barngal6

New 2017.
I know the oil changes are supposed to be 15K miles, but in a gasser I was always told to do a change after the first 1K to flush out nittie grittees or something

Good idea?

FMB

As far as oil changes, its OK to wait to do the 1st change at 15k miles or 6 months (whichever comes first, keep your receipts). I do have a few suggestions for you though. Go visit Geno's and pick up an oil drain valve. It will make your changes SO much easier.

Second suggestion: if your 17 is like my 15, you have hardly any access room for your oil filter change. As such, the filter must be tilted sideways to get it in/out the wheel well area. A large zip lock bag helps, but is clumsy at best. Someone started making a oil filter cap that screws onto the filter after you drop it down, and it seals it from leaking. You can then pull it out sideways. It is also used in putting your filled new filter back in through the wheel well.

Third suggestion: if you want to keep touch on how your engine is breaking in and wearing down, you can send an oil sample to a lab. They will tell you what is in the oil, what may be wearing down and if the engine seems to be breaking in normally (or abnormally). I use Blackstone and have for both of my trucks. If nothing else, it is peace of mind. Free sample kits and very easy to grab a sample if you use the drain valve as suggested above.
Back to morning brew . . .

barngal6

Thanks! I've had the oil drain valve on a couple of vehicles and yes, it makes a huge difference! I was using the ziplock trick on my 12v and it worked ok, but I'll bet there is less access on this new fancy truck. I didn't even know if I could do the oil changes myself on this truck. With your advice I'm definitely going to look into it.
I've always heard people talk about testing their oil and never knew where to do it. I appreciate the link.
Now I have to look into what kind of oil to get.

FMB

I'm partial to Delo 400LE and now they sell it in a 5 qt jug. Not as convenient as a gallon jug, but wth. I drain directly into saved 1 gal jugs and take them back to the store.

barngal6

I have used Delo 400LE in my old truck, but since I never did an oil anaysis I didn't really know how good it was.
Its convenient because you can find it pretty regularly

barngal6

Second suggestion: if your 17 is like my 15, you have hardly any access room for your oil filter change. As such, the filter must be tilted sideways to get it in/out the wheel well area. A large zip lock bag helps, but is clumsy at best. Someone started making a oil filter cap that screws onto the filter after you drop it down, and it seals it from leaking. You can then pull it out sideways. It is also used in putting your filled new filter back in through the wheel well.


Great tool! Thank you FMB