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Topic: left over oil in engine after initial drain. (Read 591 times) previous topic - next topic

left over oil in engine after initial drain.

I do most of the service on my ISX600, the oil capacity is 48 quarts with filter.  After each change I refill 44 quarts and it sometimes may require one more. My oil dip stick has been calibrated and I have always wondered where the other 4 quarts are hiding.  I know some stay in the block but 4 quarts?  Also based on a previous post on air filters the Fleetquard was on back order here in California. I had a unit that I had bought from the Mother Ship and ordered a spare from Cummins eta 3 weeks. With two fuel filters one hydraulic filter, one water filter, and the oil filter, I had my hands full. Where do you folks go to trash these filters?  I have no problem with the oil its just the filters.

Re: left over oil in engine after initial drain.

Reply #1 –
I take mine to the city dump. They have a waste oil and filter place.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: left over oil in engine after initial drain.

Reply #2 –
Quote from: esaulten –
I have always wondered where the other 4 quarts are hiding.  I know some stay in the block but 4 quarts?
I don't know about the ISX, but on some engines there are low spots in the oil pan that prevent draining 100%.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: left over oil in engine after initial drain.

Reply #3 –
Quote from: esaulten –
I do most of the service on my ISX600, the oil capacity is 48 quarts with filter.  After each change I refill 44 quarts and it sometimes may require one more.

I wonder if in the Foretravel application it uses a lower-capacity oil pan than Cummins specifies for typical applications. I know that's the case with our U320 M-11 engine.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: left over oil in engine after initial drain.

Reply #4 –
Quote from: D.J. Osborn –
I wonder if in the Foretravel application it uses a lower-capacity oil pan than Cummins specifies for typical applications. I know that's the case with our U320 M-11 engine.

Best to VERIFY.  Call Cummins with your engine serial number: Cummins 800 343-7357
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: left over oil in engine after initial drain.

Reply #5 –
Could be the amount of oil in coolers & gallies undrainable, the 48 qts when new & dry, 1st fill ?

Re: left over oil in engine after initial drain.

Reply #6 –
I have 3 ISX's that have a lower area at the rear of the pan... The only way to solve my issue is to remove the pan... drill and thread a  new hole in the low area and have 2 drain plugs.. I have wanted to do this for a year but always have more pressing issues.. these engines are in work trucks.. My biggest gripe is I never get a clean oil drain.. Look at your pan..
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: left over oil in engine after initial drain.

Reply #7 –
without a doubt my Caterpillar leaves quite a bit behind, just based on where the drain plug is located on the side and not bottom of the pan and the thickness of the pan around the threads. Probably 1/4-3/8" of oil in the pan. It doesnt seem to affect anything other than making the new oil ever so slightly opaque that its easy to set the proper level after a change. I know this engine will outlast the rest of the coach and have never worried about it. good oil every 20k miles, worry more about the next adventure than my engine.
Matt
95 U300, 78k miles
Cat 3176 Jake Brake, HD4060.

Re: left over oil in engine after initial drain.

Reply #8 –
It's not anything to worry about and I wouldn't give it much thought on a motor home ... My work trucks on the other hand run 2500 miles a week... I am particular about pm.. It is not likely I will ever address the pan drain issue because to many other more pressing issues.. this week it's air conditioners..next week who knows.. what I can promise is there will be something..
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: left over oil in engine after initial drain.

Reply #9 –
I took Brett's suggestion and called Cummins.  they spec it out at 48 qts with filter.  They did say a fair amount of oil stays in the cooler and its difficult to empty all the engine with their pan side drain.  So in the past if I added another quart it soon spit it out to the level that I scratched on dip stick after the first oil change and calibration.  It seems to work I am just fixated about keeping the coach perfect. Now that I am retired its worse because I have the time to do all these things.  Thanks to all who replied.

Re: left over oil in engine after initial drain.

Reply #10 –
I understand being fixed on perfect and looking at your bus I can understand why..
Dub McBride 1996 270