Oil Change Interval

[slemnah]

I was just wondering how often your oil is changed in time and mileage? I recently changed the oil on my C13 at one year and 6k miles because I wanted to get an oil baseline on my oil testing from Blackstone Labs. In the future I will be sending the oil sample in for testing before I replace it. What oil are you using? I used Shell Rotella 15/40.
Steve

[plasma800]

Rotella on my latest.

My tech arugued that every 7000 to 10000 miles or one year was the way to go.

If in high humidity, dirt or high temps, go 6000 miles. I have no idea who's right.

Not sure what year your engine is, but it's oil lift, keep it (the oil) clean for sure

[NHRA225]

Lucas 15/40 Every 10,000 miles along with All of the Filters-- 1 Oil- 3 Fuel- Coolant and Air Cleaner - 196,000 miles and still running strong !
Allison- MD3060- Fluid--Transynd- filters Every 50,000 miles.

[slemnah]

CAT suggests 15k miles with sample testing for extended changes. BTW mine is a 2005 C13 525hp.

[Bucky1320]

Most of us won't mile out over a year. So I think your testing is probably a decent way to go about it. How do you pull a clean sample for testing?

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Bucky1320

How do you pull a clean sample for testing?

Bucky
Drain the oil from the crankcase into a clean bucket/pan...use a clean cup to scoop up enough oil for testing.....(before removing and dropping the dirty oil filter into the pan).
Mel
'96 Safari

[slemnah]

In the past, I cleaned all around the drain plug then loosened it until I got a steady stream to fill the sample bottle then retightened the drain plug.
Steve

[Duoglide1]

CAT told me 17000 miles on my C9 but that's generic and mostly for trucking applications. I've elected to do it annually or 6000 miles and use high efficiency filters. I don't need HEUI problems and in my old mind oil is cheap. I do sample and send to the lab and I do extend the trans service. YMMV.

[akeyzoo]

Re: taking samples, anyone know the specific fumoto valve my C9 would use? That would make taking a sample, and service, a bit easier.

Chris

[slemnah]

Try this one, the size sounds about right!

Amazon.com: Fumoto Engine Oil Drain Valve for Caterpillar Engines, T-205: Automotive

[Duoglide1]

Originally Posted by akeyzoo

Re: taking samples, anyone know the specific fumoto valve my C9 would use? That would make taking a sample, and service, a bit easier.

Chris

I need to go back and look. On my C9 I believe it was the 204 (T204?) and I did end up with the one that has the nipple for the drain hose. My CAT has a front drain plug and a rear so I installed it in the rear one.


2005 Country Coach Inspire, #51334. C9 CAT

[Duoglide1]

Go to this site and input your engine;http://www.qwikvalve.com


2005 Country Coach Inspire, #51334. C9 CAT

[Bigg-limo]

I change mine at 8000 or a year. The reason why, is because on every MDT and HDT vehicle that I've owned, I tried to do the 15k mile interval, and noticed that at about 7500 miles, my fuel economy wasn't the same. And that was with the used Kenworth that I bought a couple of years ago, and the new trucks that I bought prior to that.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by mel s

Bucky
Drain the oil from the crankcase into a clean bucket/pan...use a clean cup to scoop up enough oil for testing.....(before removing and dropping the dirty oil filter into the pan).
Mel
'96 Safari

Our you can buy a pump and get the sample directly from the sump. JG Lubricants sells the kit and does the testing. That's what I use.