I'm using schedule B, which states 3750 miles, even though my rig gets light use (schedule A). I personally think oil and a filter are cheap insurance.

 

As I stated, the "Schedule B" 3750 miles service is for CA SO engines only. Read the fine print.

I agree, however that is is cheap insurance.

 

O.K., inquiring minds have to know??? what kind of oil is Mopar oil that "nonford" mentioned. I called a dealer service guy today and he didn't didn't have a clue (susprise-suprise). Other than it is 15-40, he couldn't tell me anything more about it.
Wayne

 

That's one of those well kept corporate secrets. I've been told at our dealership of no name to protect the innocent that Kendall was the maker of the oil they use for gas engines but that was a while ago. It could be Maxwell House this year for all I know.
The oil that comes in our Cummins is Valvoline Premium Blue. So for good times and restful nights, I use Valvoline PB when I change mine at 7500 miles. Castrol used to brew Premium Blue (Cummins recipe) but now Valvoline has the contract.

 

Yep, after digging it is the valvoline. It was killing me too! Friday, I stopped in to pick up my cup holder lights and just walked back to the service area and the mechanic told me it was valvoline. He also said that is what's in them on the lot. Can't believe I was chasing down oil....

 

Even though I don't have an SO i follow the Ca schedule also. I agree that it's cheap insurance and I tow heavy and hot 70% of the time or better...

my .02

-Richard

 

Regarding the enduring 'cheap insurance' line of thought, I have to ask... if you spend just a little money on something that's totally unecessary, are you really getting a bargain?

When talking about modern engines and oils there is no data - none - that indicates you will get any additional engine longivity by changing your oil at 2X-3X the recommended interval. In fact if you do a search on this forum and look at member's own oil analysis results for late-model Cummins diesels you will note that there is no significant contamination of the oil or degradation of the oil's protective elements even at 10k miles or more. If changing your oil frequently provides some psychological comfort then I guess you are at least getting something for your money, but whatever it is it's probably not increased engine life.

I don't mean this to be negative or to make fun of anyone, but I'm not aware of any real, objective information that would lead one to change the oil at 3k-4k miles, unless the engine is operating under some very unusual, very severe service conditions.

 

smiller,

I think you are right. I can remember when changing oil was something you did often otherwise problems cropped up relatively soon, especially on gas engines.

However, almost all manufacturers are upping the numbers. With better oils (synthetics) and better engines, longer periods of time can go with oil changes. For example, on my 2004 Honda, they don't want you to change the oil before 5000 miles and the dealer does the first oil change for free. Even under Schedule B on the CTD, it is 7500 miles. On my 96 P-car, it was 7500 miles (also an inline 6, but air cooled).

For those that change it often, it won't hurt the engine, but it could just be added expense. I think the right way to go is for oil analysis and base it upon how the oil is holding up. Or schedule B. I couldn't imagine being on Schedule A..

 

Most of us have paid a $5K+ premium for our diesel engines but we would like to get value for our money. Send a sample to one of the oil analysis labs and see what their report says. They will make suggestions concerning oil change intervals. As long as you do not drastically change the conditions the engine is operated under you can use their recommendation. Then maybe every fourth or fifth oil change send another sample just to keep tabs on the health of your engine. If you change operating enviroments, BOMB severely, or MPG changes considerably send a sample and get a report. Really good piece of mind and you know your getting best value for your money.

L8r,..........dogger

Days on, Sweatin' in the Sahara Desert