OK, being the good little owner I am, I am following the requirements of my dealer and changing my oil every 3750 miles. This isn't a big deal to me, and it is a simple enough job. I would like to get the cost of each oil change down as much as possible. I am already buying the filter packs from Geno's which makes for a nice savings, so now I got to figure how I can cut the cost of the oil down.

I currently buy my oil by the gallong from my local cummins shop. I use the Premium Blue by Valvoline and it runs me about $8 per gallon. I have a little bit of space in my garage and I thought a 55 gallon drum of oil would fit nicely there. Does anyone else do this? Here are my questions:

1. Can I buy 55 gallong drums and have them delivered to my house?

2. What are the safety requirements that I might have to meet?

3. Are there any concerns with the oil sitting there for months on end?

4. Is the price break on a 55 gallon drum enough to warrant doing this?

5. Is there a charge for the drum, that I get re-imbursed when I return it empty?

6. What kind of pump do I need to operate it? Is there something manual that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

7. What am I overlooking?

 

I buy my Delo in 55 gallon drums, cost me $215 ($3.90/ga) last Nov. Wal-Mart price for 1 ga Delo is around $6.
There was a first time $25 drum deposit, but that was 30 years ago, it's probably more now. If the drum is dinged up such as from dropping it off the tailgate you won't get the deposit back but most jobbers are lenient.
A manual pump that costs less than $40 works fine.
The drum should be kept out of the weather but I know of no safety requirements.

Here's the catch, Chevron says their oil should be used within a year of manufacture due to additive fallout (sinking to the bottom). Don't know what other brands require but imagine it's the same. I have no problem going though two drums a year with other trucks and tractors but it may be a consideration for you. Delo also comes in 5 gallon tubs which are a price break over one gallon jugs and may work better for you. Storage will be easier and no pump required.

 

I am averaging one change per month, so 55 gallons would last me about 18 months. Does that seem like too long for the additive seperation to occur? Is the oil I use in my diesel good for my gas burner? Since my gasser is well out of warranty I aint worried about that, but it would help me justify the barrel.

Where do I start looking for a supplier?

 

Delo 400 also qualifies as a gasoline engine oil, if you can live with the weight. I have always (over 30 years) used it in all of my vehicles. We have almost 200,000 on a 4.0 Ranger using Delo 15-40. My Gold Wing uses it, as well as the Intruders.

I have not found a source for the oil in larger quantities for many years. Used to get it from the Chevron distributer.

 

Personally, I believe and oil change every 3750 miles is a total waste of oil and time but it is your time and your money.
If you're concerned about the oil additives settling out, just run the pump on recirc on the drum for ten minutes or so before you pump the oil out to put in the truck. The oil will be fine in storage as long as the drum is not subject to temperature swings that would tend to expand and contract the void in the drum and draw in moisture when cooling off.
I have seen the drums stored horizontal with a spring loaded valve on the small hole. Gives you automatic shut off and no pump.

 

Hey Dude, good point I hadn't thought about. Do I have to store it horizontally, or can it stand on end? If it has to lay on it's side, any recommendations for a platform for it, and how you get it on it? I am guessing it has to weigh in over 300 pounds.

 

I've also used Delo 15w/40 in all my gassers for 30 years no problem.
In warm LV you should have no problem at all.

Just look in the yellow pages for a jobber, these are the guys who fill fuel tanks for farms, folks with oil burning heaters, etc. There should be plenty in your area. My local jobber will deliver for no change when they bring fuel but I've always picked it up myself. Sort of helps that I have a forklift to unload it though! When I've seen them deliver it they just slide it upright onto a tire to cushion the fall then hand truck it.
No big deal at all with a hand truck.

I tried laying the drum down on it's side with a valve, lasted about the first time. It was a pain venting the drum when full without making a mess, temperature swings caused leaks also. I ended up flipping the drum upright except when pouring oil. Plus the drum is easier to handle upright.

A pump similar to this one has worked for me for years-
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...&categoryId=54

I also agree that the 3750 mile changes are a waste. Though oil analysis I've found my Delo is still good to go at 10k. I've settled on 8k changes just to be on the safe side. I'll bet if you do analysis you'll find the oil is still good to go on your '03 at 15k. Just because it looks black doesn't mean anything on a diesel.

 

You could find a drum like I have with the small hole on the top and the big hole in the side. If you were closer, I'd give you one of the ones I have here at the house. It is heavy duty with a side bung and galvanized too.

 

WHy change oil at 3750 miles unless you have the California engine?
Schedule B is 7500 miles isn't it for the 03?
Schedule A is 15k or 1 year isn't it for the 03?

You could run Redline, Amsoil, or another synthetic to 15k easily without an oil analysis, just change the filter at 7000k and top off and keep going.

 

The schedule that came with my truck, and instructed by my dealer to follow has me at changes every 3750.

 

My girlfriends dad buys Shafer synthetic oil in 30 gal drums. The stuff retails for ~17$/ gal and if you buy it in bulk you can get it for (I believe) ~9$/gal. GREAT oil I change at about 10k and the oil analysis says I could go for a solid 19k .
Scott

 

Nevada being a CALI bordering state gets the CALI version... at least thats what i`ve heard someone else will chime in

 

I got mine through an auto broker from a dealer in Phoenix. It is an HO and definitely not a CALI model.

 

ViperSBT

In your Maintenance book does it have a "cross" icon next to the 3750?

If it does you have to read the fine print....the 3750 only applies to the california engines. The other engines on Schedule B are 7500k.

I know, because I fell into the same dealer- false recommendation.

 

I'm not reading what you guys are doing with the used oil?
Nat