When to Change the Oil

[kthaxton]

Its 15K or 6 months which ever comes first. As far as I know there is nothing that states how the truck is used. for me its every six months, never get close to 15K.

Yeah, I know this. I am just responding to sag2's post about using the oil change indicator.....it doesn't jive with the manual in that it doesn't tell you to change it at 6 months....only goes off mileage (and hours?).

 

[Cummins2014]

I understand in this day and age everybody is afraid to make decisions based on rationale, experience, and common sense.
If you think changing your oil every 6 months on the button will prevent your engine from mysteriously grenading then by all means, change it every 6 months. I'm just informing you what Cummins says is safe and acceptable for their engines.

Not afraid of decisions , I am not the one that set the guidelines all I am doing is following them.

Do you think my conversation would fly very far if told the manufacturer of my truck I was following the rationale, experience. and common sense of someone on the internet that told me it is okay to decide when I WANT to changed my oil .

Do I think that engine is going to grenade, no , but I don't worry either way, not my problem if I follow the manufacturers guidelines. I see your rationale, but I am afraid you don't see others. You continue your way , and I will continue mine. Still think its bad advice telling anyone how to change their oil outside whats stated in the manual.

 

[JR]

Still think its bad advice telling anyone how to change their oil outside whats stated in the manual.

I think you are misunderstanding me, if you go back and read my first two posts (post # 5 & 10) you'll see my overall neutrality on the issue.

 

[Cummins2014]

I think you are misunderstanding me, if you go back and read my first two posts (post # 5 & 10) you'll see my overall neutrality on the issue.

Maybe, BUT, post #10, and I quote " I am certainly not telling anyone what to do, BUT the owners manual is a conservative recommendation, and then you gone on about what Cummins has to say. Cummins did not build nor put a warranty on my truck.

I can see some fleet manager ,doing what you are advocating. But for the average owner of these trucks, and the cost of an oil change, come on ,why not just follow the manufacturer recommendation . IMO why even come on here ,and ask about oil change intervals, as said the cost of an oil change, just follow the manual.

Sure some transport guy may get a little nervous when he puts on that 15K long before the six months , and decides to say go 10-12K, or he may not, but he is still following the manual at 15K, but for the average guy 6 months ,and be done.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I changed mine around 4k then at 15k intervals, some under some over 6 mo. Analysis at each change.

Towing HEAVY??? I tow heaver than most anyone I have seen at 33-35K combined.

Analysis said I could go longer but won't until warranty is up. I use 100% AMZ/OIL 15-40.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

until warranty is up

This is a key point. If you're still under warranty go by the book. Once the warranty is up you can do whatever you're comfortable with. Everyone will have a different opinion based on what works for them.

 

[SnoKing]

I changed mine around 4k then at 15k intervals, some under some over 6 mo. Analysis at each change.

Towing HEAVY??? I tow heaver than most anyone I have seen at 33-35K combined.

Analysis said I could go longer but won't until warranty is up. I use 100% AMZ/OIL 15-40.

You will have a new truck before your extend warranty expires.

 

[Cummins2014]

I changed mine around 4k then at 15k intervals, some under some over 6 mo. Analysis at each change.

Towing HEAVY??? I tow heaver than most anyone I have seen at 33-35K combined.

Analysis said I could go longer but won't until warranty is up. I use 100% AMZ/OIL 15-40.

Somehow ,how does that make sense, until the warranty is up What happens then does the engine suddenly get bullet proof. no, I'm going to follow the recommendations that I have been given. Doesn't it make even more sense to follow the
recommendations after warranty, when its on your dime. I guess you have an explanation .

 

[Cummins12V98]

You will have a new truck before your extend warranty expires.

Depends! If the 2019 HD is as "FUGLY" as the 1500's I will pass!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Somehow ,how does that make sense, until the warranty is up What happens then does the engine suddenly get bullet proof. no, I'm going to follow the recommendations that I have been given. Doesn't it make even more sense to follow the
recommendations after warranty, when its on your dime. I guess you have an explanation .

While under warranty you may see a problem developing. If so then it can be addressed with them. If the problem shows up after 100K then you are SOL.

After warranty is up "IF" I still own the truck I will extend the oil changes to whatever Blackstone recommends.

 

[sag2]

You didn't say what year, so I picked the 17 3500 owners manual.

Oil Life Reset
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message will display in the instrument cluster display after a single chime has sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate, dependent upon your personal driving style.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - NAFTA 2500/3500/4500/5500 - 6.7L - Cummins® Diesel Engine
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. This system will alert you when it is time to change your engine oil by displaying the words “Oil Change Due” in your instrument cluster display. The oil change reminder will remind the owner to change the engine oil every 15,000 miles or 500 hours, whichever comes first, except for the Chassis Cab models and Pickup models configured with optional B20 capability that are using B20 biodiesel, which are 12,500 miles or 400 hours, whichever comes first. Failure to change the engine oil per the maintenance schedule can result in internal engine damage.



NOTE:
Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 15,000 miles (24 000 km) or six months, or sooner if prompted by the oil change indicator system. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24 000 km) or six months, whichever comes first.


NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or six months or 500 hours, whichever comes first.


NOTE:
Replace the engine oil and oil filter every 12,500 miles (20,000 km) or six months or 400 hours when running B20 fuel.

If Chassis Cab models and Pickup models configured with optional B20 capability are operated with greater than 5% levels of biodiesel, the oil change interval must not exceed 12,500 miles (20 000 km) under any circumstances. See the Fuel Requirements section for more information regarding operation of Chassis Cab models and Pickup models configured for use with biodiesel blend (B6-B20) fuel meeting ASTM specification D-7467.