I'm uncertain about the life the engine oil has on my Cummins C8.3 325. The oil & filter were changed November 2009 just before it was stored for the winter. As I had other things going on last year, we put only 600 miles (14 engine hrs.) on the coach all of 2010.
Sooooo...now I wonder (as they're not giving any Delo 400 away these days) if I really need to change that oil, or just use it for another 5,000 miles & change it this year when the coach reaches that mileage. If you think the oil should be changed, what about the oil filter?
Yes I know...I could have an oil sample taken for testing as a last resort... >:(
Peter & Beth,
Engines that sit idle are more prone to oil contamination due to daily ambient temp fluctuations. Running the engine for short periods of time without reaching normal engine oil operating temperatures for at least 30 mins. will also contribute to oil contamination as the oil never gets hot enough to flash off any moisture build up. The only true way to know is to take a sample and have it analyzed.
I would run it and change it at the normal interval. The oil analysis is the only way to know for sure though but I used to get mine changed and store it all winter then run it in the spring and had no issues. I even had it tested and it had way more life left. I went to 15k on an oil change now and test every other oil change.
Certainly there is no need to change the oil filter.
I noticed that the mechanical engines had a shorter oil service life than the electronic ones. I am thinking of putting in Royal Purple and only change the filter and and send in a sample and top off. It should last a long time that way between changes.
John, you would certainly benefit from that practice as your oil capacity is a lot greater than the 5 gallons the C8.3 takes.
With today's good quality oils, and filters, and modern diesel engines once an year oil changes are fine. Unless of course you run over 15-20k per year. I manage, service and repair a fleet of diesel powered equipment we service biased on engine hours and from time to time do oil sampling to determine the need for service.
If you store your coach for extended period's change the oil and filters when you store, if you can take it out for an hour run once a month exercise your genset at the same time and you will be good to go when you get ready. But if you can't do that just start it let it build oil pressure then shut it off don't let it idle that keeps oil on every thing without building unburned fuel and soot, it's also good to pull it forward an back a few feet to get oil on barrings and gears in the axles.
As to synthetic oil, with today's new oil formulations for lower emission standards, IMHO you would be spending $$$ for not much gain, I don't know if I want to get to creative about just changing just filters. Not long ago several local school boards did that with their buses so far International engine company has replaced the motors in about 300 buses and denied warranty coverage. In short change oil when you need to but there is no need to to over service It's money down the drain. You can also gain some good information from your engine manufacturer as to service intervals. The new deal coming out now is oil changes based on gallons of fuel burned, which is a far more accurate measure.