Foxborough

During lunch I was able to put the 3/16 od clear plastic tubing inside the polythylene (1/4' od x 0.17 wall) about 1/4". may not even need a connector (compression union). I forgot to mention , it only took a few minutes to get the oil once set up.

RDM16CTD

Thanks Fox. I've got the 1/4" tubing that came with the pump in the truck and will hit Home Depot tomorrow at lunch time to see if they have the smaller stuff.

I'm thinking to try it out when the oil is warm, but not hot, to avoid the tubing collapse that you mentioned. If it still feels too tight when it gets to the oil splash guard, I'll probably back off so I don't get a piece broken off or stuck down there. If the 3/16" doesn't work, then I'll just get one of the oil drain valves from Geno's and put it in the next time I change the oil.

Appreciate the help, I'll let you know how it works when I try it.

Bob

Foxborough

Lowes did'nt have tubing here but I have a good harware store close to work that has it. Right now I am working on getting stronger wall tubing. I took the McMaster-Carr catalog home, but did'nt get a chance to research it. The nylon 3/16 tube looked good, it was vacuum service. Then get the fittings to connect the two tubes togeather. The tubing was $0.30 a foot and the fittings around $2 each. I'll let you know how it worked.

Foxborough

Well I sent my oil in at 3600 miles, Blackstone Labs said there was a lot of metals in the oil. During break in time, this was normal. They recomended that I change ASAP. Do what you want, I know the manual states to wait till 7500 miles. I changed at about 4000 miles and plan on the 7500 mile service. Just my $ 0.20.

RDM16CTD

I had mine changed at 3800 miles when I found I couldn't get the sample from the dipstick. I suspect these engines are similar, and if yours had a recommendation to change the oil, I'm sure mine did too. Can't be wrong to change it sooner than later, right?

I'm going to try to sample in another 3500 miles, let me know if you find better tubing in your search.

If I had a fleet of these things there would be a cost benefit for changing based on sampling. I just have 1 truck, and drive it every day, but it feels good to know what's going on with the engine. Having this Cummins has turned into a hobby as well as transportation!

Foxborough

Just a quick update. I bought some fittings & smaller tubing to get a sample thru the oil dipstick. With the new 3/16" tube, it went in smooth. I used the components from McMaster-Carr. Here are the items (1) brass compression 1/4" od tubing 1/4" NPT female #50915K215 $1.87. (2) brass compression 3/16" od tubing 1/4" NPT male #50915K313 $1.87. (3) 3/16"od 1/8" id tubing with Teflon PTFE semi-clear $9.40 for 10 feet #5239K11. Cut the 3/16" tubing to 60" If I remember right the dipstick was 46.5" long. I wrapped electrical tape around the 3/16 tube to mark insertion length and create a stop plug. Tube did'nt crush down, it worked great. The tube was kind of pricey but wanted something stiff that coud take some heat. FYI