Questions / suggestions on very low milage driving.

[ACoyle]

I just started taking the train to work. My 42 mile commute has become 3. 5 miles round trip. I alos arrive 2 blocks from my office and do not need taxi / bus to get there. All in all the savings is over $200. 00 per month.



Anyway, now the might Cummins is not moving far and not warming up fully. Is increased oil change enough to offset an issues? Are there other considerations? I am thinking biocvide when it warms up.



Thank You



AC

 

[JCasper]

I only drive 5 miles one way and my truck barely warms up. I was changing my Delo out every 2500 miles, but have since gone to Amsoil and will probably try to run it to 10,000. My truck does get driven further on a regular basis so I don't worry too much.



I also plug in if it is below about 35-40 to be sure it is warm on the way to work.



Sorry I don't have any opinions for you, just telling you what I do.

 

[moparguy]

AC, me thinks we tend to worry about our trucks far too much (myself included). Little brother has a 95 with 300k on it. During the week, he'll crank it up, drive it to his saw mill (on his property, 1/4 mile away from the house) and turn it off. Cranks it up, drives it home at lunch and end of the day.



As the mileage shows, it does get the big mileage trips on a irrigular basis. But the point is he changes oil every 7k or so, has a ton of cold starts, and has had zero issues.



I'd pulg it in when cold, and if it worked out every few weeks, take a road trip and not worry, just enjoy.



If like most folks you trade every few years, it'll be fine. Might only go 400k rather than 700k before needing a rebuild.



Good luck, RR

 

[DZink24]

Beat the snot out of it on the weekends- load it heavy; tow something, treat the motor like a rented car. Notice I said motor. The rest of the truck is questionable at best. Work the motor til you think you are hurting it; then beat it some more... :-laf It'll thank you for it.

 

[McLaughlin]

Most of my driving is in town on back streets where I don't go much (if any) over 35. Is it recommend to use "drive" or "2nd"? My engine RPM hardly gets to 1500 if I'm in drive and is usually closer to 1200; however, if the truck is shifted to low the RPMs stay between 1500 and 1800.

 

[ACoyle]

I appreciate all the advice. I have been changing oil / filter every 3 - 4K. I will keep that up. It does get trips one the weekend. It's my second Cummins. (Loved my '99 way more). I know they love to work hard.



Thank You Again



AC