Maintenance

[HarrysRV]

We bought a 2009 Newmar Dutchstar with the Cummins 400 diesel with 14000 miles. I just had it serviced and the mechanic said to change the oil at 5000 miles. The Spartan website says 20000 miles. With your experience, how long do you wait? Happy New Year. Thanks

[Jerry J]

Once a year (or 20,000). You may also contact Cummins Care at 1-800-DIESELS™.
-ISL 425-

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarrysRV We bought a 2009 Newmar Dutchstar with the Cummins 400 diesel with 14000 miles. I just had it serviced and the mechanic said to change the oil at 5000 miles. The Spartan website says 20000 miles. With your experience, how long do you wait? Happy New Year. Thanks

[buck62]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarrysRV We bought a 2009 Newmar Dutchstar with the Cummins 400 diesel with 14000 miles. I just had it serviced and the mechanic said to change the oil at 5000 miles. The Spartan website says 20000 miles. With your experience, how long do you wait? Happy New Year. Thanks

Should be once per year or 20,000 miles.

[GaryKD]

Hi HarrysRV,
The previous posts are correct. I'd not use the mechanic that gave you the 5K miles advice. If you must use him, consider confronting him with the Cummins recommended oil change intervals. This lets him know you will not be a push over for increasing his revenue.

[Mr_D]

On our ISC it's once a year or 15,000 miles so it gets done once a year.

We run into the same type of thing with the cars and Jiffy Lube, they want us to do oil changes every 3,000 miles, but our Honda's have onboard computers to tell us when to change. We ignore the Jiffy Lube "reminders" and follow the manufacturers requirements.

[litespeed]

I went to a quick change oil place last summer..with my Jeep for an oil change since I was 800 miles from home and couldn't do it myself. The jeep was pretty muddy from off roading..did not look new.

They pulled my rear oil plug and showed me " dirty diff oil" and said I had better change it right now..jeeps have problems, yadda yadda. Should have seen the look on their faces when I told them the jeep only had 2000 miles on it and I would take care of it at home. They also tried to sell me a " limited slip oil additive"...which I don't need..because that model has an electric locker without clutches.... are they dishonest or just stupid...?

[radams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by litespeed They also tried to sell me a " limited slip oil additive"...which I don't need..because that model has an electric locker without clutches.... are they dishonest or just stupid...?

Neither . . . they are on "commission".

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Have mine done annually. Same shop each year specializing on diesels and motor homes. They give the engine, transmission, drive train and batteries good service and importantly a good inspection.

[Lug_Nut]

I translated through the lines that a fuel consumption of about 2000 gallons is the approximate oil change interval. For example, you will notice that "Heavy Duty" operation, ie: a garbage truck, requires lower milage changes, but again about 2000 gallons of fuel, but consumed quicker. The yearly need however should also be done. I use only synthetic Valvoline (Cummins label) but do not exceed the standard required milage interval.

Peter

[Snomas1]

I change once a year. Average about 7K/yr. Also change fuel/water filter, chassis lube especially the drive shaft joints. Manual says change @15K.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snomas1 I change once a year. Average about 7K/yr. Also change fuel/water filter, chassis lube especially the drive shaft joints. Manual says change @15K.

Spartan recommends the drive shaft U joints and slip joint be lubed every 5,000 miles or yearly. I do my slip joint a couple times a year.
Didn't do that on our 2000 DSDP and lost the trans output seal, but it was under warranty.

[99-Am.Star]

Quote:

Originally Posted by litespeed I went to a quick change oil place last summer..with my Jeep for an oil change since I was 800 miles from home and couldn't do it myself. The jeep was pretty muddy from off roading..did not look new. They pulled my rear oil plug and showed me " dirty diff oil" and said I had better change it right now..jeeps have problems, yadda yadda. Should have seen the look on their faces when I told them the jeep only had 2000 miles on it and I would take care of it at home. They also tried to sell me a " limited slip oil additive"...which I don't need..because that model has an electric locker without clutches.... are they dishonest or just stupid...?

I think the answer to that is BOTH.