some quick advice please

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Jan 23, 2009 | 12:11 AM

Kris.

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some quick advice please

hey everyone, i have a quick question on oil changes. I am about 500 miles overdue on my oil change, but i am in the middle of moving and am REALLY strapped for money. How long can i go on this oil without messing my truck up. I was going to head into my oil shop tomorrow and have them top the truck off but im just wondering if this is going to ruin my engine or not. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks a lot everyone.

-Kris

Jan 23, 2009 | 12:26 AM

gmm

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What is your normal change interval? Most oils will last at least two times the old change it every 3k miles saying. Most important thing is to make sure it always has enough.

Jan 23, 2009 | 01:11 AM

truckeemtnfords

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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH

Don't worry about it, do it when you can, just don't run it to low. My last change got away from me and was 11,000 mile on dino (not good, I know).

Jan 23, 2009 | 07:40 AM

F350-6

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From: Texas

What oil are you running, and how often do you normally change it? Your fuel injectors fire off of engine oil, so extended drain intervals can leak to injector issues ($300 ea) down the road.

If you're running a good quality oil, and plan on having it changed before 6000 miles, you'll probably be fine. I've had oil analysis done on several oils at the 5000 mark, and all of them could have stayed in there longer in my truck.

Jan 23, 2009 | 08:09 AM

Izzy351

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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth

You can definitely go longer than the "normal" 5000 mile OCI as Chris stated, especially with syn oils. However, you can get 3-5qt jugs of Motorcraft 15W-40 for ~$35, and a Motorcraft filter for $10 at Wal-Mart. That's a $45 oil change -- if you're already pushing it, you might be able to pull that off.

Jan 23, 2009 | 09:34 AM

brian42

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From: San Diego, CA

I also thought that the anti-foaming agents in the oil break down over time (which is bad for us and the high pressure oil used to fire the injectors)...?

Jan 23, 2009 | 10:17 AM

Kris.

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ok cool then it sounds like im safe. another question what is a good oil to run in our engines? my vw's i always use mobil 1.

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Jan 23, 2009 | 10:28 AM

edub32

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From: Rural Central Ohio

i just run tractor supply traveller oil 15w-40. I'm telling you this is the best oil for your money. i've heard good things about rotella also.

Jan 23, 2009 | 10:33 AM

#10

87 F-150 I6

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From: Parker, CO

I run Rotella 5w40 syn, its great in the winter time and it quieted down the truck. You can get it at Wally world

Jan 23, 2009 | 10:37 AM

#11

F350-6

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian42

I also thought that the anti-foaming agents in the oil break down over time (which is bad for us and the high pressure oil used to fire the injectors)...?

Yes, but the anti-foam additive seems to hold up well as long as you stick within the 5-6k interval. Some have reported running longer with no issues, but I don't do that.

I've used Delo, Rotella, Valvoline, Mobil Delvac, all in the 15w-40 range and all have performed well. I think the TSC oil is mystic, which is owned by Hugo Chavez.

Jan 23, 2009 | 04:13 PM

#12

brian42

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From: San Diego, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by F350-6

Yes, but the anti-foam additive seems to hold up well as long as you stick within the 5-6k interval. Some have reported running longer with no issues, but I don't do that.performed well.

Good to know. Thanks. (sorry I can't rep ya, gotta spread it around)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kris.

ok cool then it sounds like im safe. another question what is a good oil to run in our engines? my vw's i always use mobil 1.

I've used Rotella dino and syn and had good luck with both. I'm currently using Mobil Delvac (got a good deal on it). My truck seems to burn a little more oil with the Mobil but it also seems to be running a bit smoother. Most of the diesel oils are good as long as you make sure they have the correct rating (CJ-4 or CI-4 I can't remember which) and change it at regular intervals. I've got nothing against Shell but my rig seems to like the Mobil.

Jan 23, 2009 | 08:24 PM

#13

Kris.

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well i ended up changing it with rotella, then i drove about 320 miles to my new place here in portland, i got great mileage and yes my truck either is a lot quieter or i just have that mindset and am convincing myself its quieter. So far i like it though. Thanks for all the help and advice from everyone!!!