Hour meter? and synthetic oil?

[RSG]

More newbie queries tonight! I'd appreciate input on any experiences or opinions about:

1. hour meter ("Hobbs meter") for tracking maintenance intervals on my SD, and what hour intervals would be appropriate to use

2. use of synthetic oil, and oil analyses. Looks actually pretty reasonable compared to a standard "stealer" oil change, although not so sure if you add up all the oil analyses how much is saved.

('02 7.3L PSD 60k and stock...but awaiting an aFe intake!!! )

in advance!

 

[Crumm]

I use to use my hour meter for oil changes in the winter due to extended idle periods. 5000 miles / 50 miles an hour = 100 hours so I changed my oil every 100 hours.

 

[RSG]

Thanks Crumm for that info on hour meters.

Your rig specs show you like mobil syn-oils. What do you do to decide when to change?

 

[Crumm]

I go a maximum of 5000 miles or 100 hours between changes even with the synthetic. The oil will last much longer but even with extra filters there is still contaminants in the oil. The last few years I have not been putting on too many miles so I change it a little more regular. I think my last change was at about 3500 miles but the oil had been in the truck for 1.5 years so it was time. If I was racking up the miles I would still only go 5000 miles. I know many guys go with synthetic and bypass filters along with frequent samples but I feel that changing the oil and filter is about the best thing you can do for your engine and I want mine to last for the rest of my life. This is just my opinion and I know many guys swear by the bypass systems and for guys running many miles it may pay off.

 

[DaveBen]

I agree with Crumm, I use Rotella Syn and I change my oil every 5,000 miles. I drive my truck more frequently than Crumm does (my daily driver) and I don't have any extra filtration.

Dave