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rrtribble · 02-24-2020, 09:49 AM

When I had my C7 I changed oil & filters twice a year and fuel filters annually even with low mileage due to the HUIE pump. The viscosity of the oil was always exceptional so it really didn't need to be changed but that pump concerned me.

Now with my Cummins 450HP I will be testing oil annually. If viscosity is okay I will change filter if OD shows more than 7K. If not I will go to 11K and check viscosity again. I may go to synthetic; then I will only do an oil test annually to insure everything is okay.

I'll be carrying fuel filter with me and change it at least annually.

Enjoy and Drive Safe - Richard

Monacoach · 02-24-2020, 05:20 PM

Interestingly so far the majority say dont change oil and filters. Some say change annually and one or two called me cheap.
I appreciate all the comments and now I'm considering waiting but might get the oil tested.

HJLowell · 02-24-2020, 05:35 PM

Never ask Family for advice [emoji848][emoji6]
Because you will get it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monacoach

Interestingly so far the majority say dont change oil and filters. Some say change annually and one or two called me cheap.
I appreciate all the comments and now I'm considering waiting but might get the oil tested.

Monacoach · 02-24-2020, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HJLowell

Never ask Family for advice [emoji848][emoji6]
Because you will get it.

I always come here for Rv advice.. there's no better place.

Jzack · 02-24-2020, 06:54 PM

Annual oil changes well before the mileage interval have never made sense to me. Personally, I wouldn't waste your time and money. I'll change my mind when/if I hear a logical, reasoned argument, based on evidence to the contrary.

deandec · 02-24-2020, 07:55 PM

We have had our oil samples tested several times.

All have come back, with recommendation to drive it 5,000 miles more and retest.

5,000 miles for us is about two years.

If the oil can accommodate more contaminants, then I will run it longer.

Filters maybe a different story, but the whole US is conditioned to change the oil frequently. Great marketing by the oil industry.

Oil is cheaper than an engine, but is a change really necessary?

grindstone01 · 02-24-2020, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monacoach

Interestingly so far the majority say dont change oil and filters. Some say change annually and one or two called me cheap.
I appreciate all the comments and now I'm considering waiting but might get the oil tested.

Didn't mean to infer you were cheap. If you only wanted to hear that your plan was a great idea and requested only approval responses, then that should have been noted in the original post. I change my own oil on a 5k/6 month schedule because I am too cheap to risk a motor and proud of it!

Tigerfan1 · 02-24-2020, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jzack

Annual oil changes well before the mileage interval have never made sense to me. Personally, I wouldn't waste your time and money. I'll change my mind when/if I hear a logical, reasoned argument, based on evidence to the contrary.

One good reason to change annually is to maintain the warranty. If there was an engine issue the first thing Cummins would ask for while under warranty is documentation of annual maintenance.

bamaboy473 · 02-24-2020, 08:12 PM

I just changed the oil/filter in our ISL, and the interval was almost 3 years and almost 10,000 miles. Our oil has gone off for a sample test, and results will tell me whether to do it more or less. A DIY oil change isn't about the money, it's about whether the engine needs it or not...and several gallons of oil should be used, not wasted by over-replacing.

Since our engines are long out of warranty, it's about practicality, IMO.

Monacoach · 02-24-2020, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindstone01

Why would you dispute what the manual suggest if it says to change the oil annually? The manufacture engineers have done extensive testing on their engines and should know what is best for the engine health. It dosen't make sense when people try to save a few $$'s on a major item like a expensive diesel engine. Can't you afford a oil change, if not then save some $$ and learn to DIYS. That would be a better option.
Note - Remember the OP asked for advice, please do as you desire, it's your machine!

Not disputing anything just wondering if there are exceptions to the rule. Curious to see what others do. I generally change the oil bi annually but I have exceeded this time frame because I have not been in the area of my oil change facility which is 200 miles away. Yes I can afford the oil change but I am extremely selective in who I use.

Monacoach · 02-24-2020, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindstone01

Didn't mean to infer you were cheap. If you only wanted to hear that your plan was a great idea and requested only approval responses, then that should have been noted in the original post. I change my own oil on a 5k/6 month schedule because I am too cheap to risk a motor and proud of it!

You can call me cheap I dont mind but I dont really have a plan. Well maybe my plan is to adhere to the advice of the majority. Your 6 month change interval is safe but it does not mean that your engine will do any better then if you change annually or bi annually or maybe it is. I'm no expert .

Monacoach · 02-24-2020, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamaboy473

I just changed the oil/filter in our ISL, and the interval was almost 3 years and almost 10,000 miles. Our oil has gone off for a sample test, and results will tell me whether to do it more or less. A DIY oil change isn't about the money, it's about whether the engine needs it or not...and several gallons of oil should be used, not wasted by over-replacing.

Since our engines are long out of warranty, it's about practicality, IMO.

I would be interested in the results of your oil testing.

grindstone01 · 02-24-2020, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamaboy473

A DIY oil change isn't about the money, it's about whether the engine needs it or not...and several gallons of oil should be used, not wasted by over-replacing.

.

I never have understood the "waste" claim when it comes to over frequent oil changes. First of all, a DIYS oil change is typically less cost than a fuel fill up, second, the used oil is recyclable, and third a premature engine rebuild or vehicle scrappage is the ultimate waste if it's caused by inadequate oil changes which junk yards are full of examples.

Monacoach · 02-24-2020, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindstone01

I never have understood the "waste" claim when it comes to over frequent oil changes. First of all, a DIYS oil change is typically less cost than a fuel fill up, second, the used oil is recyclable, and third a premature engine rebuild or vehicle scrappage is the ultimate waste if it's caused by inadequate oil changes which junk yards are full of examples.

That really is the question. What is an inadequate oil change. Is my oil that has been sitting in my engine for 2 5 years and 700 miles inadequate? I wonder how it compares to oil sitting one year but 15,000 miles.