change my oil now (10,000 miles) or wait until spring?

[knaffie]

I usually change my oil in the spring and fall, which is usually around 10,000 miles. I changed it last in early September, and have since driven 10,000 miles, about 7,000 of which were towing heavy, across the Rockies twice. I don't have any trips planned and no towing planned between now and spring. It will be daily commuting to work and town, which I know are the toughest miles on an engine (especially in the cold areas). That will probably get me around 14,000 miles.

I'm wondering if I should stretch it out until April, or if I should change it now. Maybe just top it off (the low oil light came on yesterday) and change the filter? Oil analysis in the past were always good up to 10,000 miles, but I've never gone beyond.

I'm running Rotella T6 (full synthetic) and a Mobil 1 filter.

[TOTHEMAX!]

I would say your fine.

Pull your dip stick and run some of the oil between your fingers. If it feels gritty or is completely black then you might want to change it. More than likely it will have a dark color but when you spread it between your fingers you can see how clean it really is.

[heymccall]

For the $13 a UOA costs, get a real answer. Mine are usually 2 day turn around.

[knaffie]

Originally Posted by heymccall

For the $13 a UOA costs, get a real answer. Mine are usually 2 day turn around.

I just ordered a few more kits today.

[heymccall]

Caterpillar dealer
$13.73 with mailer (SOS1MT)
$12.67 drop at dealer branch (SOS1T)
When I buy a $100 at a time, they drop to $11.01 ea, with mailer
or $10.05 ea, without the mailer.

[knaffie]

Thanks. I'll have to look into that.

[kcb37]

I would agree with Heymccall.
I have gone as high as 20,000 miles with a filter change and some added at 10,000 miles. Then the injectors went. Back up to 10, and going to do the filter and test.

[bluefx4flare]

I would change it.

I look out my window and see the Rockies every day.

[gave20]

Wow much less drama than the same thread on duramax forum. Just goes to show that place is full of clowns.


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com App

[Phantomdude451]

Originally Posted by gave20

Wow much less drama than the same thread on duramax forum. Just goes to show that place is full of clowns.

Here... Let me add some drama because I'm still thinking this is an April Fools thread!

Originally Posted by TOTHEMAX!

I would say your fine.

Pull your dip stick and run some of the oil between your fingers. If it feels gritty or is completely black then you might want to change it. More than likely it will have a dark color but when you spread it between your fingers you can see how clean it really is.

You have GOT to be kidding right? I hope you are being funny. Or you must have micron calibrated vision and fingers that can feel the amount of insolubles and TBN content of your oil.

You guys are driving expensive (to buy and to rebuild) vehicles and are asking for OPINIONS about (and using your FINGERS to check!?!?!) if your engine's life blood is ready to be changed!?!?!?! How about just getting out the Ouija board and ask dead uncle Jeb if it's time to change your oil!

OR

You could quit guessing... Quit being penny wise and pound foolish and spend $35 ($25 plus $10 for TBN analysis) at Blackstone Labs (http://www.blackstone-labs.com/) (or many other reputable laboratories) and let science help you make an informed decision.

But hey... Maybe I'm over reacting about a $4k - $5k engine rebuild.