In another thread, someone mentioned some folks are experiencing unusual oil consumption after doing their first oil change at a earlier mileage, such as 1000, 2000 miles compared to waiting until 5000-7500 miles. Can someone take this a little farther for me, I'm coming up on 2500 miles and was going to do the first oil change but will wait if it's better. Feel free to tell me if I'm being **** about this, I have a tendency to be that way about my trucks. Thanks

 

I'm not sure how the oil change interval can affect oil consumption; but I did my first one @ 3526 miles (it was really a complimentary one from the dealer). I would have done it myself anyways. Now if you check the oil at yearly intervals, yes you could say oil consumption could vary.

I've averaged about 4-5000 on the others and have never noticed the level dropping between changes. My intervals vary only because of my schedule to change it. Those miles are mixed city/highway and most are not towing miles either.

Oil change intervals are a very personal thing, and most reasons are valid. Change it when you want to change it. I've always changed the initial break-in oil on all my new engines after a few thousand.

Bottom line: changing the oil/filter often will not hurt anything but your wallet; delaying it may.

 

bulabula,

I have thought I read somewhere that Dodge doesn't use a break in oil. Do you know something different from that? I guess if I was using my brain I would have contacted Cummins to get an answer on first change but I have went ahead and just changed it at 2400 miles or so and I guess there is no sense worrying about it now.

I specifically remember reading somewhere that you should never let a new engine idle for more than a few (5?) minutes and that the old practice of letting them idle in a parking lot for an hour or so to break -in is guaranteed to make an oil burner out of them.

One LAST thought. I have not towed yet with my truck and may not have the chance unless I buy something to tow. Now this is giving me ideas but I digress. Will my truck be able to get a proper break in without the load on the engine created from towing? or will it just take a little longer to seat the rings? Sorry I am a noobie to this stuff but if anyone has any answers for me I would appreciate it, and what exactly is "seating the rings" anyway? Seating them against the piston or the cylinder walls or both? ???

 

Ram, I've read that the powerstrokes have a break-in oil in them from International, but don't know for sure. I don't think our CTDs have a specific break-in oil. When I said break-in oil I was just referring to the factory fill that is in it when you commence engine break-in. I'm not a chemist, and am not sure how a "break-in" oil would be any different than any other. My goal is to let the parts bedd into each other for awhile, and smoothing out the adjacent parts, then dump the oil thats been collecting all those chunkies.

As far as idling, diesels idle at a cool temperature and there's a couple of things to be concerned about. One is called wet-stacking, where the engine isn't warm enough to support full combustion and some of the fuel oil could wash down past the rings into the crankcase and diluting it. This dilution can be bad for your engines' bearings. The other concern is that too low of temps permit the buildup of carbon and gum on the 4 engine valves, and over time if the engine cools and is restarted you can bend/break them. I hear the newer 4 valve engines dissapate heat faster than the 1st gen two valvers. Cummins has a good FAQ page that addresses some of this. I'll look for it and post it later for you.

Prolonged idling discussions (and threads) are best over soft drinks and not beer where tempers can eslcalate. Diesels like to be worked, and once you've started it and oil pressure has risen, its probably best to to drive off sanely and let it warm up properly. I usually keep it under 1800rpm til the temperature needle moves off the stop - then you can pull the trigger. Now having said all that, I've idled mine over varying periods of time in all weather conditions - just don't tell anyone.

What was the last question... oh, like I said earlier, letting all the parts find thier place next to each other, where they start polishing each other. You're not only concerned about the engine parts breaking in, your also concerned about the tranny, xfer case and differentials.

As far as engine break-in, "I" think its ok to let her rip from the get go; its done every day of the year, and has been like that for many years with our little ISB's. Millions of these engines are "floored" 28 hours a day, every day of the year - brand spankin' new

There is a warning from DC on break-in speeds and when to commence towing, and I think those numbers are referring to tranny & differential break-in as much as or more than the engine. But thats me speaking. And Yes, I followed the towing criteria - sort of (I was towing at 17000 lbs at 427 miles). I just couldn't wait any longer to put the Beast to work!

Drive your truck any which way you want. It'll be loaded just fine, don't sweat it. It may take a little longer than those guys pulling max loads, but thats ok too. These trucks and engines are very forgiving. Just give them a little attention and they'll take care of you for a long time.

I still have that goofy smile every time I start this puppy up, and I've had her over a year now.

disclaimer: I have no intention of starting any flame wars. I just wanted to hit some of the high spots.

Hope everyone has a great Turkey Day tomorrow.

 

Chris,

Thanks for the in depth reply, and Hey, I get that goofy smile too every morning I fire up the Ram. Maybe its contagious? ;D

Randy

 

Well said bulabula. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Dealer changed mine at 3400. I have 7000 on it at this point and I have not noticed any consumption.

 

I just couldn't wait and dropped mine at 1225 miles. Replaced with Delvac 1300 and a finger touch valve. We'll see if it's a consumer or not. I'm still not sure either way, I've heard so many conflicting arguments for leaving the oil in longer or changing it early. I figure it's best to get the wear metals and casting sand out of there as early as possible.

 

I did my first oil change at 1000 miles. 5,500 miles now and the oil level is still at the full mark. I use Rotella T for the refill.

MikeyB