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Oil change and analysis

Yahoo Message Number: 95052
I haven't done a service on my Allure since we got it last year (was done right as we purchased it) but is now due. We are just at 40k miles.

Is anyone pulling samples for analysis? Our engine is a Cummins 400 ISL, is there a valve someplace to easily pull a sample for the analysis? I need about 4 oz. I know It can be done through the dipstick, but is not real easy to do.

What are the recommendations for type of oil? I know Mikee commented a few days ago that Mobil wasn't the best choice. In my former life I dealt with diesels a bit and Delo 400 was the oil of choice back then. I know that Rotella also seems good. Is there any consensus or is this akin to discussing tire brands? :-)

Thanks for any comments!
Dan

2006 Allure with tag
#31344

Re: Oil change and analysis

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 95053
We don't do analysis. We use Rotella and Fleetguard filters. We have ours changed at Speedco. They use the Rotella and Fleetguard filters and do an excellent job, fast service and reasonable prices.
We change the oil every 18,000 miles or annually whichever comes first.
Lonny & Diane Livingston
'04 Allure #31065

Re: Oil change and analysis

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 95054
You also should check with Cummins able the need for a valve lash adjustment. On CATs it's done between 30,000-35,000. Don't know if there is the same need on the Cummins.

Lee (leozbrowski@...) 2007 Country Coach Intrigue 12153
CAT C-13

Re: Oil change and analysis

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 95056
We also use Cummins or Cummins Coach Care for other service. We have been very pleased with the locations in Kansas City MO, Tulsa OK, Montgomery AL and Ocala FL.

Lonny & Diane Livingston
'04 Allure #31065

Re: Oil change and analysis

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 95057
What I forgot to ask is what is the going rate for an oil and filter change at a Cummins dealer? Do they offer a package (oil change, all filters and lube) or is it just time and materials?

I don't have any problem doing it myself, but sometimes I should pay to have more things done.

Dan

2006 Allure with tag
#31344

Re: Oil change and analysis

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 95058
Hi Dan,

Having been in nearly all the refineries and lube oil plants in the USA. I've only used MOBIL DELVAC Super 1300 15-40. One of several reasons Exxon purchased Mobil was their research and capabilities of making superior Lube/Oil products. But I agree its probably like the tire subject, I believe all the majors meet the necessary spec's.

Regarding valve lash adjustment Cummins for the ISL says you can go to 150,000 miles but I wouldn't recommend that as I had mine done at 90,000 mi. and although they were in spec, they were at the high side of the spec and glad I'd had them adjusted. Now have 132,000 mi.

Regards, Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #30898 ISL 370 chipped to 400hp.

Re: Oil change and analysis

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 95061
Just had Cummins Northwest service everything yesterday. Engine & chassis $592.99, generator $280.33. That's oil, all filters, lube, coolant, belt & hose inspections etc. And, for another $50 the guy across the road washed the coach.

When I had my boat it would take me all weekend in the bilge doing 2 engines and a generator. Now I'm older and no longer willing to do something I never liked to do in the first place!

Bill Englund
42 Allure 470

Re: Oil change and analysis

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 95063
Valve adjustment is at 150,000, miles on the ISL. I use Valvoline at it holds better oil pressure reading at high temps and idle than does Roltella, Delo, or Penzoil with my engine.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Re: Oil change and analysis

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 95074
CAT are big into oil analysis, that's how a fault was found early on my 3196's in the boat, inside warranty, resulting in a complete rebuild on 2 engines! Cummins on the other hand do not seem to have this, however I use the CAT sampling facility to get oil analysis done on my Cummins coach engine. The kit includes a plastic tube to stuff down the dip tube. They are better for catastrophe prediction and trending than a wet finger in the air!

Michael

2008 Allure 31683, in the UK!

Re: Oil change and analysis

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 95088
I have 20,000 miles on my Cat C9 took it in to have the valves adj. came home did an oil change and pulled a sample sent it in to Cat and the Copper went up from 8 to 73ppm plus the solium is high but no coolant in the oil. Thinking it may be rod bearings but the tin is O and the lead went from 1 to 2 with just 2600mi on the oil running Mobil Delvac 15w40 will resample in 1000mi. So sampling oil works, hope the next one goes way down.
Floyd 2006 Inspire 51744
 

Re: Oil change and analysis

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 95094
The engine must be run up to temperature and the sample collected from the sump via the dip tube, otherwise excessive levels can be seen if taken from the plug drain. Also have you asked CAT about the relevance of high copper, on a marine engine this points to an after cooler problem. Usually the sample centre will rate the issue and describe a follow up procedure.

Michael

2008 Allure 31683, in the UK!