Oil Change time rapidly approaching. What to do?

[Mav4x4Chris]

I put in whatever the manual says because I give myself enough anxiety about other things in this world I figure I can at least follow the book here.

Same with my SS Camaro.

Old project truck gets whatever is free or discounted though...

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[KevinC]

Wow I been running Penzoil 0w20 full synthetic. Maybe I need a bit more info,

No, you are fine. You are running the recommended oil and weight that is specified in the manual. If you are content on going down the oil rabbit hole, good luck figuring it all out.

 

[PuddleJumper]

No, you are fine. You are running the recommended oil and weight that is specified in the manual. If you are content on going down the oil rabbit hole, good luck figuring it all out.

Yeah plenty of fun discussions. But I’ve been using penzoil 0w-20 and I’ll just stick with it. I might go 5w-40 summer time cus I got oil temps pretty close to pull over and shut her down limits last summer. I’ll see if a little thicker helps. Probably won’t but can’t hurt it anymore than I already do.

 

[DirkG]

There are always a colorful array of responses when an oil change question comes up on the internet. Keep in mind your climate and driving conditions play an important role in choosing the right maintenance plan. I often paste the following when oil change questions come up...

• Hot Climates: In hotter areas, the engine and cooling systems are under more strain. This can cause oil to break down faster, requiring more frequent oil changes. Cooling fluids may also need to be replaced or topped up more often to prevent overheating.
  
  
• Cold Climates: In colder environments, engine fluids, like oil, can thicken and become less effective. Using a winter-grade oil and checking the antifreeze levels is more critical. Battery performance can also be affected by low temperatures, requiring more frequent checks or replacements.
  
  
• Dry or Dusty Areas: In regions with frequent dust storms or rough terrain, air filters, oil filters, and even the vehicle's cooling system might require more frequent servicing due to dust buildup.
  
  
• Off-road or Urban Areas: Vehicles used in off-road or rugged terrains may need more frequent checks on suspension, brakes, and fluids like differential fluid and transmission fluid. Urban vehicles, on the other hand, might require less frequent checks due to less demanding conditions.

 

[ross neill]

Jeep Waze gave me 3 oil changes and dealerships gave me one I have used the frist two oil change I about to schedule the third

 

[Stan H]

Undo the oil pan & plug drain the oil , !! Put Plug back in !!!!!!! Then remove filter install new O-ring and filter . Now fill with the recommended oil grade and correct number of Quarts . Now get in turn to run ( Dont start) go to oil life reset by holding the ok to reset you to 100% life then start the truck let idle till pressure comes up and a little longer then shut off your done

 

[PuddleJumper]

Undoubtedly the plug drain the oil , !! Put Plug back in !!!!!!! Then remove filter install new O-ring and filter . Now fill with the recommended oil grade and correct number of Quarts . Now get in turn to run ( Dont start) go to oil life rest by holding the ok to rest yo 100% life then start the truck let idle till pressure comes up and a little longer then shut off your done

Finally a proper answer.

 

[Stan H]

Finally a proper answer.

Corrected my typos fat thumbs

 

[TheRealStreetcommander]

In 445,000 miles I never once changed the trans fluid in my Ram 8HP.

Yeah, you got lucky. Lucky that the ZF8 is objectively the greatest modern transmission ever created and that you drive a lot of highway miles where the converter is locked and there’s no heating or sheering forces beyond the pump and simple rolling resistance. I would not classify your results as the benchmark for a typical end user.

Dang, the ZF8 is great though.

 

[willys 41]

ZF calls for fluid change every 50k tho. Who do ya follow, them or Chrysler. ZF is the manufacturer? Also does use case have any effect on anything? If i just followed the manual on my old tundra i would have just kept driving till the TC finally shat the bed. But i changed it and it stopped shuddering and went back to working as normal. I get what your saying but we are also the first throw out comments blaming user neglect when things fails. If the trans craps out at 60k we all hop on here and ya should've change it. If it goes 120k now its "lifetime fluid". I don't think its that cut and dry though. If i tow a balls hair from max capacity since i got the vehicle, so within rating, and i follow the manual to a T and never change trans fluid. Ya think it'll go 400k? I personally don't and can see the comments of mocking from trusting any manufacturer to that degree. I see the manual as the bare minimum, not a CYA bible for the life of the vehicle. components going 400k with now fluid change is an exception to the rule not the standard imo. Cus if it was the standard everyone would be on here saying the same thing, "i got 250k on mine, with no maintenance!" etc.

All in all, the min always, and the extra mile never hurt. I use to be exactly like you in my Toyotas, till I started getting burned. Shit just failed, and i sat there complaining that i did the bare min, why doesn't it still work? Ever since, i do the best i can afford always, cus at least i won't have myself to blame.

On my 2000 tundra I put 370k on it and drained and filled the trans every 30k. and changed the motor oil every 5k. Was working perfectly when I sold it at 370k.
On both my Wranglers 3.6 with 50k and 30k I installed a drain plugs on the trans pan and will also drain and fill every 30k. Motor oil every 4k.
For the last 50 years This has been my routine and have put between 300 to 400k on all my cars and trucks and never had a motor or trans fail.
Back in the 70s 80s and 90s when I was turning a wrench for a living I would see a lot oil leaks coming from oil seals and come to realize that these cars and truck never change there fluids and the very fine grit in these fluids over time would eat away at the seal lips and start to leak.
You want your car or truck to last for the long hall. Change your fluids.

 

[willys 41]

Yeah plenty of fun discussions. But I’ve been using penzoil 0w-20 and I’ll just stick with it. I might go 5w-40 summer time cus I got oil temps pretty close to pull over and shut her down limits last summer. I’ll see if a little thicker helps. Probably won’t but can’t hurt it anymore than I already do.

Yeah plenty of fun discussions. But I’ve been using penzoil 0w-20 and I’ll just stick with it. I might go 5w-40 summer time cus I got oil temps pretty close to pull over and shut her down limits last summer. I’ll see if a little thicker helps. Probably won’t but can’t hurt it anymore than I already do.

5w40 wont lower you oil temp put the RPM Extreme JL fan controller will.
My coolant and oil temps are down by 25+ degrees.

http://www.rpmextreme.com/Product/311/Jeep-JL-PWM-FAN-CONTROLLER.aspx

 

[PuddleJumper]

5w40 wont lower you oil temp put the RPM Extreme JL fan controller will.
My coolant and oil temps are down by 25+ degrees.

http://www.rpmextreme.com/Product/311/Jeep-JL-PWM-FAN-CONTROLLER.aspx

Already have that. Plus taser cooldown mode. Towing 5500 lbs on sand is too much. I think I just have to keep stopping for cooldown and go for 20 mins, and repeat

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Yeah, you got lucky. Lucky that the ZF8 is objectively the greatest modern transmission ever created and that you drive a lot of highway miles where the converter is locked and there’s no heating or sheering forces beyond the pump and simple rolling resistance. I would not classify your results as the benchmark for a typical end user.

Dang, the ZF8 is great though.

Indeed, lots of lightly loaded, easy peasy highway miles.

Just adult owned, never abused, simple life. Only drove to church on Sundays.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Indeed, lots of lightly loaded, easy peasy highway miles.

Just adult owned, never abused, simple life. Only drove to church on Sundays.

Man I’d love to checks the fluid just to see how it’s holding up.

 

[TheRealStreetcommander]

Indeed, lots of lightly loaded, easy peasy highway miles.

Just adult owned, never abused, simple life. Only drove to church on Sundays.

Yeah, one of my neighbors is a junk-hauler too. He only does it on the weekends though. Do you have a day job, or have all those miles been accumulated hauling?

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