I have a 2006 3500. So far I have 7200 miles on it. I changed my oil once so far since I bought it. I use my truck occasionally driving about 30-100 miles a time usually towing a 17 foot aluminum fishing boat. How often should I change my oil(months). Or does this matter and should I change it in a set mileage that has been suggested?
Thanks

 

i am new to diesel aswell and when i went in for the change they told me 2 things. first they told me to go every 3000 miles like a gas engine and from what i seen on here for the driving i do being just city driving and not long hauling or driving, its considered heavy driving in stop and go so 3000 is right to change. they also told me to go with synthetic which i came to see in this forum that all the guys here say to wait till the engine's broken in because of the seating of the piston rings will be delayed. im sure someone here will also follow up on this for you but this is from what i understand. WELCOME to the forum by the way!

 

Of course the place that is changing your oil will advise you to change your oil at 3,000 miles, but I think your wasting your money (not to mention the added environmental waste). I run AMSOIL full synthetic 15W/40 and I'm currently at 5,000 miles. I just did an oil analysis which indicated that the oil additives are still good and engine wear is normal. I'll do another analysis at 10,000 miles and go from there. Others in this forum have added by-pass filtration which should theoretically allow 25-30K intervals.

 

I have a 06 cummins, and the book and the dealer both say change every 7500 miles for severe service. Just my two cents.

 

interesting, i would assume i would of been able to get more than 3000k out of it but i took the advice i got at the time. i know the place that did my oil was going to tell me 3000. im sure if they could they would tell everyone every 150 miles you need to change so they will see you sooner. i might just play the 7500 mile game and see where that goes. thanks!

 

Diesels can go alot longer than gas motors. Think of the big rigs. If they had to change every 3k they'd be pulling over twice a week for oil changes. The cummins is just a baby big rig. Once she's broken in, every 10-15k would be ok. My Dad's Cat goes twice that.

 

If you use a quility dino oil then I would change the oil outl twice a year and if you had quility synthetic oil like Amsoil, Redline then it is possable to only change oil once a year with UOA's and by pass setup.

 

The manual in my truck says 7,500 miles. I have decided that I will change mine 6,000 miles or 6 months (not synthetic) on the theory that my truck carries approx. twice the oil that a regular car/truck has and a regular car/truck typically says 3,000 or 3 months. Obviously there are differences between our diesels and a typical gas engine, but those werejustmy uneducated thoughts behind my decision making process.

 

I am running Amsoil. If you use their filters and oil they will back warranty for 25,000 miles between changes. I am going to change mine at 20,000.