I changed my oil for the first time (first time diesel owner), not too bad of a job. That oil filter is a pretty cool setup. Anyway, the owners manual states the service interval to be 7500 miles between changes. Is that what others are doing? That gets pretty expensive if you drive a fair amount of miles, I thought diesels did not get the oil changed that frequently. I used Rotella T (non-synthetic 15W-40) as well if that makes a difference. Thanks guys

 

Rotella is one of the best oils in my opinion. I actually change my oil more often than7500 miles (3-5 depending), but I work the truck pretty darn hard hauling campers and pulling boats.

 

I bought my 2005 X used with 12000 miles on it. I have changed my oil at 17K and I am about to do it again at 22K. I am going to get an analysis done and see if I can push it out to 7500.

I am using non-syn rotella.

 

Welcome to the diesel world...

I use Rotella T-Synth. oil (5W-40) and love it. Normal changes are 7,500 miles and 5,000 for severe. Most here change at 5,000 miles due to the shearing of the oil (all brands) by this motor.

Whether you use dino oil or synth oil it doesn't matter. The 6.0L motor thrives on clean and fresh oil of the proper viscosity and rating. The newest oil rating is CI4+ which your Rotella is.

I picked up 1 mile per gallon after swithcing to Synth Rotella and my winter start-ups are easier and quicker!!

I would change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles and consider a fumoto oil drain plug/valve to make the changes even easier (fumoto.com).

Good luck and enjoy.

 

I guess it's all a matter of perspective. I change my oil with dino Rotella T 15W-40 every 5,000 miles. I wouldn't consider going beyond this interval without an oil analysis. Reasons: Shearing of the oil, buildup of combustion by-products in the oil, and fuel dilution of the oil. I look at an oil change as cheap insurance. Spend $40-$75 for an oil change or spend around $10,000 for an engine change. After spending $40,000 plus for your ride, why get cheap on it's life blood? I've never understood the mentality of short-changing the maintenance after spending so much on the purchase. But maybe that's just me.

 

most chnage at 5,000 miles the book says 7,500 miles which is the limit. 7500 miles is a long time not to change the oil.

 

Great reply's thanks. I think I'll do it every 5000 miles, sounds like good insurance.

 

Where are you guys buying the "Rotella T-Synth"? I am using Castrol at the moment and it is not to bad. And can you get away with the 5w40? How light can you go? I do little if no towing the truck really has an easy life so far. And yes the Fumoto valve is the Shiz-nit. A Must have!!!

 

I use 5W-40 in AK. We need it up here. If we didn't have it, our trucks wouldn't start.

 

I buy Rotella T-Synth. (5W-40) at Walmart. Comes in gallon jugs. If they do not have it, they can order as Walmart is a nationwide dist. I am told.

 

I was in a Tractor Supply today and noticed they sell the Rotella T 5W-40 synthetic also.

 

Beachbum where are you located. I would like to hear from some southern guys to see how the oil handles the southern summers. Atl, GA here and from MI holy-crap does it get hot down here. Thanks for the wal-mart tip.

 

I am in Kansas City...not far enough South for what your looking for.

Also check out the site below as they have a good oil related forum to see what others are doing and asking...

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

I personally switched to Rotella-Syn after 50,000 miles and I am now a true believer in synthetic oil. My 6.0L motor likes it better in the winter/colder temps and based on what I read about cold and high heat protection, I know it is working on my behalf in the summer. I am a believer in using only oils that are CI4+ rated and Rotella-Syn is and is widely available at a fair price (reason for decision and not written to insite a riot on the boards).

Jeff

 

Question about this subject in general. I change mine every 7,500 miles because I normally do only a highway commute to work, heavy hauling is infrequent so far. Plus at 5000 I'd have to change the oil every 6 weeks and $50 a pop that's a bit much for me.


Anyhow, the question is, I've changed my oil twice and the first time I put 14qts in and it registered full on the stick, this last time it registered full at 13qts. Am I missing something? I leave the drain plug out until there is less than a steady drip and I'm on flat ground.. Is this normal?

Tym

 

Lets do some math...

Every 6 weeks is 8.6 oil changes (52 divided by 6) = 9 oil changes lets say. At $50.00/change thats $450.00 ($50 X 9).

Using your numbers above... 5,000 every 6 weeks, that equates to 833 per week of driving.... or every 9 weeks at 7,500 miles (833 X 9).

At a rate of every 9 weeks, you would be changing oil 5.7 times (52 divided by 9) or lets call it 6 times. At $50.00/oil change times 6 = $300.

So, in the course of one year. you save $150.00 or $12.50/month or 1 case of cheap beer.

I hope your changing out the fuel filters every 15,000 miles, the air filter every 30,000 miles or so and the tranny every 30,000 miles?

OK, yes you are saving money, but everyone that does oil analysis can show where all oils shear-down to that of a 30 weight and then stabilize... but the fact is that under load and in extreme heat, many of us do not want 30 weight oil... hence we change at 5,000 mile intervals.

Are you doing damage, I would guess not and being highway miles is a lot less stressfull on a motor, but shearing of oil is shearing of oil. I would consider a synthetic oil (raises your cost), but even though it will also shear down, it shears less and will protect better due to the benefits of synth. oil.

Just my .02 worth... good luck and enjoy.