How long do you go between oil changes?

[buckle97]

Interestingly enough, I just looked in owner's manual of my Acura (Honda), and it recommends 10k oil changes and definitely doesn't mention using synthetic oil for the 10k changes.

When I purchased my Accord new the dealership told me they recommended 8k intervals without synthetic. I chose to start with synthetic because that is what I prefer for longer intervals. I'm at 111k miles now with no issues so far.

 

[dodge man]

Funny you would say that Dargo. I have a Chrysler Sebring Conv. with the 2.7 liter V6. So far I haven't had any problems but I only have about 60,000 miles on it. Should I consider synthetic for it? What is your basis for saying these engines can be a problem.

 

[Dargo]

Funny you would say that Dargo. I have a Chrysler Sebring Conv. with the 2.7 liter V6. So far I haven't had any problems but I only have about 60,000 miles on it. Should I consider synthetic for it? What is your basis for saying these engines can be a problem.

What year Sebring? If it's pre-2007, I'd absolutely advise using your choice of full synthetic oil. My basis for saying so is because one of my business ventures is partial ownership in a warranty company. I know quite well when an engine has specific problems because it costs me dearly. Toyota extended the factory warranty to 80k if I recall correctly, but Chrysler opted to handle each problem on a 'case by case' basis. In other words, they deny the claim and fight you in court. I have very specific quantitative evidence that the 2.7 liter Chrysler engine can be a very good engine if you use synthetic oil and don't go over 5k on changes.

Actually, 2 of my on the road sales reps bought Chrysler products with 2.7 engines in them because they could be had for next to nothing at the Chrysler auctions. A quick engine flush and use synthetic oil and they put about 60k miles a year on them and run them until over 200k miles. So, it would not exactly be true to say that it's a bad engine. It's just an engine that requires specific things be done to ensure a long life.

 

[dodge man]

Thanks for the info Dargo, it's a 2001. I doubt that I keep the car much more than a year longer. My son is about to start driving and I priced insurance for him on that car and it wasn't pretty.

 

[Baucom]

I follow the severe service schedule in the manual for my Titan--so about every 3750 miles. Winter is the exception to this though. Since I don't like crawling around on the ground when it's freezing outside I change to synthetic in the late fall and run 5000 miles or until spring, whichever is longer. This usually equates to 3 oil changes per year for me (12-13k mi/yr).

 

[WH401]

1992 Dodge W250 Cummins Diesel - I change the oil once a year or at 5k w/ a regular 15w-40 & a Fleetguard filter. I previously had always run Shell Rotella 15w-40 in it, but changed last year when I finally used all of my CI-4+ Rotella up. I changed to Valvoline Premium Blue, even though it's CJ-4 rated oil, because it has a higher TBN rating. When I change it this year I'll put JD "50" 15w-40 in it because it's still rated at CI-4+.

2001 Ford Excursion 7.3 Powerstroke - For the first 75,000 miles it also had regular Shell Rotella 15w-40 that was changed out every 5k w/ a Motorcraft filter. When Shell stopped making Rotella in a CI-4+ rating, I switchd to Amsoil 15w-40 HD Diesel and Marine fully synthetic oil because it's still rated at CI-4+. When I switched it over to Amsoil 15w-40 and an Amsoil EaO filter, I decided to run it for the whole year or til' it hit 15k miles. Usually it never hits 15k miles in a year, so I just change it once a year. I do a UOA on the oil that comes out. Last year July was the first year that I was able to do a test on the oil and it came back fine. A few days ago I just changed the oil for this year and I sent the old oil off to be analyzed so I should know how that turns out in a week or so. So far I like the Amsoil a lot, I could really notice a difference in cold weather performance from the Powerstroke, and how much better the synthetic oil flows. Next year I plan to add a bypass oil filter to the engine, for even longer distances between oil changes.

2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins Diesel - I just run a regular 15w-40 in it at the moment. I change the oil and filter every 7500, but will go longer when I get Amsoil and a bypass oil filter on it. I can usually hit more than 15k miles in year so it's a few oil changes.

In the 3320 I changed the break in oil out at 50 hrs, and replaced it with what was left of 6 qts of Shell Rotella CI-4+ oil. At 100 hrs I'll change it to the same Amsoil I run in the Powerstroke and change it every 200 hrs, or once every year, which ever comes first. Usually it will be the once a year because I doubt I would hit 200 hrs in less than a year.

The Gator I change every 2 years, I hardly put 30 hrs on the engine in that length of time. I give it the occasional ride around the property, but it gets most of it's hours accumulated as a ride around vehicle at antique farm machinery shows.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I follow the severe service schedule in the manual for my Titan--so about every 3750 miles. Winter is the exception to this though. Since I don't like crawling around on the ground when it's freezing outside I change to synthetic in the late fall and run 5000 miles or until spring, whichever is longer. This usually equates to 3 oil changes per year for me (12-13k mi/yr).

I have a Titan also, why not just stay with Synthetic and go 5K all year round?

Chris

 

[Baucom]

Chris--I usually watch for oil when it's really cheap, $1.00-1.50/qt or FAR, it's usually conventional but sometimes I catch a great deal on blend or synthetic. I don't mind changing @ 3750 when oil and filter only cost $12-15. I save my limited supply of synthetic for winter. No real strategy to it other than being cheap. Plus, I can crawl under the Titan and do a change in under 30 mins including cleanup afterward.

 

[Beavis]

Every 2,500 miles and rotate tires every other oil change. Nice even numbers and it seems to work for me. Good clean oil is cheap insurance.

 

[riptides]

... So, what's your change interval?

Depends on the engine.

My 6 bangers get it every 5k.
My diesels every 10k.

My 4 banger s-10, I cannot remember. But the case is full. It has 90k on it. I think the last one was at 50k. Pretty sad I know....