I know this could be a loaded question but looking at these filters do you think they could have been changed at the first of September less than 1000 miles ago. Also the coach hasn't been run in the rain and all highway miles. .......
Hard to say. You've got some oil coming out of the slobber tube. Any oil dripping in the engine compartment can really blow around, and it doesn't take long to cover everything. Add a little road dirt and dust, and new filters can look "old" pretty fast.
I'm definitely not a expert...that's why my opinions are free.
Keith,
If the oil level gets overfilled you will get blow out from the tube next to your filter. You may need to go through the dip stick calibration procedure next time you change the oil. Instead of keeping it filled to the top line on the stick, keep it in the middle.
John M.
Its a really good idea to take a permanent marker and put the date on filters when changed. Keeps you from guessing somewhere down the road. Also helps when your memory is as good as mine!
Len
When in doubt--change them. Better safe than sorry. And then you know what your new timeline is for the filters.
the shop told me that they wrote dates on the filters when they changed them.. I couldn't see the back side of the filters BUT it is hard for me to believe that ALL the markings ended up on the back side.. I discussed it with them on Monday and will follow up with them on it next week when they change out the alternator where they can look at the filters and show me the verification that they put them on other than saying it on the PDI paperwork
I do the same thing with marking but the trick is to mark the filter after you install it.
You can also write the date on two or three places on the filter before you install it. Most likely one would be visible. Another idea would be to put a band of colored tape on the filter and keep track of what color was installed when.
I have to have others change the fluids for me, and it seems that each time I get a different brand of filter, so that may also be a tipoff.
I write the dates and mileage in my log book,don't mess with writing on the filter.
Let me see. You had your coach serviced and were charged for an oil change and all new filters? You think they didn't do the work? And they said they marked the filters? How about a smart phone camera for the back side? I know another member was charged for wheel bearing work but nothing was done.
Pierce
I write date and mileage on mine. I also ensure it's visible after installation. It's also written in the logbook, but when you open the engine bay, it reminds you the last change. Little gentle mental nudges are good for periodic maintenance.
Send your oil for test. Black stone labs.
Not to steal your thread but I am more concerned about your upcoming alternator change out!!!I just went through a swap by folks who didn't know what they were doing with respect to what a DUVAC alternator is.
They took the model # off the old Leece-Neville but didn't note the metal tags that said "... converted for DUVAC service...".
Thus put a new one that was wired for regular use and then couldn't get too work.
The forum archives are full of similar tales. I thought I was prepared for this but wasn't.
Honestly those look like they are new filters. The proximity of the crankcase vent leaves some oil that attracts all sorts of dust, which really coats everything in a pusher application.
When I purchased my RV my filters were so badly rusted they were unidentifiable and actually pitted. I changed all fluids and filters myself and within a few trips the filters looked like they had been to war and back. Its just the nature of the beast when the engine is behind your wheels right where all the road dirt and debris gets stirred up.
The crankcase breather is only affecting one filter (fuel filter). Oil and coolant filters are on the other side of the engine.
The alt was replaced by a popular shop in nac, hopefully they got it right. I think they did, it charges sometimes...
How much oil and where do I retrieve it t from for the blackstone sample?
Order a tester kit or pick up every up from a vendor.
When draining for oil change let it drain for a few seconds before taking the sample. Kit should have a vial to put it in.
Keith,
Here is a link to another lab that several members here use Car Oil Analysis Kits & More | JG Lubricant Services | Order Online (http://www.jglubricantservices.com/used-oil-analysis-kits.html)
Pamela & Mike
I use a Siphon pump like this one ( Multi-Use Transfer Pump (https://www.harborfreight.com/Multi-Use-Transfer-Pump-63144.html) ) from Engine oil dip stick location.
Black Stone sends you containers and instructions to mail it to them.
What is amazing to me is they say they changed the filter and didn't disturb any of the old oil/grime on the slobber tube or motor.... I know I'm not good enough to do that!!! I talked to the service manager today, he is looking into it.
How old would the filters be if they did NOT change them? My 1.5 year old filters with 14,000 miles on them are starting to rust ever so slightly. I still believe those could be 2 month, 1000 mile filters. Especially if you have a lot of blow by. Ill try to grab some pics of how awful my filters look.