Changed all oils at 250 miles (bought new) or somewhere around there> Frequently changed oil since. At 15000 miles I switched to mobil 1 full synthetic.

I now have 30,000 miles on the truck. From about 5000 odometer miles to present I use around 1 quart of motor oil per 3500 miles.

Never raced, pulled, etc. Spun the tires a couple of times!!

How much oil are you using??

Thanks

Got just under 15k on mine. It's about 13-14 months old. I use Rotella 15w-40 changed every 3k miles.

Oil level is at full mark when changed. I do plan on changing to synthetic (probably Delvac) at 30k.

This is the first diesel I've ever owned, but been around them for a while with running heavy equipment and driving fire trucks. Nearly every diesel I've driven use some oil, some use a lot (Detroits).

I don't think I'd worry about it, 1qt/3500 isn't that much. Of course it isn't my truck.

Maybe this'll help. Mine does use a bit also, depends on if i'm towing or not....

Diesel Engine - Greater Than Expected Oil Consumption

Bulletin No.: 02-06-01-027A

Date: May 17, 2005

INFORMATION

Subject:
Information on Higher Than Expected Oil Consumption

Models:
2001-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500-3500 Series Models
2006 Chevrolet Express 2500-3500 Series Models
2001-2006 GMC Sierra 2500-3500 Series Models
2006 GMC Savana 2500-3500 Series Models
2003-2006 Chevrolet Kodiak C4500-C5500 Series Models
2003-2006 GMC Topkick C4500-C5500 Series Models

with 6.6L Duramax(TM) Diesel Engine (VINs 1, 2 - RPOs LB7, LLY)

Supercede:

This bulletin is being revised to add models and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-06-01-027 )Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).

Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines for the 6.6L Duramax Diesel Engine.

All engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load bearing and internal moving parts from wear including cylinder walls, pistons and piston rings. When a piston moves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During the combustion process, part of this oil layer is consumed. As a result, varying rates of oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.

Oil Consumption

Oil usage has a direct relationship with the amount of fuel used. The harder an engine works, the more fuel and oil it will use. Therefore, oil usage as a factor of fuel usage is a more accurate indicator of acceptable oil consumption levels than vehicle mileage.

The accepted rate of oil consumption for the 6.6L Duramax(TM) Diesel engine is 0.946 liter (1 qt) within 379 liters (100 gallons) of fuel used. This rate only applies to vehicles under warranty, maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, driven at legal speeds and within design intent of the vehicle.

Many factors can affect an owner's concern with oil consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly evaluate each case before deciding whether the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption.

Gasket and External Leaks

Inspect the oil pans, engine covers, and the engine oil cooler for leakage. Inspect the turbocharger oil lines and fittings for signs of leakage. Inspect the turbocharger outlet pipe for signs of oil, indicating worn turbocharger shaft bushings or seals. Inspect for oil leakage into the engine coolant.

Improper Reading of the Oil Level Indicator (Dipstick)

The vehicle must be parked on a level surface to obtain accurate oil level readings. Verify that the dipstick tube is fully seated in the block. When checking the oil level, make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an oil level reading and fully depress the dipstick until the shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. The dipstick should be the proper part number for the engine/vehicle that is being checked.

Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level

The vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 15 minutes, after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading to assure the oil has had enough time to drain back into the crankcase. In order to ensure accurate results, the temperature of the oil should be close to the same temperature as the last time the oil level was checked.

Improper Oil Fill After an Oil Change

Following an oil change, verify that the proper amount and type of oil was put in the engine and that the oil level on the dipstick is not above the full mark or below the add marks. Refer to the Owner's Manual or Service Manual for information on recommended oil quantity, viscosity, and quality. Diesel engines require a CH-4 or CG-4 oil rating.

High Speed or High RPM Driving

Continuous driving at high speeds/high RPMs may increase oil consumption. Because this may not always be an everyday occurrence, it is hard to determine exactly how much the oil economy will be affected.

Towing or Heavy Usage

Towing a trailer or hauling additional weight will increase oil consumption. Large frontal area trailers will further increase the work required from the engine, especially at highway speeds, and thus increases the rate of oil consumption.

PTO Operation

Operation of a PTO will increase fuel and oil usage, as the PTO driven accessory uses engine power to operate.

Crankcase Ventilation System

Verify that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is operating properly. Blockages, restrictions or damage to the PCV system can result in increased oil use.

Oil Dilution from Condensation

On vehicles that are usually driven short distances, less than 8 km (5 mi), especially in colder weather, condensation generated from cold engine operation may not get hot enough to evaporate out of the oil. When this occurs, the dipstick may indicate that the oil level is over-full. Subsequent driving on a trip of sufficient length to enable normal engine operating temperature for 30 minutes or more, in order to vaporize excess moisture, may give the customer the impression of excessive oil consumption.

Engine Temperature

If an engine is run at overheated temperatures (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual) for more than brief periods, oil will oxidize at a faster than normal rate. In addition, gaskets may distort, piston rings may stick, and excessive wear may result. verify that all cooling system components are in proper working order.

Engine Wear

Piston scuffing, excessive piston-to-wall clearance, tapered or out of round cylinders, worn, damaged or improperly installed valve guides, seals and piston rings will all cause an increase in oil consumption.

Measurement of Oil Consumption

Engines require a period of time to BREAK IN so that moving parts are properly seated. Therefore, oil economy should not be tested until the vehicle has accumulated at least 8000 km (5000 mi) and the oil has been changed for the first time. During initial engine break-in periods before the first oil change, oil consumption may exceed 1.9 liters (2 quarts) or more per 379 liters (100 gallons) of fuel used.

1. Verify that the engine has no external leaks. Repair as necessary.

2. Begin oil consumption test after next regularly scheduled oil and filter change. Oil changes should not be performed during the test.

3. Verify that the engine is at normal operating temperature (see Owner's Manual or Service Manual).

4. Park the vehicle on a level surface.

5. Wait at least 15 minutes, after the engine is shut off, before checking the oil level to make sure that most of the oil has had time to drain back into the crankcase.

6. Verify that the oil level is at, but not above, the full mark on the dipstick and that the proper viscosity and quality oil are being used as recommended in the Owner's Manual.











7. Dealer should record the vehicle mileage, date and engine hours at the start of the test on the Oil Consumption Worksheet shown.

8. Ask the customer to verify and record the date, odometer, oil level, fuel added, and engine hours, each time the vehicle is fueled, following steps 3-5 and return the vehicle to the dealership if the oil level is found at or below the add mark, 0.946 liter (1 qt) low, if possible. The dealer will add oil to return the oil level to full. If the oil level remains above the add mark, the customer should continue to operate the vehicle and verify the engine oil level until either the oil level drops to or below the add mark or at least 4800 km (3000 mi) has accumulated since the test began before returning to the dealership for a final evaluation.

9. If the final evaluation shows that the engine uses more than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 379 liters (100 gallons) of fuel used, follow the published symptom diagnostics as described in the appropriate Service Manual. If the oil consumption test shows that the engine uses less than 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 379 liters (100 gallons) of fuel used, explain to the customer that their engine meets the guidelines for oil consumption.

I change mine at 6k intervals and currently have 15k miles on mine. It hasn't used any oil since day one, at least not that is noticeable. I'm running Brad Penn 15w40 right now and may switch to Rotella Syn. but not sure because I'm having good luck with the Brad Penn. It is also fairly cheap at $40/5gal. pail.

Last year on my 7340 mile trip my truck was far from being broke in. I noticed that it used a small amount of oil, but heck fire I was running it at speeds from 70 MPH to 80 MPH for hours in heat above 105 degrees. Knock on wood just recently I went 5000 miles in between changes and it didn't use any. I hope it stays that way. Oh by the way at this time I use Shell Rotella 15W-40, but have been racking my brain, trying to decide if switching to 5W-40 Synthetic is worth it for me. I will only be averaging about 5000 to 6000 miles a year unless I take another big trip.

I only run Delo 15w-40, last trip of about 7500 miles 80% towing 20% sight seeing I used 1/2 a quart of oil. TBN # on the Delo was 9 and all wear particles were below normal. I don't think synthetics are necessary if Dyno oils hold up this well. I usually change my oil every 5,000 but the report indicates 8000 mile would be fine. The Delo is an ISO blend so I don't know if that makes a difference.

Quoting from GM's bulletin:

"The accepted rate of oil consumption for the 6.6L Duramax(TM) Diesel engine is 0.946 liter (1 qt) within 379 liters (100 gallons) of fuel used. This rate only applies to vehicles under warranty, maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, driven at legal speeds and within design intent of the vehicle."

Frankly, if I had a truck that used that much oil, I'd trade it in...That's a quart about every 1500 miles. I'm on my second Duramax, first one was an '02 LB7. I've always changed oil at between 4 and 5 thousand miles. On either my LB7 or my LBZ, I've never been able to detect any oil usage at those intervals. Just my $.02.

Changed mine this month, 7500 miles on Valvoline premium blue synthetic and I drained out 7 quarts.

so you used 3 quarts over a 7500mi period

Thats correct. I thought that was a bit excessive. Also, I dont think I'm going 7500 miles again. I think I'm gonna stick with 5000 mile intervals.

In the last 5,500 miles my LBZ used about 1 1/2 qts. 4,000 miles of that was heavy towing (17,975 lbs) mostly highway at 65 mph. Some back roads with start and stop to get to and from the freeway.

If I'am pulling the fiver over any mountain terrain it will usually use a quart or two between changes (3,500 miles). General driving less than a quart between changes. I run Amsoil 15-40.

I used ~1qt between changes when running Rotella 5W40. Delo and Delvac 15W40 have indicated no oil loss on the dipstick before 5,000 mile changes. Could be coincidence however.

Truck is 10 months old, i have 30,000 on it. I use rotella and it is always on full when I change it. I change oil approx every 4000 miles. No plans to go to syn, I think it is a waste of money. This is my third diesel and as you can see I put a lot of miles on vehicles, usually several hundred thousand before trading

Just changed mine last week (42k overall) at 7,300 miles. 15w40 Rotella since new, all highway miles and minimal heavy towing. Used 1 qt as usual.

I I have a 2006 Duramax Diesel 6.6L that is using a quart of oil about every 1800 miles. This truck has 34,000 miles on it now. I bought it with 26,000. I took it to a dealer to run a oil consumption test and they told me that one quart per 100 gallon of fuel was acceptable. I know about ten people that have a Durmax and none of them use oil. What could cause this? Why would GM say this is acceptable? This truck gets about 15/mpg so it uses one quart every 120 gallon of fuel. To me this is ABSURD. I am not sure who to talk to at GM but my dealer has been no help at all. It will suck having to buy a Ford or Dodge if they do not do something about this. I have not had a vehicle that used this much oil since I was 16 and drove $300 junkers. They did not use this much oil! And GM says this is acceptable. ABSURD!!!!! Does any know who to talk to at GM?

My 2006 LBZ has 40,000 miles on and does not use oil. I use Rotella synthetic and change it about every 7,500 miles. My last oil change was in Great Falls MT. I pulled my trailer (21' Weekend Warrier Superlight) back to Arizona. Since then I took a trip to Dallas TX and back, no trailer, high outside temperatures, driving at the posted speed, 75-80 mph most of the way. When I started reading this post I got worried and checked the dipstick. It read full. I had a 2004.5 LLY that I traded with 68,000 miles and it too used no oil.

Changed to Royal Purple Synthetic at 5000 miles, has never burned a drop. I change my filter only at 5000 miles, add a quart, change oil at 10000 miles. No oil burn.

my truck uses some oil also not sure exactly how much just know i always need to add about a quart between changes which is about every 10,000 mi never really thought much of it though because my last 2 trucks were the same way. 2004 ccsb 6.0 gmc gasser and, a 97 gmc 6.5 diesel

Hadn't seen that bulletin before. Good info, but agree that 1qt/1500 miles or so is acceped does seem excessive. I may be off now, but when I was growing up, I remember being told that oil consumption was normal, but once you reach about 1qt/1000 miles, it might be time for an overhaul? That's getting close!

Changed to Royal Purple Synthetic at 5000 miles, has never burned a drop. I change my filter only at 5000 miles, add a quart, change oil at 10000 miles. No oil burn.
Amigo i'm with you 100%!!!! I have driven alot miles semi-trailer over the entire north america. and tried many diffrent oil brands, and when i switch to royal purple and red line all my trucks stopped burning or loosing oil. I have gone 15,000 miles on royal purple and did not loose a quart. you will get what you pay for!! some how?

You said you used Mobil 1 in your truck. Did you mean DELVAC Mobil 1 or regular Mobil 1? If regular Mobil 1 that might be your problem as don't think that Mobil 1 is rated for diesels and doesn't have all the additives/ratings needed.

If you used the Delvac then I use about a quart of Delvac every 3500-4000 miles if those miles are on a road trip. Around town rarely add oil between 5K changes, but dipstick might be down 1/2 qt.

My previous truck was a 2001 LB7 and it never used any oil that I noticed in 50,000 mi.. My current 2006 LBZ used just 1 pint of oil during the first 5000 mi. oil change interval, but during the second interval it has used 1/2 qt. in 2500 mi. I hope this info is helpful.

Mobil 1 also comes in a 5w-40 Turbo Diesel.

Mine uses about a quart in 7k miles. When it gets down a quart it is usually time for a change anyway.

changed the oil three times since new I have 10,000 miles on the clock no oil loss using Delo. I asked the dealer about switching to Mobil-1 5w-40 for diesel because I use Mobil-1 in all of my other gas vehicles he told me to stay with Delo and I might loose some oil with Mobil-1. it might be too thin for the duramax.

Mine does not use oil.

I bought my LBZ in Dec 06. It used a little oil during the winter/spring when I was just driving it unloaded. It quit using oil after I started towing with it in the summer. My LB7 never used any oil but I started towing with it within the first 1000 miles. My setup scales 22-23K combined.

I bought my LBZ in Dec 06. It used a little oil during the winter/spring when I was just driving it unloaded. It quit using oil after I started towing with it in the summer. My LB7 never used any oil but I started towing with it within the first 1000 miles. My setup scales 22-23K combined.

My 04 LLY never used any either. I'm running Valvoline Predium blue. I'm starting to think that Royal Purple is some good shit.

What are you running in both your trucks?

My LBZ didn't use a drop for 5k miles, then I took the truck on an extended hot weather trip with the travel trailer to SD from IN this summer. Running about 75 mph in 90-95 deg heat for nearly a week out and there and back, pulling a full size travel trailer. I used about 2 quarts over that week! But then again, I worked it hard and the evaporation/use doesn't suprise me for that given load. In fact for the roughly 200 gallons fuel used, it fell right at the expected comsumption of 1 quart per hundred gallons, allowable by GM.

If you are using mobil 1 you are making a big mistake..one of the worst oils i have tested

My duramax has not used any oil. I can't say that I am always nice to it either. I change my oil every 3000 miles. My 04 6.0 didn't use ant oil either. My 94 454 sub would use 1 quart every 3000. I was told this was common for a big block. The Duramax is using Delo 400. I am thinking about switching to Castrol since I found out that they made oil for Diesel engines. I have used Castrol for years and my engines have always been clean inside even after high miles. No bottem ends lost using that stuff either.:rolleyes:

If you are using mobil 1 you are making a big mistake..one of the worst oils i have tested

Any reason why Mobil 1 has failed you?

Castrol full synthetic and I have not noticed any burring. My father in law has been running it in his dodge for over 8 years with no problems. Mine is only 2.5 yrs old more less and change the oil every 10,00m or so.

Frankly, if I had a truck that used that much oil, I'd trade it in...That's a quart about every 1500 miles. I'm on my second Duramax, first one was an '02 LB7. I've always changed oil at between 4 and 5 thousand miles. On either my LB7 or my LBZ, I've never been able to detect any oil usage at those intervals. Just my $.02.

I'm all over that...

ya know...I've never even looked since adding the oil bypass. I just let it go to an avg of 11.5 to 13K miles...and then change it out. I buy 5 Gallon pails of 15W-40. Couldn't even tell ya the brand..Chevron colours...??

What I do know is this: Keep your motor clean:
Inside and out.

rgds,

stk

Went over 50,000 miles on 06 CC/SB LBZ and change oil every 10,000 miles (usually when change engine oil light comes on) and when I check it at that mileage it is usually somewhere in the 2nd to 3rd notch down on the dipstick, so probably somewhere between 1/2 to 1 quart in that many miles. I noticed that some people are changing oil an awful lot. I didn't change my original oil until 10,000 as well. In my 03 LB7 I only changed it at 20,000 mile intervals (Rotella T synthetic) and the oil analysis came back favorable. With the LBZ the oil looks nastier at 10,000 than the LBZ did at 20,000 with the same oil. I'm assuming that is largely because of the EGR.

A little over 17,000 with Delo and don't burn any oil towing or unloaded. Change oil about every 5000 miles.

My 04 LLY never used any either. I'm running Valvoline Predium blue. I'm starting to think that Royal Purple is some good shit.

What are you running in both your trucks?

Both motors were broke in on mobil delvac 1300 for 10-15k miles then I switch to synthtic. I've ran shell, shafers and amsoil.

Any reason why Mobil 1 has failed you?

Mobil 1 isn't for diesel. Mobil doesn't make a snythetic diesel oil.

Mobil 1 isn't for diesel. Mobil doesn't make a snythetic diesel oil.

They do now. Check Wal-mart in a yellow cap (5w40) API CI+ rating the last time I checked. Not the new API CJ rating yet.

Mobil 1 isn't for diesel. Mobil doesn't make a snythetic diesel oil.

They have been making synthetic diesel for years. The only one that was labled using the Mobil 1 was packaged as Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5w40 marketed towards personal consumers. The main packaging was using Delvac 1 5w40 targeted towards commercial and industrial markets. The Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck was the same formulation as the Delvac 1. The new Delvac 1 is Delvac 1 ESP which is the CJ-4 formulation.

My Dad always used to claim that there is 800 drops of oil in a quart. 3500 miles and one quart is 430 odd miles per drop. How good can it get!

Woody

Cuffnup:

What specific Mobil 1 product were you using that you state failed and can you provide some specifics? I used Rotella 15W40 synthetic and only started using about 1 qt. every 5000 miles once I switched to Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel 5w40 full sythetic at 11700. I have read about this happening before with other Duramax's and was curious if it was gong to do the same on mine? My 03 never used any oil to speak of every 4500 miles running Rotella 15w40 and now has 57000 miles..

Cuffnup:

What specific Mobil 1 product were you using that you state failed and can you provide some specifics? I used Rotella 15W40 synthetic and only started using about 1 qt. every 5000 miles once I switched to Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel 5w40 full sythetic at 11700. I have read about this happening before with other Duramax's and was curious if it was gong to do the same on mine? My 03 never used any oil to speak of every 4500 miles running Rotella 15w40 and now has 57000 miles..

Cuffnup must sell a different brand of oil to make a general statement like that without being able to back it up.

as usual ..change mine around 9000 miles...no leak or reason to add any oil

Ditto.

I kept wondering when I'd have to add oil. Went 3,553 miles before adding 12 ounces! Driving included city and freeway trips of 350 miles average at 70+ mph (can anyone drive a DuraMax truck slow on the freeway, I mean really?). Using Amsoil Series 3000 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil. Oil change requires 12 quarts with bypass filter, mounted on frame rail in air stream, which may keep the oil slightly cooler reducing volatility.

I'm happy - the Sierra DuraMax is the second best thing in my life: Wife #1, electric garage door opener #3. :D

My Dad always used to claim that there is 800 drops of oil in a quart. 3500 miles and one quart is 430 odd miles per drop. How good can it get!

Woody
Math typo! That's 4.375 miles per drop.

I purchased a new 2007 LBZ (GMC 2500 HD Crew Cab) in March of 2007. Do to oil consumption concerns, I began tracking it. The consumption is about 1 qt. per 5,000 miles or about 1 qt. every 312 gallons. This consumption is well with in GM's tollerances but still somewhat disturbing to me. The truck currently has just over 19,000 miles on it most of which are unloaded or slightly loaded highway miles. 30% of its life towing a 9,500 lb boat and 15% of its life towing trailers less than 4,000 lb. I have used Delvac 1300 since it was new and change the oil about every 6,000 miles or when the oil life indicator reads about 30% remaining life. I have been a fan of Mobil 1 synthetic which I use in my gassers but am uncomfortable with switching to 5W-40 from the 15W-40 recomendation. I am interested in others experiences with diesel synthetics.

Found this thread during a search. I just checked my oil tonight and found that I have used almost 2 quarts in a liitle over 3k miles. Looks like some are in the same boat. This is my 3rd Duramax and none of the others have used any oil between changes. Anyone have any new info or suggestions on this, or do I just have to deal with it?

Mine used to use some but now at 30,000 mi it does not use any. Have used Mobil Delvac 1 5W/40 since day one at 10,000 mile changes. UOA has always indicated oil was fit for further service.

If you are using mobil 1 you are making a big mistake..one of the worst oils i have tested
How so? What do you run?

I'm on my second Duramax and have not gone over 5k on any oil change. Have not needed to add oil between changes yet. Tow 10,000 - 14,000 lbs about half the time.

I started new with delo and changed every 3 K. No consumption. Switched to mobil 1 at about 12 K. Used about a quart at 5 K. Changed back to delo. Still working on that oil change.

I bought my 2007 Chevy crew cab LBZ in November of 2007. I have the exact same problems that Jason2007LBZ has. My Duramax has 20,703 miles on it and burned 1.5 quarts in 9,000 miles since my last oil change. The dealer now wants me to check my oil every 5,000 miles. Previously I changed my oil only when the oil sensor told me too, now I am changing to every 5,000 miles. All I my miles are mostly highway miles with no towing yet. My best mpg has been 22 with an average of 18mpg on the highway. City driving rages between 14 and 17mpg. I am still disturbed about this oil loss on a brand new truck.

1 quart per 100 gallons of fuel is the spec gm uses., this is why the owners manual says to check the oil when fuel is added..

Of interest. 30k miles on an 07 LBZ. Never used any oil until a random check at
20k. 1 qt. low with normal driving. Has not used any since that one occasion.
Could the infamous EGR valve problems cause periodic oil consumption issues.
It's the only variable I can think of in my situation since I dont tow.
Always used Rotella.

Did not use any oil until I switched to rotella synthetic. Now noticed that it used 2 quarts in 5000 miles.

Had 2 LB7's, no oil consumption, now have 2 LBZ's, still no oil consumption.
Using 15W40 Rottella T
I work mine with pulling heavy loads at least 50% of the time, in fact, they were broke in that way. I wonder how many of the oil users out there are being worked enough to seat the rings properly? just a thought:cool:

I wonder how many of the oil users out there are being worked enough to seat the rings properly? just a thought:cool:

Good point. I know I always break a new one in pretty hard intermittantly over the first 500 to 1000 miles.

Interesting... The only time I added any oil is during the couple of times I used Rotella 5w40 "synthetic". Been using either Delo or Delvac 15w40 since then and don't ever have to add any. Changed my oil 9X since new now.

I wondered about the breakin thing because I have seen two engines built, (identical in everything) one broke in easy with a lot of light load, the other worked very hard immediately. The one worked hard did not use oil, the other did I have pulled an oil using Ford apart though, and found broken oil rings from new! Under warranty Ford said oil consumption was within tolerance. Pulled it apart ourselves and that's what we found. They wouldn't warranty then, we had taken it apart. Go figure!?

Changed to Amsoil Series 3000 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil (5W-30) at 6,554 Miles. At 10,107 miles added 1/2 quart (3553 miles). At 11,782 miles, I reset the GM Oil Life Monitor and sampled oil for analysis with 5,228 miles on oil. Added another 8 oz after sample taken. Lab data showed oil was still well within specs, with a remaining Total Base Number of 9.53 (<2), soot/solids of 0.1% (<1.5%) , fuel soot level 0.01% (<2.0%), oxidation 5.0 (50), nitration 6.0 (50). The numbers in parenthesis are the limits where oil needs changing. Oil appears black, but actual soot assay for both solids and fuel soot show levels of no consequence. Wear metals were well within limits. This oil is not in need of changing, and the filters are working (Amsoil Dual Filter kit with Baldwin filters).

I chose Amsoil Series 3000 HD Diesel oil because it has the highest TBN I could find (12.2) and the heaviest anti wear additive package. With 5,228 miles on the oil the TBN has only dropped to 9.53, with the change limit begin <2.0. I will sample again when the oil has run 10,000 miles, and change filters. This way I can establish a real change interval based on analysis. Lab analysis is the only way the actual condition of the oil can be determined, while gaining some idea of engine health. If it shows high wear metals, especially iron or chromium, they could be coming from piston rings or cylinder walls. Keeping these records ensures your warranty, and prevents unnecessary oil changes, especially when a case of 12 quarts cost around $100.00 plus filters. For most of my life I just threw away perfectly good oil.

mine uses a little bit of oil between changes. my concern is that it also uses water. about vevery 5000 miles the low water warning comes on. been to the dealer twice for documentation, they say"that is normal". b.s. so i will bring it back at 90,000 for the same. it has 60,000 on it now.

I guess its time to bring my LBZ into the dealer. I have 18,000 miles on it and my last oil change was at 16,000 miles with all other oil changes every 5,000 miles. Since my last oil change I have used 4 quarts. Any ideas on what could be wrong?

..almost 80k on the truck. Have run a bypass oil system for 55k, am now changing it on 15k intervals. Does not seem to use a drop of oil..to date and I check it fairly frequently. Only issue I have is to resist using BioD based fuel additive in the cold winters up here. So now I use a mix of Dawes and Milligans...seems to work fine.!

Best vehicle I have ever owned by far. no question.

stk

snowracer, did you switch to synthetic oil, or are you using dino still? Mine didn't use any until switching to synthetic, then 2 quarts in 4000 mi.

I switched over to rotella synthetic at 5,000 miles and didn't use any oil up until now. The truck has been runing normal and I haven't been beating on it, just using it to go back and forth to work every day. No leaks that I can see either.