Oil changes on a low mileage diesel PU

[Mark N.]

I'm going to average about 4,000 miles per year on my Ram 3500 diesel. So, at the end of my 36 month warranty, I might have 12,000 miles. According to the service manual, I am supposed to change my oil at 6 months if I don't hit the mileage limits, which I won't even come close to reaching.
So, at the end of 3 years, Ram wants me to have done 6 oil changes on an engine that might have only 12,000 miles on it ?!?! Really? That oil sat in the ground since the Jurassic era, about 230 million years ago. What, they think it's going to turn bad in 3 more years sitting in my crankcase? There is no validity to that whatsoever. Nobody can present evidence that anything bad will happen to oil sitting in a crankcase in that time period. Lot's of opinions about it, but no evidence. Change oil 6 times in 12,000 miles to keep a warranty valid? Silly...
What do you guys think I should do?
I'm thinking if they ever tried to reject a warranty claim, an oil sample analysis would easily show it was not an oil caused problem, and that the oil was still well within tolerable limits.
I could even live with once a year, though even 3 oil changes in 12,000 miles is scientifically excessive by any standards.

[DQDick]

I change my oil and filters every 3,000 miles, but I use my truck exclusively to tow or off road and so I follow the recommendations for heavy use vehicles. Some of the filters coming out after a winter in AZ with dust storms and some off roading have looked like I should have changed them sooner.

[8.1al]

It all depends on the kind of driving you do. I have seen the results of the "old lady only driving to church on Sunday" driving. I once tore down on of those engines and the bearings had actually been eaten by the acids formed by many, many short trips where the oil never got hot. That said if your trips are long ones you should probably be OK Dodge may not see it that way

[jlb27537]

Mark, I agree with you. My truck was made 7/12 and I bought it 3/13. No oil change while it sat on the dealers lot.

I changed it @ 5K, then 6 months later @ 9K. This next change will be at about 10 months @ 12K miles. I'll get a Blackstone sample done and not worry about it.

Mine is not a daily driver, like yours it sits a lot. A daily driver with low miles probably does need a 6 month oil change.

I use Rotella 15/40 and Mopar filters. Both available @ WMart.

Jim

[CORattler]

New Cummins engine=$10000+ labor & supplies
Oil change including new filter=$100
I change mine with new Fleetguard Stratopore filter every 6 months or when the EVIC notifies me.
Fuel filter change is every bit as important. Check out the installed price of new injectors.
Your truck, your choice.
That's a nice truck BTW

[1retired06]

I change my own oil every 2500 miles or 90 days. Yes a waste of money maybe but it makes me feel good and I have been running diesels since 2000 and never had one in the shop except for computer updates or recalls.

[Hooker]

You guys sure change oil a lot. My Cummins manual says annually or 20,000 miles.

[mlh]

Buy the oil every 6 months and change it as often as you won't to.
Lynwood

[CORattler]

What year is your truck?
My manual says different.

quote:Originally posted by Hooker

You guys sure change oil a lot. My Cummins manual says annually or 20,000 miles.

[grayghost03]

CoRattler, he drives a motorhome, heck the MX13 in the Peterbilt is Line haul duty(normal) 60,000 miles 1200 hours or 12 months oil and filter change. Change it all you want, its your money, either way you look at it.

[GregN]

In my old truck changed every 3000-5000, over 250,000 miles and still running strong. The new truck, manual says every 10,000. Bought it new in Feb. Changed the oil before I left on a 2 month trip.

They say the newer engine don't need the oil changed as much. But I will be changing mine every 3000-5000, depending on driving.

I am looking at longevity of the engine. Treat it good and it will last.

[K0LCB]

Oil and filters are the cheapest thing to replace on a diesel engine

[1retired06]

Roger that.

[jfaberna]

My Ram dealer has a program for new diesels that gives you 6 oil/filter changes and tire rotations (dually) for $299. That`s a deal. I drink their free coffee and watch them do it. I think it gives them the records they need for certified preowned if I trade it in someday. They and the owners manual say every 6 months regardless of mileage. Something to do with acid.

[CORattler]

I have read that the frequency of oil change dictated by the EVIC is duty cycle based. I track all my oil changes and the EVIC oil change reminder does in fact alert at different mileage intervals (they are, however, usually not too far apart).
The spreadsheet I created gives a predicted next oil change mileage based on the mileage that the previous oil change lasted. This is particularly useful if I'm getting ready to go out of town on a prolonged trip. If I'm getting close on mileage, I change it before I leave. I don't want anyone else changing the oil or using other oil or filter.
Is that geeky or what?

quote:Originally posted by jfaberna

My Ram dealer has a program for new diesels that gives you 6 oil/filter changes and tire rotations (dually) for $299. That`s a deal. I drink their free coffee and watch them do it. I think it gives them the records they need for certified preowned if I trade it in someday. They and the owners manual say every 6 months regardless of mileage. Something to do with acid.

[commish]

Oil maintance is should be done every 6 months or 6000 miles.

[jjackflash]

quote:Originally posted by GregN

In my old truck changed every 3000-5000, over 250,000 miles and still running strong. The new truck, manual says every 10,000. Bought it new in Feb. Changed the oil before I left on a 2 month trip.

They say the newer engine don't need the oil changed as much. But I will be changing mine every 3000-5000, depending on driving.

I am looking at longevity of the engine. Treat it good and it will last.

Nice truck Greg!

[jjackflash]

quote:Originally posted by GregN

In my old truck changed every 3000-5000, over 250,000 miles and still running strong. The new truck, manual says every 10,000. Bought it new in Feb. Changed the oil before I left on a 2 month trip.

They say the newer engine don't need the oil changed as much. But I will be changing mine every 3000-5000, depending on driving.

I am looking at longevity of the engine. Treat it good and it will last.

Nice truck Greg!

[Artemus Gordon]

My 2014 F450 dealer "full service plan" calls for every 10,000 miles. I been having it done at 6-8. My service plan, covers all aspects of truck maintenance, long after I will replace it. I assume the manufacturers suggestions are correct.

[JandC]

I know motorcycle engines are way different than my 6.7 diesel engine, but old habits are hard to break for me. I don't think I ever owned a new bike that I didn't dump the original oil before 1,000 miles. When my truck was new I didn't tow anything for the first 3,000 miles. The first three oil changes where all about 5,000 miles apart with only occasional towing. Now that interval can go up or down slightly depending on how much I am towing. I am probably changing too often but it gives me piece of mind.