Regular oil changes

jdubb829 · 06-30-2009, 12:22 AM

I have always been told to change my oil EVERY 3000 miles. I have driven about 3000 miles but the oil change index in the truck still says 60%. I figure if I waited until the computer said 0% I would have driven about 8000 miles. What I need to know is if you wait until the computer says to change the oil are you going to get the same longevity out of this motor?

**ob_1jr** · 06-30-2009, 12:45 AM

you have to remember on a diesel you have at least twice the oil in there than on a gas engine and the oil usually doesnt get contaminated like on a gas engine either. Normally on conventional oils you change it at 7500 miles. If you do an oil analysis you can go further, but if you are on conventional oil, the cost isnt that much to change it.

**Hondarider552** · 06-30-2009, 12:46 AM

I change mine every 3k with delo 400.
Id rather change more than less..

PULRIG · 06-30-2009, 01:47 AM

Oil is cheap insurance!

I change mine every 10K. I use Amsoil with the Amsoil Duel by-pass filtering system. The oil stays cleaner longer, and the by-pass filter takes out the soot. With two filters, that also gives me two more quarts of oil in the system.

I could most likely go longer with an oil analysis, but like I said, cheap insurance!

**bigdaddydiesel** · 06-30-2009, 06:17 AM

You could definitely go longer even without the analysis with a bypass system. AMSOIL Warrants their CJ-4 Rated 5w-4- & 15W-40 for up to 3X OEM specs or up to 60K miles without oil analysis. I know this sounds to good to be true, but again, it is "Warranted" against failure.

Now, like stated above, if you are going to use conventional then yes, you want to change at least every 7500 because they suffer from viscosity and thermal break down more than Full Synthetics.

.

PULRIG · 06-30-2009, 07:48 AM

Yes I could go longer than 10K. Since I use my truck for towing 95% of the time, and it usually takes me @ 1 year to reach 10K, It ends up being 1 oil change a year.
Besides, oil is cheap insurance!

**bigdaddydiesel** · 06-30-2009, 08:08 AM

No doubt, even using the BEST as you DO, you are exactly right, Oil IS cheap insurance for REAL!!!

**DMAXchris** · 06-30-2009, 08:10 AM

I change mine every 3000. Dont listen to the computer, it will tell you lies.

**bigdaddydiesel** · 06-30-2009, 08:14 AM

Also, one thing....

On highly modified engines with larger turbos, injectors, AND tuning, it is a good idea to change more often. I have seen trucks with problems from fuel contamination more than anything, but anytime you increase the power and torque to the point that you are adding power to the tune of 500+ hp then the true extended drain intervals go out the window...

**DMAXchris** · 06-30-2009, 08:19 AM

^^^^^Very True and important.

I have done 3 oil changes since the beginning of May with under 6000 miles traveled.