How do you (as in all you's out there) determine when to change engine oil? Time, mileage, whenever you remember?
If by mileage, whose recommendations do you follow?
Do you use regular or synthetic oil?
Name brand or store brand?
What about the oil filter?
If you use the old standby of every 3000 miles you may be changing oil more frequently than what's really required. Newer cars in particular may not require as frequent changes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. The Honda: Every 7500 miles (manufacturers recommendation, going by the onboard computer). Mobil One synthetic 5W20 (manufacturers recommended oil grade, my choice on the oil type) Filter changed every oil change. When the factory warranty runs out I'll probably continue that formula more or less
2. The Jeep (long out of warranty): Depends; Every 7500 - 8500 miles except in the hot summer months. Then it's changed at 3500 - 4000 miles. Mobil One synthetic 10W30 is the oil. Filter every time.
I ran a Bronco II V6 up to 180,000 miles using the same oil and change plan that I use for the Jeep. It still ran strong when I sold it.
The RV: (1983, 80,000 miles on engine)
I used to change it once a year as it was relatively low mileage use and never used on short trips. Oil filter with every change. Store brand, 10W30 oil. I used to use Mobil One in it but it developed a slow oil leak so I changed to store brand regular oil; cheaper to add a quart every so often than repair the leak.
A neighbor has a buddy who is a trucker. He owns a Ford Powerstroke and started to wonder how frequently to change the oil too. 15 quarts is an expensive oil change.
So he started taking oil samples to an auto lab for review. He started at 4k, then 5k, then 6k. At 7k the lab told him the oil was still fine, but he said that he was starting to get nervous about the condition of the oil.
Seems to me that you want to change the oil while it is still good.
I currently change my powerstroke out at 5k miles. But I tow with it and sometimes chip the engine. I also change the tranny fluid out at 60k.
My wife's Hyundai Santa Fe is running synthetic. That is a 7k change, as she drives it like she is delivering nitroglycerin.
I'll see if I can find out where he took his oil for analysis.
-f-
Diesels can be different. Shouldn't the new low sulfur fuel should make it possible for extended intervals. ?
I read someplace that WalMart uses incredibly long intervals for its mostly over the road fleet. They use analysis.
My newer Chevy has an on-board computer that tells me what % of oil life I have left. So I guess using that I would be going by manufacturers recommendation.
That's like the Honda
The wifes Volvo is changed at 7,500 miles as per factory recommendation. Use Castrol 15W40
The Powerstroke (99) uses Amsoil 15W40 for extended run. Filter changed at 12,500 and complete oil at 25,000. It is a little costly at change time but the skipping of 3 oil changes makes a difference at 15-16 quarts. It has been on this schedule for 8 years.
I am a firm believer in frequent oil changes and.....have never had an engine go bad. I had a Wagoneer that was near a half million miles when the body literly fell apart from rust.
On all the vehicles, including my diesel, I change the oil every month and the filter every other month.
I have been burning the old oil in my truck this summer but also use it around my pole foundations.
I do not use synthetic oil.
My old tool wagon has over 250,000 miles on it and has been the most reliable truck I ever had. (Chevy S-10 V-6) I change the oil 2-3 times a year when I think about it. No brand preference.
2006 f-150, 4wd, 5.4 ltse v-8. i got 276,000 out of my last p.u. by changing every 3,000 w/filter(pennzoil 10w-30). now i go 5,000 w/semi synth. w/ filter(5w-20). consumers now says just follow mfgr"s rec's. oil has improved alot.
On cars, I always change filters when I change oil, they go together and always have for me. As for the frequency, that depends on the vehicle.
my old truck would burn some oil and was noticeably sluggish and "off" after about 2500 miles unless I topped her off. After a change she'd perk right up. That was a v8 dodge that I used conventional oil, but always the same brand/weight (havoline 10w30). My truck now, a v6 toyota and go about 5000 miles on mobile 1 synthetic with the fram filter(5w30). The oil usually still looks good wen I drain it. My wifes car varies, somewhere between 5000-6000 when I get around to it and notice it's time. Sometimes she does the drive-thru oil change and I have no idea what they put in. When I do it I use castrol 5w30 on hers.
Basically, oil will break down under wear and under temp and over time. I dont want to press my luck on any of those.
The oil in mowers and small engines get changed every March, with whatever I have in the garage. I also blow out small engine air filters with a compressor then too. Dont usually have to top them off but I do check the oil over the summer. I have worked on all of those engines from time to time and done carb jobs on some of them, they run like a champ. Except for the blower I bought new all of them were used/abused/throw aways I was able to bring back to life.
I never change it often enough, but my old 92 Dodge with a Cummins is still running for it's second owner.
Some years ago Consumer Reports did a study on oil change frequency with taxi fleets in NY City.
Groups of new cabs were put in service with oil changes done at 3,000 5,000 7,500 and 10,000 miles. Any mechanical problems that could be attributed to oil degradation were noted and several engines from each group were torn down and examined for wear at 250,000 miles. Over the study period no detectable difference was found between 3K and 7.5K intervals and only very small differences with a 10K interval.
The oil companies objected on various ground. Different brands, types, grades and synthetics were not compared. Cab service involves very few cold starts, considered hard on engine oil.
On the other hand if you have ever observed how the average NY cabbie drives, it would definitely be severe service. And the cars had numerous drivers over the test period, none of whom owned the cars.
I've tried to find the actual study online and couldn't, so this is from memory. I found lots of references to it, many differing in small parts from my recollection. I think the study took place before the internet became widespread so CR may not have had a web site at that time. Oil additive technology has come a long way in that time so the findings would be at least as relevant today.
john,
i have the report in the magazine(i save cr reports) your info is essentially correct.
The new guy here. As I turn wrenches for a living I get asked this question A LOT! And for the most part there is no set answer. Old engines used to be easy, 30wt. in the cold and 40 or 50wt. in Mojave in August but now engines have very different needs internally. Some manufacturers spec. 5w30 oil because the light wt. oil helps meet epa mileage requirements while others such as the Dodge overhead cam V8s NEED!!! light weight synthetic oil to prevent a potential sludging problem were oil pools in the head and becomes extremely hot and regular oils begin to sludge up (this is the only engine I know from experience to do this).
A new engine is the most critical for frequent oil changes as that is when metal components are getting to know each other and sharp edges are rounding into that perfect fit you hope will last a long time and more you change it then the less chance of those edges finding their way back from where they came.
I have never seen a need for additives as most good oils come with them from the start and if your oil should need help it would be toward the end of its service life not at the same time you just changed the oil. Ultimately an oil analysis is the only sure way to know when your particular situation warrants changing.
I don't recommend a certain brand of oil as there are many good brands available but one thing I do recommend is that people cut open their old oil filter,........You can make your mind up for yourself about quality there, If it has cardboard end caps and is falling apart inside itself it should be a "No Brainer" (I don't like the orange ones).
I have had several engines go well over 200,000 miles without an oil related failure and I don't baby anything, EVER! I am also the mech. around here so that means my oil gets changed,...Um...Um...well it does just not on any set schedule d*, (5k-7k on non-synthetic) I just use a good oil, A good filter, And believe it or not I go by the smell, It starts to pick up a slight "Burnt" smell as the oil gets saturated with dirt and carbon.
But the one thing that is a known fact is they will run longer on old oil than no oil! ;)
I read the consumers reports taxi fleet test somewhere online.
w* cordwood. Interesting note about the Dodge OHC V8's.
I've been a fan of synthetics, Mobil 1 in particular, since the late 70's. I needed an oil that would allow engine starts at low (-40, sometimes lower) temperatures in situations where there was no power for an engine block or coolant heater. They had come out with a 5W20 that fit the bill. I see they now have a 0W20 that is supposed to pour as low as -53 degrees. :o
I'm glad I don't have to worry about that any more. ;D
Hey Cordwood, I was head mechanic at Dodge in 1970 in Lincoln City, Oregon. Ballard Motors. It was interesting. I went to a diesel shop and learned welding after that.
I also am bad about changing oil d* If I have a leaker, -- and add oil ...isn't that rather a change, of sorts? hmm
Quote from: MountainDon on October 23, 2008, 11:51:38 AM
How do you (as in all you's out there) determine when to change engine oil? Time, mileage, whenever you remember?
It real simple. Take on the dip stick and lick it. if it taste real bad its time for a change. Glad I could help.
d*
i assume you are still talking about a vehicle glen. ;D
That's right, Dan. I had to go back and make sure I had not left another comment in there that could have been mis-interpreted. I didn't want Stink thinking bad things about me and my beautiful mind. ::)
(That one is courtesy Barbara Bush and her beautiful mind) http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0429-11.htm
Quote from: glenn kangiser on October 28, 2008, 12:16:03 AM
Hey Cordwood, I was head mechanic at Dodge in 1970 in Lincoln City, Oregon. Ballard Motors. It was interesting. I went to a diesel shop and learned welding after that.
I also am bad about changing oil d* If I have a leaker, -- and add oil ...isn't that rather a change, of sorts? hmm
Just remember to change the filter once in a while and "WE" should be fine ::) ;) I like to call it "passive undercarriage lubrication!" 8)
Something I would like to add for those who use an oil change facility like Wal-Mart or Jiffy Lube etc.. Check your oil level BEFORE you leave their lot, Have them show you it is full! I have had many customers come to me and say their cars are using a quart or more of oil in as little as 500 miles after an oil change from a chain service. When we added more to make them full they somehow traveled the remainder with no further loss!?!?!
I am not trying to say they are thieves it's just with cars ranging from 4 qts to 6 qts in similar models and 15 for a diesel pick up it is very easy for a high flow shop to overlook the exact amount your particular car needs. Things like an optional oil cooler on a tow package make a difference they may have not noticed. And as for the thieves, Well every 5 cars he shorts a qt. he gets a free oil change on old bessie! >:(
Glenn said
QuoteIf I have a leaker
Depends ;D
Quote from: John C on October 28, 2008, 11:50:57 AM
Glenn said
QuoteIf I have a leaker
Depends ;D
This so defines this group..... heh
I had Jiffy Lube twice not Grease even though they said they had. When pointed out to them, they immediately lubed the fittings.
My wifes neice had her's done at Wally World. Same day her father checked and it was the same dirty oil. They hadn't changed but stated they did. Young females are a perfect target. Needless to say they no longer do her oil changes.
Quote from: StinkerBell on October 28, 2008, 12:13:51 PM
Quote from: John C on October 28, 2008, 11:50:57 AM
Glenn said
QuoteIf I have a leaker
Depends ;D
This so defines this group..... heh
Age will catch up to you , Stink --- heh
Age? Pffffffffft, you pass four kids and see what happens with you.
OHhhhhh, Stink....... I have trouble passing a Burrito Grande. My hat's off to you..... rofl
Yeah, Peter, you tell her... and remind her that we were once kids too... [crz]
:-X
I listen to my husband all the time! It's the obeying I have not put into practice yet...
However I have a great solution for this!
When we agree we do things his way, when we disagree we do things my way.....see 50/50 heh
I am not sure if you are a man of faith. We are a family of faith. I tend to point out to my hubby that he is required.....yup required to love me and I do not have the same requirement.....
Well I suspect she is doing that, cause Jesus should be the head of household....Sounds to me like you might be confused..... heh
That is just so sad.
You really should not get your facts from the history channel.
How do we get from oil change frequency to ridiculing religious beliefs?
Quote from: benevolance on October 29, 2008, 02:33:20 PM
... Do not want to upset too many people...
Yes you do Peter, you enjoy denigrating people's religion. You've done it before.
Most of the real believers will say a prayer for you anyways.
Benevolence, you are not being honest here.
I said I was not sure if you were a man of faith, your next post opened the door "speaking of faith".
Now what you could have done was said, hey sorry for the confusion, but I am non believer can we change the direction of the conversation.
I would have respected that. But instead you had to soapbox the issue.
so my turn.
If you think that religion and faith makes no sense and that if we do not obey we are going to burn" I would say you are very wrong. Some where something pretty tragic happened in your life.
I do not "cling" to my religion, but yes I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
I have given the forums here respect that all do not share the belief I do, but you opened a door that I thought was fine to pass through.
benevolance I think I would be afraid to go to bed at night. At least our founding fathers must have had some faith to place " In God We Trust". Although the economy is not a representation of that faith as "We the People" are the only ones to blame for that one.
No hard feelings here.
If you ever interested in a pleasant conversation regarding this topic, just PM me.
Now back to dipstick licking and other joys of auto maintenance!
Benevolence,
you are looking for a fight and I am just not going to help you indulge in your manic attempt to disclaim Jesus/God.
Sigh.
QuoteThose people came here to get away from that kind of fanaticism and zealousness.
Your wrong on this too.
Quote from: benevolance on October 29, 2008, 08:00:48 PM
People get angry hateful and even violent when you voice the opinion that Jesus is a fraud... It would be much easier for me to just believe and that be the end of it.
Knowing that people may get angry, hateful or even violent, and then willfully proceeding to make a statement like that is a slap in the face, an invitation to confrontation. In situations such as you describe, the simplest thing is to say "I am a non believer." That would satisfy many an encounter. If the believer presses you as to why, you simply state "I have my reasons and I don't care to discuss them right now." or words along those lines.
What would seem to be lacking here is
diplomacy: to use skill and tact in dealing with others. Tact, shrewdness or skill in conducting any kind of negotiations or in social matters.
Just to get back to the oil topic...
I use Mobil1 10W30 in my Yamaha generator as well; 7/10ths of a quart per change. Change every 100 hours. The clock is now something over 720.
I always have Sassy pick up Chevron 10/40 at Costco in gallons, because it is diesel rated so nearly everything I have gets the same oil.
Peter, disagreeing on whether or not Obama or McCain would be a better president, on whether or not we are getting shafted left and right by bureaucrats, whether or not one should have wood, vinyl or aluminum windows is one thing. But your attacks on religion are over the line of common decency and respect; they are not simple statements of disagreement. They are personal insults.
The Country Plans Forum Community is a diverse, at times a somewhat crazy renegade community, but it is also a compassionate community. We do not condone personal insults. It would seem that you do not perceive your comments as being personally insulting, or perhaps you simply don't care. Either way, and I believe I am not alone in this, your comments are out of line.
Free speech does not necessarily mean one is totally free to render insults in a crass manner.
If apologies don't fit you well, at least refrain from further abuse.
Let's get back to using tact and consideration of the beliefs of others here a bit, Peter..
It is one thing to state that you don't agree with someone else's beliefs but ridicule to the point of causing bad feelings is beyond what is necessary. No one is going to try to make a believer out of you. Don't try to make an unbeliever out of them.
Religion is not about tolerance. Try to talk them into same sex marriage - that is tolerance.
The people on this forum are all like family to me, so lets have a little harmony here, please.
We cannot instantly change others beliefs and ridicule will reinforce the belief and cause them to disregard any message you may hope to get across. If you really want to change peoples opinions you need to do it in a tactful and caring way. Attacking others beliefs will not change anything. Why not keep them as friends.
They do not attack you as a heathen and unbeliever or ridicule you because they believe you will get your judgment by the God you don't believe in. As far as I can see they have been more than tolerant to you and not forced their beliefs on you or made rude comments to you. Please extend the same courtesy to them and refrain from personal attacks on them or their religion.
If these are people you like to hang out and converse with, then take that into consideration when interacting with them. Don't do things to turn them against you or to make problems for me.
So - lets just let it go and get back to oil for this topic, but use the tact on all topics.
There was a time I had a flathead Ford V8 that needed 50 wt to keep the rods from rattling (too much).
The rear axle needed a gear oil additive to keep that noise down. Sawdust. ;D
Bacon rinds are what you needed in them there rods, Don. Likely get you several hundred more miles.
Quote from: glenn kangiser on October 30, 2008, 12:38:27 AM
Likely get you several hundred more miles.
Per pound? Never heard of that one. :o
I also tried bananas, with skins, in the rear, but sawdust was better. I believe it was pine, cut on Dad's old table saw.
I fixed the engine by replacing it with a Merc with some hot rod stuff. The rear end was swapped for one from a wrecking yard.
Berlap sacks work good too d*
Bacon rinds would replace a rod bearing for a while on the old engines I was told.
I used to be forever under my old 216 Chevy fiddling around with it trying to make it run a little longer - or maybe slowly destroying it. hmm 216 was dipper oiling system - w/ a bit of low pressure oil - seems about 4 lbs as I recall. Not great for keeping the front rods oiled if going up hill a lot.
I was a kid -- I didn't know everything... quite...
I had the blacksmith in town make me a crank - in case I got stuck with a dead battery. Yes - I could start it with the crank.
Per skin bearing, Don -- if you took it easy.
Quote from: Whitlock on October 30, 2008, 12:44:09 AM
Berlap sacks work good too d*
Hmm -- never tried the sacks.
Speaking of slippery stuff...
I've found synthetic oil to be better in the transfer case as well. It shifts between lo-hi ranges better. My buddy with more or less the same mods on his XJ has instrumentation that shows a drop in the transmission temp after switching to synthetic trans oil.
So the Jeep is lubed everywhere with synthetics.
My BIL insists that Hydraulic Tractor fluid is superior to automatic trans fluid in automatics. My step son says it cured his automatic probs. I'm still chicken though I did go to Dexron Mercon III for a firmer shift than the factory recommended slippery oil - as recommended to me by my Cummins Hot Rodder friend.
Quote from: glenn kangiser on October 30, 2008, 12:48:08 AM
I had the blacksmith in town make me a crank - in case I got stuck with a dead battery. Yes - I could start it with the crank.
Keep the thumb out of the way.... ;D As in golf, the grip is very important.
I kept it out of the way, but really hard to crank that way.
Not counting a Fordson tractor, I've only had to crank one vehicle, the Bedford campervan I had overseas. And that was only twice, IIRC. A small 4 cyl, it was easy enough. And I still have both thumbs. ;D
I have pushed and bump started, or coasted downhill and bumpstarted more than I remember though.
The same flathead Ford went through a period of time with no working starter and no reverse gear. I was forever looking for places with a forward downhill slope to park. ::)
Oh my, it's tomorrow already. G'nite.
I started my plane with the prop in Calexico when the starter went out. Sassy was holding the brakes.
IO470S Continental - rather large. Just fine except this crease in my forehead.. not really -- no problems
Had to hand crank my old catapiler dozer was fine in the summer but when it got cold what a pain.
Speaking of cold.
Now that winter is close,and here for some. We should all make sure we have antifreeze in our engines.
Good idea...
I'd rather you would do it yourself, just try to think how you would like others to talk to you. Try to make your point without burning your bridges or making people have a rotten day.
I re-write or remove parts of mine nearly everyday.
I am a bit like the county inspector here - I don't want to censor or remove anything but if I receive a complaint or see a flagrant violation I have to take action. You know I don't like authority figures so don't make me have to be one.
You know I barely censor at all but rudeness or personal attacks are not tolerated by the members here and I am simply here to see to it that they have the best part of their day here, not a bad experience.
Well, now. If anyone has just picked up on this thread and has read through to this point they might be a tad confused by what's going on. Not confused by the digression, drift, of the topic, but confused by the lack of coherence. It seems that benevolance has gone and deleted a few of his own posts that were questionable and a bunch that weren't.
Overreaction to a request to be nice- email me to discuss your plans from here, Peter. glenn-k@msn dot com.
The wife's '96 Blazer: 120,000 miles. Every 3000....10w40 Valvoline
My '02 Ranger: 115,000 miles. Every 5000-6000 miles.....5w20 Valvoline.
My '05 Mustang GT: 8000 miles. Once a year. 5w30 Ford stuff.
My '86 Four Winns boat: mileage unknown. Once a year. 40w Castrol
My '83 Bronco: Who cares?
Our lawnmower: It's a two cycle
Foreign Cars: Haven't owned any in years
Aircraft: Never owned any
Diesels: They stink.....well they really do, don't they?? :)
Sparks
You are asking a guy with a Cummins Diesel - about 300 HP and a 4" straight pipe. No- Sparks, The sound is music to my ears and the smell is delightful.. ::)
You are talking to an old Dodge mechanic who sometimes stands behind an old poorly tuned carbureted vehicle and sniffs the exhaust just to remember the good old days. In today's world of computerized, fuel injected, catalyzed, finely tuned clean air vehicles, sometimes the old smells are too few and far between. [crz]
Quote from: sparks on October 30, 2008, 09:56:01 PM
Diesels: I think stink has one....well she does, really doesn't she?? :)
Sparks
Why yes I do, thank you for remembering. :)
You are very tricky and maybe a bit devious, Stink. ::)
Sparks me too. Love it except when I fill it up. $3.49 here.
Ok StinkerBell, You zinged me good :) Stink...1 Sparks....0
In all seriousness however, the diesel could be the engine of the future......I believe one could
jam a stick of butter into the injector pump intake and it would still run.
And smell like popcorn. ;D