Rising oil level, early "Change Engine Oil" message on DIC.

[MichaelOverfield]

I just completed a 2700 mile trip. The oil has about 3000 miles and was just under full when changed. During my trip I noticed the DIC saying to change engine oil. It was reset with my last oil change. Finding this a bit odd, when I knew that the truck was level, I checked the oil and it's about 1/4" above the full mark. I checked it again later and same result. It's making oil, or rather appears to have a fuel to oil dilution problem. Has anyone else seen this? The truck is mostly stock, but it's looking to be soon deleted, I can't imagine any other cause for increased oil level other than fuel dilution thanks to DPF Regens.

 

[Dieselnerd]

These are tricky to check the oil level. 1/4 inch high isn't too bad because after they sit and cool down they siphon oil out of the filter. If you run your engine a couple of minutes, shut it off and check the oil right away it will usually read low. Let it stand overnight and it will often be high. The pre-DEF trucks do dilute the oil faster and require more changes.

This has been discussed a lot on TDR. Only way to tell for sure how much dilution is to have the oil analyzed. When they really "make oil" you can be an inch or two above the safe mark. I had it happen to me on my 3rd gen. Lot of data on this subject if you do some searches.

 

[MichaelOverfield]

These are tricky to check the oil level. 1/4 inch high isn't too bad because after they sit and cool down they siphon oil out of the filter. If you run your engine a couple of minutes, shut it off and check the oil right away it will usually read low. Let it stand overnight and it will often be high. The pre-DEF trucks do dilute the oil faster and require more changes.

This has been discussed a lot on TDR. Only way to tell for sure how much dilution is to have the oil analyzed. When they really "make oil" you can be an inch or two above the safe mark. I had it happen to me on my 3rd gen. Lot of data on this subject if you do some searches.

Thanks, I do recall seeing the topic a few times. I was checking oil right after running for a fuel stop and it was high, previously it had been a bit below the high mark, which is where I normally have it knowing about the dilution issues.

 

[GrantP]

X2 on the oil analysis, then you will know for sure.

 

[xcc_rider]

The ecm triggers the change oil message when the calculated fuel dilution is above 5%. The calculation uses the % idle time and Regen durations/events to determine the fuel dilution percentage.

Oil dilution analysis is a good idea but I would go ahead and change it while waiting for the results.

 

[MichaelOverfield]

The ecm triggers the change oil message when the calculated fuel dilution is above 5%. The calculation uses the % idle time and Regen durations/events to determine the fuel dilution percentage.

Oil dilution analysis is a good idea but I would go ahead and change it while waiting for the results.

Thanks, that is what I was looking for. The problem with this was getting the message when 1200+ miles from home. I'm leaning towards some triming on the culprits of these far too frequent 3 gallon oil changes. What are the environmental impacts of all that oil that has to be changed? Then there are the costs. I can only burn so much used oil in my Diesel tactor!

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

The only environmental impacts come from a neighbor or two who needs to lubricate a fence post or two.

My '92 loves it and never complains about free fuel!!

 

[MichaelOverfield]

Well, oil changed, and sample taken and sent off for analysis. Other permanent corrective actions are in progress. Will update with oil sample results when I have them.

 

[MichaelOverfield]

Got results back, all were normal, and fuel dilution was only 1.8%.. that's 1/5 of a quart.. which doesn't explain the high oil levels I was seeing. The good news is the engine did not suffer with low viscosity oil, and other numbers all looked fine. Why the level went up will remain a mystery, and why the DIC would call for an oil change with less than 3000 miles is also going to be a mystery.. but actions to prevent this are too far along, and will be completed.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Personally would not be happy with 1.8% fuel dilution. Every sample I have taken on my 11 HO or current 15 have been less than .05%.

 

[MichaelOverfield]

Personally would not be happy with 1.8% fuel dilution. Every sample I have taken on my 11 HO or current 15 have been less than .05%.

Thank you for that comparison. It helps validate my efforts to ensure it won't be 1.8% next time!

 

[dougsram]

I regularly see the change engine oil light appear after an oil change and around the 7,500 mile mark after I've changed it last. I suspect since I change my oil most of the time before the light gets triggered by duty cycle, the computer doesn't get reset when I go through the reset procedure with the light off. And you don't know if you performed the "ignition to the ON position and then press the gas pedal down 3 times within 10 seconds" correctly. I assume I do it correctly because I've reset the computer when the light comes on the first try every time. Also, the oil change indicator isn't triggered by measurement of fuel or any other contaminants, just duty cycle.

 

[xcc_rider]

My statement was based on a service bulletin from Ram stating the cause of a rising oil level and early oil change light notice based on fuel dilution.
I guess you could include the amount and duration of regen cycles and % of fuel dilution in the duty cycle category if you like.

 

[xcc_rider]

Dug this up. I could only find it in jpeg but it should do.

 

[MichaelOverfield]

Dug this up. I could only find it in jpeg but it should do.
View attachment 107743

Exactly why I have such low miles. I rarely do short trips, and almost always tow when I use the truck.. because of emmissions. This is all because of emmissions. At some point it seems this is a bit ridiculous.. plenty of pre-dpf trucks out there, and most don't roll coal.. I guess this explains the massive market for "race" products for these trucks.

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