oil change frequency

[rooster]

My coach is a 1999 diesel pusher I bought new. Changed oil once a year every year. Coach has just over 100K. Thought I might go to once every two years as they are really expensive. I don't want to do them myself. Any thoughts??

[Blaster_Man]

I do it annually because that's what the manual says. When It's out of warranty, I'll go the oil sample route.

[gutfelt]

ferndaleflyer wrote:
My DP has 107K on it and I change it each spring---they do the diesel generator, the engine and all the filters for around $200 + they check everything else even the tire pressure.

But in another post you said QUOTE:
Looks like I am paying right at $400. All the filters, oil, etc including the 7500 Onan generator. 10 years ago it was $375 at the same place. This is an 8.3 Cummins and diesel generator.

$400 is most believable

[ferndaleflyer]

My DP has 107K on it and I change it each spring---they do the diesel generator, the engine and all the filters for around $200 + they check everything else even the tire pressure.

[wa8yxm]

True story: Chrysler once hired Castrol to maintain the lubrication on a very expensive machine.. Castrol came in often and tested the oil changed as needed.

With Big D oil changes starting at 100 bucks, Sending a few drops to a lab can save you big bucks (Change when they tell you to)

I still do annual changes on my Gasser. Twice this year (Spring and 3 weeks ago yesterday) but the reason for the two changes this year is ... Rare.

[dubdub07]

I do it myself, my ISC has a Qwik Valve, and it costs $120, with an oil filter and a fuel filter.

I do it about every 18 months and 10-12k.

[dennyR]

I checked our Cat's oil with a Blackstone sample every winter. I always changed the filter then also. Every 15-18,000 miles (about 3 years), the oil would be change, though Blackstone reports the oil was still good.

[theoldwizard1]

ScottG wrote:
If you go by the mileage and your going to end up changing long before the interval comes up, there is no harm in waiting.
The oil doesn't "go bad" and there really is no down side to it. This yearly stuff is a money making scheme just like the oil change places telling people to change the oil in new vehicles every 3K.

CONCUR !!

The best thing you can do is take it for a 30-60 minute drive every couple of months. That will drive out any moisture in the oil pan.

[lj2654]

I test my oil by sending a sample to blackstone lab in Fort Wayne, IN. In the report it tells me the condition of the oil and when it should be changed.

[Ivylog]

I would have SpeedCo do an oil analysis before changing the oil...only takes minutes and then decide if it needs changing. The only problem with doing the analysis is you are going to kick yourself for changing every year. I do mine approx every 15K miles. Instead of changing myself I used SpeedCo last time and the up charges increased the cost almost $100.

[dalenoel]

Any time I start the MH up I make sure it runs enough to heat up the trans, exhaust, engine, and any other items so that moisture is eliminated. I'd rather leave it sit than partially warm it up and then let condensation collect.

[gutfelt]

rjxj wrote:
I wouldn't worry about the time to reach the oil change interval, I would be concerned with a lack of use. I have rebuilt a lot of differentials that sat for too long and the exposed parts were heavily rusted when the parts sitting in the oil were like new. If you drive it regularly for a good number of miles everything will be oil covered and seals and bearings will do best. It may not be good for charging the batteries but a vehicle that is at least driven around the block now and then coats engine and drive components in oil.

X2 on rear end gear especially if you live in cold climates;;
I have a old blazer that I move 6 feet forward and back twice a year so the gears wont rust;; I have been in the engine rebuild business for years and you seldom see damage like drive gears though from sitting only a few months but really irrelevant to changing engine on time verses mileage as said I always change on mileage

[azrving]

I wouldn't worry about the time to reach the oil change interval, I would be concerned with a lack of use. I have rebuilt a lot of differentials that sat for too long and the exposed parts were heavily rusted when the parts sitting in the oil were like new. If you drive it regularly for a good number of miles everything will be oil covered and seals and bearings will do best. It may not be good for charging the batteries but a vehicle that is at least driven around the block now and then coats engine and drive components in oil.

[janstey58]

One WARNING about SpeedCo, as it happened to me. They have "up charges" for many things and will complete those as they see fit and present you with a higher bill than you might expect at checkout. For instance, they charged me $15 to check PSI in all tires, and when I got home I checked their work and they never touched the tires. RIPOFF!!

[time2roll]

I would go on miles only as long as you get out and drive at least three times a year.

+1 for Blackstone if you are on the fence.