Service Schedule for Duramax

[Mac]

Brad posted this topic about Fords so I'm curious as well about my new Duramax, even though I don't have it yet. I've never owned a diesel before so I need all the help I can get. According to most people I "over service) my gas vehicles; I've always changed the oil and filters every 3000 miles even though the factory suggested 5,000 or more. I've been told I was silly for doing so but I'd rather be safe than sorry. My uncle used to tell me he should drain my old oil and use it because it was so clean.

So I'm asking all you "pros" how you suggest I take care of my new Duramax when it arrives and what kind of oil to use. I've always used Valvoline, or at least one brand and NEVER changed.

Let me know your thoughts.

mac

[Glenn and Lorraine]

I only follow the advice of the TRUE experts on this matter and there is no more TRUER expert than the manufacturer and the very same folks that warrant my Duramax and that is General Motors. When GM says I should change my oil every 10,000 miles, I don't change it every 3,000, 5,000 or 7500. I change it every 10,000 miles. In other words follow the manufacturer's recommendations as you find them in the Owners Manual after all full timing on a limited income can be expensive enough why add to your expenses unnecessarily.
As far as the oil I use whatever the GMC dealer uses as they use the oil that meets the specs of what GM recommends otherwise the dealer would be stuck should any warranty issues arise down the road. More often than not the dealers have been using Rotella.
Same goes with all the filters. Always AC/Delco and forget the expensive hyped up aftermarket stuff that in the long run only adds additional cost with few additional benefits.

[Mr. retired]

Your best bet is to log onto www.dieselplace.com this is a free site and the best for DuraMax. Do a search on maintenance schedules and enjoy. I have used this site for a number of years now and there are very knowledgeable people who will answer your questions.

[dsprik]

I ditto what Mr. retired posted. You can also get a free VIN check on there to see all services performed on any used D/A.

[Montana Sky]

mac,
I follow the service schedule from GM. The only thing I vary on is the oil changes. If I am towing, I change every 3,000 miles. If I am not towing I run out to 5,000 miles. In my opinion oil is cheap, a new motor is not. As far as brand of oil, I use whatever my GM dealers put in. I do have one policy on my truck that I will not vary on, IT ONLY GET'S SERVICED BY A GM DEALERSHIP AND ONLY GETS GM PARTS. If you want to know more, send me a message.

[Mac]

Montana,

I sent you a PM.

mac

[Bill and Ann]

For me...same as Glenn except I wait for the computer to tell me when to change oil. This was on the recommendation of the service manager where I bought my vehicle. It is usually 10 - 12 K,

[indy roadrunner]

Bill, I am with you on that. The service manager said they put the computer percentages in there for a reason so that is what I am going with.

[Glenn and Lorraine]

I realize if you use the rig primarily for towing the oil maybe should be change more often than the 10,000 miles but I doubt any of us use our TVs (TOW Vehicles) primarily for towing. I know I don't. Out of the 10,000 miles I go between oil cahnges only 2500 to 3000 miles are towing. That is only 25% to 30%, that is not primarily towing.

[cmp-shooter]

I only use shell rotella 15-40 in all my duramaxes, and in the big trucks [semis] big trucks go 30,000 miles between oil!! and MY DURAMAX GOES 3000 miles..won't use anything else.

see link.
http://www.rotella.com/products/rotella_t.html

[Cat320]

I plan on changing the oil when the DIC says to or one year, which ever comes first. The dealer insists the DIC is accurate and gives accurate information on when to do what based on the type of driving you do. Been using Shell Rotella 15W40 for years in my boat diesel (Chevy dealer uses it too) and plan to use it in the D/A.

Re the Diesel Place...I'm a member there, and you really have to be careful what you take from that forum. There are people towing over 25k and are doing other dangerous things with their trucks. On that site oil change intervals vary from 2/3000 to 25000 miles.

[tcorbitt]

I agree with the rule of change it when the DIC says it's time to change it. A great feature from GM I wish Ford had. I drive a Ford Powerstroke now, but my prior truck was GMC Duramax. Stuck with Dealer changes when the DIC reported it was time. Usually 10-12K miles. According to the GMC dealership I serviced at, the DIC is based on a combination of engine hours and mileage, which is the better measure than simply mileage. It factors long periods of idling, and hauling, based on the assumption you cover less miles while hauling then when empty (presume driving faster empty which is most likely). This is one of the reasons most, if not all, Diesel powered vehicles have an hour meter.

In the end, as Glen recommends, do what the manufacturer recommends especially while under the 100K power train warranty. And do what you feel works best. If the engine dies, all the advice from MOC and other web posts won't be there to pitch in and buy a new one

Tim

[Mac]

Tim,

What do you mean ya'll aren't going to pitch in and buy me a new TV? What good is this forum anyway???

mac

[Glenn and Lorraine]

quote:Originally posted by Cat320


Re the Diesel Place...I'm a member there, and you really have to be careful what you take from that forum. There are people towing over 25k and are doing other dangerous things with their trucks. On that site oil change intervals vary from 2/3000 to 25000 miles.

Cat, I'm glad you said that. I was a member years ago and left due to just too darn much mis-information from all the "experts". I don't know if it changed but back when I was there God bless ya if you disagreed with them "experts". Some of the attacks were worse than I've seen on RVNET

[gkbutler]

I agree with Bill. I used to be a firm believer in the every 3000 mile change. When I bought the Duramax, the service manager at the dealership said every 5000-7000 miles. Got down to Florida and was told by the service manager that I could wait until the computer showed it was about time to change the oil. Did the coin flip and tried the computer. Got a little leary so I changed the oil at 25% life. Don't seem to have any problems so far.

[mobilrvn]

For a great deal on filters, go to www.fleetfilter.com I no longer change my own oil, but mostly have WalMart do it and I take my own filters and oil and get a credit for them. WalMart charges $7.47 for a fram oil filter and Fleet's price is $4.57 (by the case-12). There is no sales tax so that takes care of the shipping charge. Transmission filter is $6.69 and the fuel filter is $19.56.