Community Forums

Tigerfan1 · 09-02-2014, 04:43 PM

Thanks for all the posts, looks like I will be changing my oil despite the low miles!

deandec · 09-02-2014, 05:29 PM

Although highly wasteful of resources, annual oil changes are the safest approach in a Fleet which has only One Vehicle.

Doc Hugh · 09-02-2014, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hzjcm8

Read my technical paper on oil degradation and do the analysis. http://www.jglubricantservices.com/d...ical_sheet.pdf

Thank you very much Tom for posting the link to your highly informative technical paper on oil degradation titled "All About Oils", which I have documented for future reference. Oil analyses are obviously a useful and relevant source of information regarding engine and transmission lubricant condition and function.
So far the average pattern of use of our 2009 QSDP is approximately 6 months enjoyment and 6 months of storage. Regrettably, I will never reach the recommended Cummins mileage/hours triggers for oil and filter changes for coach or generator engines, so will naturally continue with the recommended annual schedule for both.
Oil analyses may well be more useful in monitoring my Allison transmission, although the Transynd fluid and filters have been changed twice to date, during year one and at year three.
Besides, we're still under warranty at this point!

Hugh

radar · 09-02-2014, 09:48 PM

I'll go against the grain on this one. My experience with blackstone tests on lightly used oil and time is that I would probably stretch it out to 18 months. But that's just me. Whatever your comfort zone is.

Happy trails.

Doc Hugh · 09-04-2014, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radar

I'll go against the grain on this one. My experience with blackstone tests on lightly used oil and time is that I would probably stretch it out to 18 months. But that's just me. Whatever your comfort zone is.

If serial oil analyses support longer than annual intervals between oil and filter changes, that certainly makes good sense in terms of cost, conservation, time and convenience.
An annual schedule makes sense when recommended by the manufacturer, especially while under Warranty, and/or immediately before an extended (several month) idle storage period.
Radar is absolutely right! Assuming an appropriate regular maintenance schedule for your particular vehicle is followed, determined by whatever means you deem proper, the bottom line is your "comfort zone" and peace of mind.