as:



- day or night temp below 32 degrees

- stop and go driving

- Extensive idling

- dusty conditions

- short trips (under 10 miles)

- more than 50% of driving is at high speeds during hot weather (90 degrees)

- trailer towing

- taxi, police, pizza guy (well it says delivery service but I'm hungry for pizza!)

- off-road or desert operations



I'm guessing most of us will follow this plan.

Schedule "A" Is defined as: Vehicles that are not operated under any of the conditions listed under schedule "B"



The note says "Most vehicles are operated under conditions for schedule "B".



Schedule A listed intervals: -15,000 - 30,000 - 45,000

 

[davidclark]

My book is different!

I looked at my service schedule book again this AM and it says it's a 2003 and lists Sched A as 7500 miles, sched B as 3750 for oil change intervals. What's up with that? And it's for a CTD...

 

[Dean Upson]

David,



That is for the California model. I don't have my manual right here but I think there are diamonds and crosses to show the difference. You have to look a bit closely



Dean

 

[davidclark]

Originally posted by Dean Upson

That is for the California model.

Ahhh those diamonds and numbers had me confused but now I get it, I think...

 

[dnitzel]

Oil change cost differences

I calculated the cost differences between the my 2nd gen and my expected 3rd gen. I change my own oil as I trust myself better over the lowest paid tech at the dealer and some kid at the Wiz Bang Quick lube joint. However if "they" do screw up, it's their cost. If I screw up, it's bankruptcy. The 4x4's couldn't be easier! There are only three or four grease zerks on my 2nd gen. The x-fer case and front and rear diffs are pretty easy also. I don't expect a lot of change on my new 3rd gen.



Anyway, consider the cost of doing an oil change my self with Rotella at $6 a gallon and the filter at $10, then we have $28 an oil change at home. My dealer charges at least $60 minimum.



With these figures, then... ...



2nd gen home oil change every 5 k @ $28 = $420 over 100k

2nd gen dealer oil change every 5 k @ $60 = $900 over 100k



3rd gen home oil change every 10 k @ $28 = $280 over 100k

3rd gen dealer oil change every 10 k @ $60 = $600 over 100k



Not a big savings over 100k, but does it really matter with a $40,000 truck?

 

[MattSt]

Re: Oil change cost differences

Originally posted by dnitzel

I calculated the cost differences between the my 2nd gen and my expected 3rd gen. I change my own oil as I trust myself better over the lowest paid tech at the dealer and some kid at the Wiz Bang Quick lube joint. However if "they" do screw up, it's their cost. If I screw up, it's bankruptcy.

Maybe the dealer will take responsibility for oil change issues but I know for sure Walmart WILL NOT.



Friend of mine had his oil changed there, left on a trip. Got back 1800 miles later to the engine knocking. They only put 1 1/2 quarts in instead of 4. The motor is trashed, bearings gone, cylinder walls had to be bored out.



They sent an "investigator" out to determine if it was a pre-existing problem. He decided it WAS pre-existing. But just before he left he wanted to know if the car was a turbo model, AWD, automatic or stick, 4 or 6 cylinder. He has to ask these questions after standing under the car that is on a lift looking up at the motor with no oil pan???? The guy couldn't find the back of his hand with directions!



I don't feel sorry for my buddy because I check my oil after any work is performed and at every other fill-up so I would have caught it and so should he. But he got a $3300 lesson instead.

 

[dnitzel]

Re: Re: Oil change cost differences

Originally posted by MattSt

I don't feel sorry for my buddy because I check my oil after any work is performed and at every other fill-up so I would have caught it and so should he. But he got a $3300 lesson instead. [/B]

I check my oil at fill ups also. Ever get that look from others like "just what the heck is that guy doin'?" Seems like every time I have some service my truck, something got forgot. Yep, you're right, open the hood and check that vehicle out AFTER it's been serviced by someone else.

 

[DIESELMAN]

I Smella Rotella... .



3K for the first change, every 5K after that, Rotella Smella for about 500 miles.



I like changing my own oil now, the filter is really very easy to get to, the funnel doesn't fall over anymore, Air Filter is right where it belongs, Fuel Filter,, well thats been right for a while now. And I like polluting the environment, an ounce or two of DF on the ground at every fillup from the drain is a good chance to climb under the hood.



Just don't buy filters at the dealer, thats if they even got them.



Dealer Prices, fuel $59. 00, Oil $14. 50, Air $32. 00, Oil $14. 00 Gallon.