Oil Changes How Often
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 496
Likes: 34
Oil Changes How Often
Bought this F350 back in October 2019. Had 174k. Did a bunch of upgrades and between summer of 21 and 22 did 3 tows with a 12k 5th wheel for only a total of 400 miles. Been driving sparing in between as a back up vehicle. Only have 177k on it now. The oil was changed in the summer of 21 right before my first tow. Recently I saw a you tube show about a recent study done on storing vehicles for extended periods and moisture condensing in the oil sump and ruining the oil. To make a long story short it debunked that theory and said to go with regular mileage oil changes. So my question is would that be the same for diesel engines too. So what does the wisdom on the forum say.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 1,406
From: Oologah, OK
when you start a Diesel, drive it until it is HOT for at least 30 minutes, more like an hour or so.
that will get rid of the moisture....
"condenses in the oil pump", who thunk of that? it is full of oil, unless it all drains out, and even then, how could moisture get into it anyway?
the moisture will be in the bottom of the pan...
I am right now, at 6,500 miles, with a Blackstone report that it is "cleaner than new", drive it 2,000 miles more and run a new sample test, then we will tell you if you can drive it more yet.
my truck has the " Insane Diesel ByPass oil filter " on it, it filters down to 1 Micron.
read the report
https://mega.nz/file/uMB1DYzC#Xfy0jz...5k7dNFmio66lI0
that will get rid of the moisture....
"condenses in the oil pump", who thunk of that? it is full of oil, unless it all drains out, and even then, how could moisture get into it anyway?
the moisture will be in the bottom of the pan...
I am right now, at 6,500 miles, with a Blackstone report that it is "cleaner than new", drive it 2,000 miles more and run a new sample test, then we will tell you if you can drive it more yet.
my truck has the " Insane Diesel ByPass oil filter " on it, it filters down to 1 Micron.
read the report
https://mega.nz/file/uMB1DYzC#Xfy0jz...5k7dNFmio66lI0
CNCFAB
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 4,874
Likes: 2,006
What oil did you use for the oil change?
I generally play it safe, oil change once a year regardless of miles and I prefer Rotella T6 synthetic 15w-40 or 5w-40 depending on climate. Same for my fuel filters.
Oil is cheap vs engine or component wear. (I do usually put 4-5k miles on per year so it works out well too) If I do drive more then usual I change oil every 5k
I generally play it safe, oil change once a year regardless of miles and I prefer Rotella T6 synthetic 15w-40 or 5w-40 depending on climate. Same for my fuel filters.
Oil is cheap vs engine or component wear. (I do usually put 4-5k miles on per year so it works out well too) If I do drive more then usual I change oil every 5k
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,266
Likes: 1,649
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
IMO replace oil every 5K regardless of years.
that's if the truck gets driven enough for the engine to get up to temp to evaporate any moisture. If only gets driven a mile here and there then I would suggest to drive it more.
that's if the truck gets driven enough for the engine to get up to temp to evaporate any moisture. If only gets driven a mile here and there then I would suggest to drive it more.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 1,406
From: Oologah, OK
What oil did you use for the oil change?
I generally play it safe, oil change once a year regardless of miles and I prefer Rotella T6 synthetic 15w-40 or 5w-40 depending on climate. Same for my fuel filters.
Oil is cheap vs engine or component wear. (I do usually put 4-5k miles on per year so it works out well too) If I do drive more then usual I change oil every 5k
I generally play it safe, oil change once a year regardless of miles and I prefer Rotella T6 synthetic 15w-40 or 5w-40 depending on climate. Same for my fuel filters.
Oil is cheap vs engine or component wear. (I do usually put 4-5k miles on per year so it works out well too) If I do drive more then usual I change oil every 5k
when I change it, I am going to use a bucket that I bought years ago, might as well use it.
when that is out-of-life,
I will go back to Rotella, but with T6 5w40 for easier cold weather starting.
the Lorenzo stuff is over-priced IMO... but it has additives no other oil does.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 308
Change it when need be by mileage...unless it sits a really long time. Given you are mainly towing, you might change it now...if I remember the owner manual calls for every 3k it towing/working the 7.3L, and 5k otherwise...
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,345
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
I change my oil at ~5,000 mile intervals regardless of time elapsed. I check it often and certainly at the start of the day when towing.
I have been using Rotella T6 5w40 for years, but plan to try TSC Travellers on the next oil change and will perform a UOA for each to ensure I am happy with the results and oil performance.
I have been using Rotella T6 5w40 for years, but plan to try TSC Travellers on the next oil change and will perform a UOA for each to ensure I am happy with the results and oil performance.
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2019
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I used Rotella T5. i think 15-30 or 40. Where do you get a UOA. I'm thinking that is getting your oil analyzed.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2017
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Just did a zero mile oil change on a truck that sat for 3 years with brand new oil that I put in. It was probably more for me than the truck lol but still worth it. On the Rig it’s every 5,000 fuel filter at 10,000.
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,409
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From: Reed Point, MT
3000 miles +/-100
Check oil every other trip even though I only have one that leaks anything (and it ain't much).
I change oil once every year if I've driven one of them only 1500 miles over the summer. The cold weather is hell on oil when it sits due to frost buildup inside the engine at sub-zero temperatures and the resulting condensation when it warms up.
I have one with oil from 2020...but it hasn't done anything but sit (start it occasionally) since I put it together.
Papa Smurf
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 204
From: Woodstock, GA
Used to change mine every 3000, but have moved to 5000 nowadays. I'd think whatever brand of oil you use today is better than the oil mixes they used 20+ years ago.
Just a daily driver not a work truck, but with over 500k miles, seems the oil changes were just fine over the years.
Just a daily driver not a work truck, but with over 500k miles, seems the oil changes were just fine over the years.
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 496
Likes: 34
OK I think I'll finish out the winter and spring and my next camping trip I'll change it before I leave. I took the fuel filters out of the tank and did a in-line external filter. It is a see thru so I should be able to visualize it if it's bad.