O.K. I have under 4,000 miles on my second oil change and 150 hours on this oil change. I know a lot of contractors that change their oil in heavy equipment around 150 hours. Does any one have any suggestions on the hour oil change for a Dodge ? I have a total of 7100 miles on the truck. First change was at 3300. Thanks

 

We typically go 250 hrs on the boats.

 

Thanks for the replies. I am going to stick to around 150 unless some one has a better ideal.

 

How can I tell how many hours my truck has???

 

[quote author=njoverkill link=board=20;threadid=23227;start=0#msg219060 date=1070692722]
How can I tell how many hours my truck has???
[/quote]With Key On, Engine Off; press and hold ODO/Tripmeter button for about 4 seconds. Engine hours will be displayed on LED's instead of miles.

 

[quote author=VPI link=board=20;threadid=23227;start=0#msg218825 date=1070659448]
Thanks for the replies. I am going to stick to around 150 unless some one has a better ideal.
[/quote]Here's my ideal. There are all kinds of metrics out there to determine when to change the oil, miles and engine hours like you mentioned; fuel consumed (gallons or otherwise) & oil analysis are a couple of others. I think the engine hour and fuel consumed metrics are best applied to engines that typically run continuously at one particular speed/engine load - like generators or boat engines. Most of the engine loads our trucks face are all over the page. And to accomodate these variations, I think the OEM's err on the low side of mileage for safety (warranty). Some marine Cat's that are equivilent to our ISB's require oil changes every 250 engine hours or 2400 gallons of fuel (or yearly if those other conditions are not met).

I've kept track of my hours and fuel consumed at oil change time. Since its new, I've changed it sooner rather than later. I've averaged 4500 miles on a change, and thats at about 130'ish engine hours.

But the fact of the matter is, Dodge pays for the warranty work, not Cummins (nor do I - yet); and the metric that Dodge says when to change the oil is miles driven from either Sked A or B. If I've got a warranty issue, I have the maintenance records that shows I conformed to their schedule.

I think you're ok but think you should keep your mileage @ oil changes handy.

 

If I were on the road I would most definitely go to the recommended schedule. I do a lot of idiling I run a 2500 watt inverter for my video equipmnt. I am goign to err on the conservitive side. I don't want to have to do mayn repairs when the warranty is gone. I do think that you make some very valid points bulabula. I changed it yesterday at 148 hours. I think for me I will stay at this intrival for a while. Next time I may consider an oil analysis though.