Stupid question

[JanMitchell]

I bought my CTD in July and the "book" says it isn't due for service until I get 3750 miles on it with not amount of time lapse indicated. I have received a few reminders from the local Dodge people that I haven't brought my truck in for it's 6 month service. My wife gets all wound up that I'm going to void the warranty and so I have to call the service department to get it straightened out. I thought this was the computer age and they would know when a vehicle is due for maintainence. (?) I have 2700 miles on my truck now and should rack up another thousand in maybe 3 or 4 months so would it be prudent for me to wait until I get the 3750 miles on it or what? I looked at the oil recently and it is uh black but I understand that it is the nature of the beast.



Question #2 What's the procedure for properly "breaking in" the CTD? I've read on this list of people putting the hammer down to break the engine in correctly or do you drive like a sane person and try not to lug the engine and never approach the red line on the tach? Is it true that you should hitch up to something and work the engine hard? I don't know. I'll await your thoughts.

Stan Mitchell

 

[Jefff929]

Question 2: My truck and My brothers are the same for this post. He has a long bed. I had no load to place on mine. He had a cabover camper and a 20' trailer with tools in it.



They are the same now. I don't think it mattered

 

[EricBu12]

I would do a oil change right now. I did that on mine about that mileage... . Then do it every 5000 miles.



#2... Drive it like you Stole it



It needs to be worked hard, accellerate hard on on-ramps, etc... I agree on not reving up too high or get it too hot. But it needs to be worked to loosen it up and set the rings.



After 30K or so then you can use Synthetics for improved longevity.

 

[Diesel Nut]

Drive it hard. You have to work it hard to get t broke in. Seems like the trucks that a driven harder get the best mileage, as long as they are well maintained. When I bought my 03 it had 20 miles on it, and I hitched it up to a flatbed with a 2500 cummins 4x4 on it and towed it 700 miles back home through the mountains. Great way to break it in!



Actually Amsoil states that it can be installed in new vehicles and it will not prohibit break in or wear in, just may prolong it slightly. I am planning on putting it in my new 06 when I hit 3000 miles.

 

[WCPoe]

Oil change

JanM - I change my oil 2004. 5 at 5000 with the fuel filters at 10,000. I believe I had about 1000 miles at the first change. Be aware the 2004. 5 and later 325hp/600ftlb and 610ftlb motors turn the oil sooty black almost instantly supposeably due to the emissions related third injection event. The earlier motors don't blacken the oil anywhere near as bad. Don't be alarmed if it's really black. The engine needs to be worked hard to break in properly. Pulling a loaded trailer seems to help polish the rings and cylinders and helps breakin the engine. Everyone seems to report better mileage and somewhat smoother running somewhere between 10,000 and 20,000 miles. Just my $. 02.