I first changed my oil at 1700 miles(Like to do that during engine break-in) Did it again at 7500 miles. Now I'm wondering if I can go a full 7500 before changes or would 5000 be a better option. I am using fleetguard filters from genos and Rotella Oil(Not synthetic) I may do an analysis every other change, but I havent decided on that yet. The 600 sure does make the oil black very quickly.

I think the recommended change intervals are 15000/7500 depending on which schedule you follow. Just wondering what everyone is doing without sampling and synthetic.

John

 

I did my first change at 5000 and just did my second at 12,800 (eg another 7800). Based on my reading of the manual I don't see why I would change more frequently than 7500 intervals, though since I actually USE the truck I don't qualify to run 15000 intervals.

I'm leaning towards changing on 7500 to 10000 intervals for now.

btw I'm using Rotella-T and Mopar/Fleetguard

 

7500 is conservative with ANY oil on this truck. One analysis will tell ya that.

I'm surprised that you say the 600 gets the oil black quickly. At 23k on my truck, not once have I ever seen the oil darken, let alone turn black. It looks new when I dump it at 7500. Maybe its a 'dirty 600' thang

 

I have alittle over 3000 miles on mine now and the oil was black from the start. I am going to use the 7500 mileage. The first change is free at the Dealer.

 

My "600" gets the oil black pretty quick too. Did the 1st oil change at about 1200 miles and it was black as anything already. Don't know if this has any bearing on it, but mine's stock except for the muffler eliminator and the Home Depot airbox, and if it's kinda cool and humid I can get a pretty good cloud of smoke if I punch it at low RPM.

 

Mine lookes like honey when I changed it @ 2700, now @ 4100, it still looks like honey. Evertime I check it, I am waiting to see some discoloration, but not yet.

 

It has to be a 600 thing. I dont know why, but they all seem to be doing it. Funny that they actually increased the change intervals on the 600's.

 

My 94 and my 01 HO oil stayed fairly clean for 2500 to 3000 miles and I was concerned about the black oil I had by 300 miles on my 600, so I posed the question to Powermaster.
Response to my question on black oil from Powermaster @Cummins:
"With only 300 miles, the piston rings have not seated yet. Also, the 04 engine emissions requires different engine timing which has some effect. Black lube oil has never been associated with any engine failures and should not be a major concern. Once the engine has more run time, the black oil should diminish.

Here is what we have shared with others about engine break-in:
What is the recommended break-in procedure for my new Cummins engine?

Cummins does not publish a specific time or mileage threshold that provides when an engine is considered to be broken-in since our engines are used in such a variety of applications and purposes. Here are some general guidelines to consider when breaking-in your new engine:

INTIAL BREAK-IN PERIOD = 1000 miles or less. During this period, the piston rings may not have had a chance to seat yet, which allows cylinder pressure to pass by the rings into the crankcase, causing blowby. After the initial break-in period, the engine will need to be worked to create high enough cylinder temperature to seal the piston rings, which helps prevent blowby.

Vary the engine speed so the entire vehicle, as well as the engine, becomes accustomed to varying speeds, loads, rpm, etc..

For on-highway, automotive applications, operate the engine at 1500 to 1800 rpm in high gear for the first 80 to 160 kilometers (50 to 100 miles). However, DO NOT idle the engine for more than five (5) minutes at any one time during the first 160 kilometers (100 miles).

For off-highway, non-automotive applications, operate the engine at 75% throttle while loaded during the first three (3) hours. Again, DO NOT idle the engine for more than five (5) minutes at any one time. Also, DO NOT operate the engine at rated speed (rpm) and full load for more than five (5) minutes at any one time.

MID BREAK-IN PERIOD. After the first 1000 miles, the engine is ready to be worked, which will help seat the piston rings to avoid blowby and avoid carbon buildup to avoid fuel slobber because of light load operation. If possible, drive in hilly or mountainous areas OR load the truck with 700 - 800 lbs OR pull an empty trailer (tandem car-hauler type)*.

*NOTE: If you use a small single axle trailer, some load on the trailer is recommended.

Certainly everything with a new truck will 'loosen up' after 40 or 50k miles, including the engine, wheel bearings, brakes, etc. etc. We doubt that the engine torque or power will increase much, however. With light loading, the engine can take as high as 30,000 miles to be considered 'broken in'.

When the bearings, brakes, engine, etc. do 'wear in', the truck may seem to perform better, just because you will have less resistance from all these new components. The amount of fuel consumed by the engine may improve slightly after the break-in period, however, there are many other variables involved with the vehicle chassis that will affect MPG, more than the engine."

 

Sloppy: I disagree with all diesels have black oil right away. This is my 3rd Cummins in 10 years and the 94 and 01 HO stay clean for a long time. If idleing lots, or towing heavy, they will get black sooner of course.

My 600 was totally black at 300 miles. Basically no idle time except coasting down hills and the odd light and no towing.

 

Well motor oil does three basic things , Lubricate , Cool ,and Clean , I use premium blue and change my 600 at 10000 miles.

 

My oil was black as tar after just a few hundred miles and has been sence. I changed it at 4000 miles and will do it again at 10000. I now have 9000 on the truck and plan to change it every 6000.

 

Mine is black as well....I guess this is normal??

 

I am wondering if anyone has clean oil after say 1500 miles.

If you do have clean oil, do you have the tic/knock at idle or shudder at take off? I think I just posted a vote type question.