I hit 3800 miles and was wondering if I should do the A or B schedule for oil changes. So far I drive to and from work 17 miles, hilly roads. I tow a 3500 pound boat every weekend up to a couple hundred miles. 2000 miles were a road trip to AZ. Should I change the oil now or at 7500 miles? Thanks!

 

I'd do a change now, Dave, to get any break-in debris out of the system. Then I think I'd do changes somewhere in between the 2 limits. 95% of my engine hours are at 1800 rpm at 65 mph, and I run the changes out to the 7500 mile mark. The only true way tell if you're doing the the correct maintenance interval is to send a sample away for analysis.<br><br>Tom

 

I agree, go ahead and get it changed. I just changed mine this week and I only have 2000 miles on it. After this time, I will change it every 3000 miles like I always have with all my vehicles. I know the manual says it can go longer, but I like to stick with what works for me!

 

Speaking of oil changes, I saw something today that really gets me. I was in my local Dodge garage, and in the service department I see a sign that reads something along the lines of this:<br>Attenion all 2003 owners<br>DaimlerChrysler requires the service log book in order to provide warranty work.<br><br>I asked the owner of the dealership what the meant and in his words, it's the the service department at a Dodge dealer has to do the oil changes in order for them to be able to do warranty work. I don't recall reading this in the owner's manual, but I could have missed it. From what I was told, I can provide the oil and filters I want to use, and all they will do is charge labor. Then they take one of the little tickets out of the scheduled maintenance book and staple it to the ticket. I think the other alternative, if you in good with the service manager at your favorite dealer, is to do the oil change yourself and then buy him lunch so he will sign the ticket off for you.<br><br>Anyone else see this? I'm friends with the owner of this dealership, so I'm in pretty good. Just a bit of warning if you guys hadn't seen that. I don't know how stingently they are going to adhere to that, but it's something to be aware of. Surely they DC wouldn't deny warranty service based solely on that scheduled maintenance book, but who knows? On one hand I can see why they'd want to do that, but on the other I think it's kind of dictatorial.

 

Hmmm, that just doesn't sound right to me. The way the game has typcially been played is that if you can provide proof of regular scheduled maintanance, they can't squabble about warranty issues. This usally comes from reciepts for the filters, oil, any labor, etc. But if they are going to start mandating that their dealership network do all maintanance, they may just lose a good (and currently VERY satisfied...)customer... [undecided]

 

Page 284 of the 2003 Owner's Manual states:
&quot;Important: All maintenance other than that listed in this manual as well as some procedures listed here MUST be performed by your local Dodge Truck Dealer.

Those listed in the Maintenance Procedures that followed included all normal maintenance procedures such as engine oil and filter changes, drive belts, air cleaner, fuel filter, batteries, A/C, fluid levels, suspension and wheel bearings, body mechanisms, lights, ........... I won't list everything but you get the idea. In other words you CAN maintain your own vehicle. You CANNOT tamper with emissions systems. None of the usual procedures were identified as dealer only can do. They also tell you where the owner can obtain service literature. Just keep records and receipts so that you can prove it was done.

You may want to show your friend this section in the manual or ask him to show you official DC documentation that states otherwise.

Casey

 

[quote author=balvert link=board=17;threadid=9082;start=0#87695 date=1041588601]<br>Page 284 of the 2003 Owner's Manual states:<br>&quot;Important: All maintenance other than that listed in this manual as well as some procedures listed here MUST be performed by your local Dodge Truck Dealer.<br><br>Those listed in the Maintenance Procedures that followed included all normal maintenance procedures such as engine oil and filter changes, drive belts, air cleaner, fuel filter, batteries, A/C, fluid levels, suspension and wheel bearings, body mechanisms, lights, ........... I won't list everything but you get the idea. In other words you CAN maintain your own vehicle. You CANNOT tamper with emissions systems. None of the usual procedures were identified as dealer only can do. They also tell you where the owner can obtain service literature. Just keep records and receipts so that you can prove it was done.<br><br>You may want to show your friend this section in the manual or ask him to show you official DC documentation that states otherwise.<br><br>Casey<br>[/quote]<br><br>One of the guys was the Service Manger of the shop, and the other was the owner of the dealership. I don't think they'd be hard asses about it since they know me, but what they told me is what they think it is. I was kind of baffled about having to get the little tags signed and staple to the tickets and such. It was weird.

 

My Service Dept manager told me that I am able to do my own routine maintenance IAW the manual, and recommended that I make additional copies of the logbook entry page provided in the owners manual for life of vehicle record keeping and warranty purposes.<br><br>He did add that he would be delighted if I brought the truck in for all routine maintenance. <br><br>They did do my first complimentary oil change. I don't think they used the same oil as what came in it originally - I don't have that strong oil odor at stoplights like I did when I brought it home.

 

I just purchased a 2003 SO 2500. Does anyone know what type of oil is installed at the factory? What type of oil would you recommend for light duty towing (light-weight 24 ft camping trailer). The temperature rarely dips below 20 degrees during the winter months where I live.

How does Mobil's Delvac 1300 campare to Delo?

 

CI-4 rated 15W45 oil. To both questions. I used Rotella T

Casey

 

Where can I purchase Fleetguard oil filters? How do the Mopar oil filters for the Cummins engine compare to the Fleetquard?

 

Ooops. Typo. ;D It is CI-4. Will fix that.

Mopar filters for Cummins engines are made by Fleetguard. The only difference is price. You can buy them from any Cummins Distributor or you can order online at www.genosgarage.com