oil change interval for diesels

[sdennislee]

Originally Posted by Mike Thomas

I think some people have more time and money than I do. Most motorhome drivers couldn't tear up an engine or transmission if they tried. Their motorhomes and whatever they pull might get to 40,000 lbs. These rigs are designed to pull 80,000 lbs. or more over terrain and conditions that you never see in a motorhome. I would guess you could drive the thing for 20 years, never change oil, and you couldn't sell the rig for the cost of all these oil changes you are doing. These are "million mile" drive trains. After a million miles, they do an inframe overhaul and put another 750,000 on them. But I guess if it buys you peace of mind, go ahead.....

Are you suggesting that oil, tranny fluid and filters never need to be changed?

[Mike Thomas]

I am suggesting that the average motorhome runs 3-4,000 miles a year. Many run less than 15,000 miles per year. I would run with recommended intervals. Those intervals recommened by manufacturers and synthetic oil suppliers. They know their equipment better than most of us who own it. Most of us grew up with gas engines, in the 1950's and 1960's. In those days, if you got 100,000 miles out of a vehicle, you really did something special. Equipment and lubricants these days are very different from what we grew up with.

And although I am not recommending it, yes I think most motorhomes driven 3-4,000 miles a year, probably will never need to have tranny fluid and filters changed.

[dieselclacker]

The Allison 1000 transmission used in my motorhome has both a mileage, and a TIME interval on fluid change frequency.

Dieselclacker

[Eaglesview]

Originally Posted by ldean33

Having problem getting oil filter off my Holiday Rambler any advice.

I guess it will be brute force this time.

In the future lubricate the new gasket and always loosen the filter while the engine is still warm.

[cb5300]

Originally Posted by 336muffin

Oil pans on big trucks have a much larger capacity than motor homes. My KW held eleven gallons.

My Monaco's Cummins ISX holds 52 qts.

[sdennislee]

Originally Posted by cb5300

My Monaco's Cummins ISX holds 52 qts.

Do you get a quantity discount for buying by the barrel? 49 gallons, just can't imagine.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by dieselclacker

The Allison 1000 transmission used in my motorhome has both a mileage, and a TIME interval on fluid change frequency.

Dieselclacker

So does our ISC and Allison 3000MH. Oils collect moisture and break down over time. No way would I ignore the recommendations as you void your warranty by doing so.

[DonGott]

How much does it cost to send a sample in for testing?

[sdennislee]

$25.00 at Blackstone Labs

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by sdennislee

Do you get a quantity discount for buying by the barrel? 49 gallons, just can't imagine.

Uh.... 52 quarts is not 49 gallons, it's 13 gallons.

[sdennislee]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Uh.... 52 quarts is not 49 gallons, it's 13 gallons.

Yep hit the wrong button and came up with liters instead of gallons

[H. Miller]

Originally Posted by Mike Thomas

I would run with recommended intervals. Those intervals recommened by manufacturers and synthetic oil suppliers.

Granted the following is for autos BUT: The oil guys and service centers recommend 3,000 mile changes - many manufacturers are now at 7,500 miles.
So the question is, whos recommended intervals?

[rough road]

RJay brings up an important point, perhaps the most important with regard to diesel engines, fuel dilution of the engine oil-serious all the time but real serious if you go longer in your oil change intervals.

Like Gary I think its best to change more often with a good dino, even better I believe to change at oem requirements with a good full synthetic-but it can get expensive even doing it yourself-even the 6.0 PSD has a capacity of nearly 4 gallons depending on how long one lets it dribble out and our I5 Sprinter was three gallons I believe.

As far as which lab to do business with: I do business with one mostly but last time sent a sample in to a very well known firm which I have a few times in the past and was shocked to learn that when I asked for a glycol check they told me that they cannot do it; they can check for markers that indicate glycol but unfortunately these chemicals are NOT glycol specific-just a poi for all.

[Old Trucker]

Originally Posted by sdennislee

I am thinking of going to oil and trans fluid sampling to determine change intervals.

A, but do not forget the same on your coolant.s a retired trucker and
small truck fleet owner, I would certainly agree. also, do not forget the same for coolant. I would also reccomend extended life antifreeze and silicon hoses. Good travels. Old Trucker