On the Road to Virginia and Back Again
We're halfway through our cross country journey to VA from Idaho and back. 2006 F350 hauling a 3000 lb slide-in camper with 185,000 miles on her. We are hoping no issues arise on the trip since we lea...
Forum Discussion
So, what's the concern?
It is a diesel, your trip is nothing for that truck.
Regular maintenance is a must to keep it running of course. You do not need to over-do it, just the regular scheduled things at the correct mileages is enough.
Your trans fluid should be changed out regularly. Not sure what that truck calls for , ever 30k?
Belts should have stated lifespans also.
186k is just getting engine broken in. The truck will start to have more issues than the engine. Wheel bearings, ball joints, linkages, steering etc. I am not sure what the known issues for that truck are, but is easy to find a forum for that truck and see what goes on with them and where to put attention for maintenance.
As for the black oil, it is a diesel and normally the oil will turn black almost as soon as you change it. Two things happen.
1. When you drain old oil there is always oil left in the engine somewhere. Oil is changed this way, typically not flushed out like a tranny. This is fine. That old oil will contribute to turning new oil black.
2. at 186k miles there is some wear on your cylinders and piston rings. The rings are also designed to let some blow-by happen. Pressurized fuel from the combustion chamber will blow past the piston rings and get into the engine oil. These hydrocarbons are what will turn things black. (this blow-by is usually where the rings do not meet themselves. perfectly normal, fine and part of the design).
Black oil is fine, but old, broken-down and dirty oil is not, so keeping it changed every 6-7k (whatever is for that engine) is enough but use a good oil filter, not cheap ones like Fram, and never, never let an oil change place do your oil, they will use a low-level, cheap oil.
Serpentine belts should run long past their due date, but keeping them changed is easy and saves worry. Inspect it and if no big cracks then should be fine for that short trip back.
VA to ID seems like a big trip to you, but is nothing for that truck. Enjoy your trip and don't push too hard up the interstate slopes. Keep boost low as you can to get mpg's. I assume i-80?
its good you like your mileage. I have a Ram, so have never seen your mpg numbers. I have TC and a trailer and worst I have seen into a 35mph crosswind was 13.5. TC is 1,900 dry weight and much more aero shaped also than the typical bricks like yours. I think 16 easy on mine with no winds if speed kept to low 60's, 17 possible with perfect conditions. The inline configuration of Cummins is much more efficient than the V of other engines, though just one factor, but even your over-11 is good for such a big profile, you didnt mention your speeds, but I am guessing low to mid 60's as well?
It is a diesel, your trip is nothing for that truck.
Regular maintenance is a must to keep it running of course. You do not need to over-do it, just the regular scheduled things at the correct mileages is enough.
Your trans fluid should be changed out regularly. Not sure what that truck calls for , ever 30k?
Belts should have stated lifespans also.
186k is just getting engine broken in. The truck will start to have more issues than the engine. Wheel bearings, ball joints, linkages, steering etc. I am not sure what the known issues for that truck are, but is easy to find a forum for that truck and see what goes on with them and where to put attention for maintenance.
As for the black oil, it is a diesel and normally the oil will turn black almost as soon as you change it. Two things happen.
1. When you drain old oil there is always oil left in the engine somewhere. Oil is changed this way, typically not flushed out like a tranny. This is fine. That old oil will contribute to turning new oil black.
2. at 186k miles there is some wear on your cylinders and piston rings. The rings are also designed to let some blow-by happen. Pressurized fuel from the combustion chamber will blow past the piston rings and get into the engine oil. These hydrocarbons are what will turn things black. (this blow-by is usually where the rings do not meet themselves. perfectly normal, fine and part of the design).
Black oil is fine, but old, broken-down and dirty oil is not, so keeping it changed every 6-7k (whatever is for that engine) is enough but use a good oil filter, not cheap ones like Fram, and never, never let an oil change place do your oil, they will use a low-level, cheap oil.
Serpentine belts should run long past their due date, but keeping them changed is easy and saves worry. Inspect it and if no big cracks then should be fine for that short trip back.
VA to ID seems like a big trip to you, but is nothing for that truck. Enjoy your trip and don't push too hard up the interstate slopes. Keep boost low as you can to get mpg's. I assume i-80?
its good you like your mileage. I have a Ram, so have never seen your mpg numbers. I have TC and a trailer and worst I have seen into a 35mph crosswind was 13.5. TC is 1,900 dry weight and much more aero shaped also than the typical bricks like yours. I think 16 easy on mine with no winds if speed kept to low 60's, 17 possible with perfect conditions. The inline configuration of Cummins is much more efficient than the V of other engines, though just one factor, but even your over-11 is good for such a big profile, you didnt mention your speeds, but I am guessing low to mid 60's as well?
