Oil change interval

[Tigerfan1]

I have a Cummins ISL 370 engine and have owned this coach for nine years. I usually drive about 7k miles a year and have always changed the oil yearly, usually in Nov.This year I have only driven about 3000 miles and wondering if I should change it in Nov. like I usually do? Any comments appreciated.

Thanks

[wb7auk]

Yes I would warm the engine up and change the oil and filter and not let it sit
with old oil in the winter months.

[becks]

+ 1 for change it.

[hes4all]

I would do a oil analysis and see what it says first.
I used to do the same as you until I started doing the analysis.

I had 3400 miles on my last change and I sent in a sample to Blackstone Labs. They said to send in another sample after 3500 more miles. This oil did sit through last winter too!

[dennis45]

When operating, the oil will accumulate acids as a by product of combustion. When the engine is running on a regular basis, the acids are burned off by high temperature and expelled through condensation out the breather system.

Now, when you park the coach for extended periods, this accumulation remains in the crankcase and WILL cause damage to internal engine parts.

Oil analysis is a good tool in so far as wear metals and contaminants, but don't rely on them to tell you when to change oil.
Change the oil annually, take a sample before you drain the oil.
Much cheaper than internal engine parts.

[wb7auk]

Originally Posted by dennis45

When operating, the oil will accumulate acids as a by product of combustion. When the engine is running on a regular basis, the acids are burned off by high temperature and expelled through condensation out the breather system.

Now, when you park the coach for extended periods, this accumulation remains in the crankcase and WILL cause damage to internal engine parts.

Oil analysis is a good tool in so far as wear metals and contaminants, but don't rely on them to tell you when to change oil.
Change the oil annually, take a sample before you drain the oil.
Much cheaper than internal engine parts.

[Pigman1]

Get it analyzed. That'll tell you everything you need to know.

[koda59]

It does not matter how many miles I put on, I always change the oil every year.

[Doc Hugh]

I also fully agree with the premise set out in post #5 by dennis45.
On my 2009 FL-XCR with a Cummins ISL 400 QSDP I have a chassis lube and fluids including coolant check and engine oil, oil filter and primary and secondary fuel filters change done annually (regardless of mileage) just before winter storage, usually in mid to later October "before the snow flies". :(
As part of the coincident complete winterization procedure, I also fill up the diesel fuel tank including anti-gel additive and the ASME LPG tank, with the respective "winter" fuel mixes.
So far, so good!

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by koda59

It does not matter how many miles I put on, I always change the oil every year.

[NorthernDriv]

Price of Oil change vs what the Motorhome cost......

[Doc Hugh]

Originally Posted by koda59

It does not matter how many miles I put on, I always change the oil every year.

Originally Posted by NorthernDriv

Price of Oil change vs what the Motorhome cost......

X2

[hzjcm8]

Originally Posted by Doc Hugh

X2

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

[hes4all]

Remember:
Oil degradation and contamination can only be properly assessed through periodic monitoring through oil analysis.


This is why I do the analysis!

Thanks for sharing Tom!