Oil consumption between changes?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Mandeville, La
Just did my oil change today. I was about 2-2.5 quarts low. I over-fill the rotella -T bottles and I filled 3. I also punch a hole in the filter and let it drain as much as it will while on the engine, so I did recoup some of that oil.
I changed the copper gasket on the drain plug and cleaned the pan. Dont see any oil running down. The sides of the pan are clean except for splashed on road dirt.
Since I only drive the truck around town on weekends, it will be quite a while before I can see what it uses/leaks per mile.
I changed the copper gasket on the drain plug and cleaned the pan. Dont see any oil running down. The sides of the pan are clean except for splashed on road dirt.
Since I only drive the truck around town on weekends, it will be quite a while before I can see what it uses/leaks per mile.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Lamesa,Texas
170,000 miles. oil changed every 4,000 with delo 15-40. I have always changed the oil myself and it has never used a drop between changes. It doesnt matter if I tow my gooseneck stock trailer, my boat, or stay unloaded no oil is every burned. That said, I wouldnt worry about one or two quarts being burned between changes. More than one and I would be disappointed but that is still cheaper than a new motor. Just keep it full!!! No matter how much it uses if you run it low, it will only hurt it. good luck!!!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Mandeville, La
Update: For some reason my dipstick smells strongly of metal. Even near the handle. (Dont beat me up with the obvious responses). I checked the oil, it was black, but clean (no chunks, no bolts, pistons, rods, etc) and had no abnormal smell.
I do see some oily spots around the turbo tubing. I thnk I need to do the CCV mod, but am concerned about the warranty voidance.
I do see some oily spots around the turbo tubing. I thnk I need to do the CCV mod, but am concerned about the warranty voidance.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Newport, N.C
I have an 03' F250 7.3 with 37K and use around 1 1/2 - 2 QTS between changes. I use Rotella T 15W40 and just a piece of advice for what it's worth, I send an oil sample in to have it analyzed every other oil change. Diesels are pretty expensive to fix and $20 every other oil change to me is worht knowing what is going on inside the engine. There are a lot of places out there that provide this service but I use Blackstone Labs out of Ft Wayne IN. Can't remember the exact web site off hand but Google will pull it up. Hope this helps.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 3
From: Virginia - SW (Riner)
Oil Useage
1/2-1qt per 5K - 55K miles on 00 7.3LPSD - Oil changes @ 5K -use Delvac 15W40 Moderate to Heavy loading/pulling 75% of the time.
Heck! mine's just getting broken in at this point.
DG
Heck! mine's just getting broken in at this point.
DG
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: East Wenatchee, WA
2001 7.3 PSD with now 76000 miles on it. Doesn't use a drop at 3000 when I first changed the oil. Bought it with 71000 and changed it at 74000. Filled it up with Royal Purple 15-40 and checked it at work yesterday and with 2000 miles on fully synthetic it hasn't used a drop. Haven't towed much with it yet but if it isn't wide open, it isn't running. LOL. I guess I got lucky when I bought this one. Some old guy owned it and traded it in on a used 2003 with a 6.0L at the Honda dealership I work at. He has had nothing but problems with his new truck and even offered to buy it back from me.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
jakeman68... don't sell that truck...!
i have an 02 7.3 psd with 88k on the clock. i have looked at this carefully, but as best i can tell, she doesn't burn ANY oil. i change every 5k or so with mobil 1 synthetic, 10w-30, just like the spec says, but i am going to the diesel synthetic mobil makes on the next change. the guy who bought this truck new only used it as a commuter everyday, so i think she got broken in real slow. she runs like a champ..
i have an 02 7.3 psd with 88k on the clock. i have looked at this carefully, but as best i can tell, she doesn't burn ANY oil. i change every 5k or so with mobil 1 synthetic, 10w-30, just like the spec says, but i am going to the diesel synthetic mobil makes on the next change. the guy who bought this truck new only used it as a commuter everyday, so i think she got broken in real slow. she runs like a champ..
Last edited by johnny8; Apr 3, 2005 at 06:38 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: East Wenatchee, WA
Well I hadn't planned on selling it anytime soon!! I love this truck and have waited since I was a Senior in High School, when the changed the body style in early 98, for one of these trucks. I already owned a 2001 F-250 for 3 days that come to find out had a bad turbo and a dead cylinder due to a crappy air filter. Long story short, I found a keeper!!
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Aggieland, TX
Originally Posted by wlihntr
01 with 55,000 miles, i go 5000 miles between oil changes and it does not use a drop, even when i am towing my camper and boat...its quite suprising really
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