New Member Intro and 1986 CAT 3406b Oil Change Question

Discussion in 'Kenworth Forum' started by 86KW, Jan 21, 2012.

  1. 86KW

    86KW Bobtail Member

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    Jan 21, 2012
    TITUSVILLE, FL
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    Hello... my name is Linda and my husband is a trucker. He's just started driving a few months ago after getting laid off from his heavy equipment job. He use to be a trucker in his early years, so he's not "new" to the business, but then again, things change!

    We picked up a nice 1986 KW with a 3406b engine. It runs well for an old timer!! :)

    Does anyone know the recommended oil change interval for the 3406b? My husband's a stickler for maintenance, but with the cost of oil (and everything else) he doesn't want to unnecessarily change the the oil.

    Any other suggestions for this older truck? He's getting about 5.5 mpg. Not great mileage and it would be nice to get more. He's tried some fuel additives, changed fuel filters, air filters, etc.
     
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  3. Winchester Magnum

    Winchester Magnum Road Train Member

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    1,647
    Jan 4, 2009
    Alaska highway
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    Opinions will vary, but 10,000 - 12,000 miles is about the standard for non-synthetic oil.
     
  4. Scrapper

    Scrapper Light Load Member

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    Jan 19, 2010
    Nashville, AR
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    Welcome!! Our fleet runs 15000 mile service intervals. With greasing in between. We run the 3406 engine exclusively. We have b, c, and e models. Can't go wrong with that engine. Ya'll made a GREAT choice. We flatbed telephone poles mostly. We are a pole yard. All though we backhaul many different things. We use Mystic JT8 synthetic oil. We run syntehtic in our diffs and trannies also. We run lucas hub oil. The 3406 holds 10 gallons, we put in 9 oil and 1 lucas oil treat each oil change. Nearly a gallong will be used to fill the oil filter on that engine.

    What weight is he avg?? What is he hauling? What rear diff gear?? That truck is not the most aerodynamic. If everything is clean, correct, and right there are people that get a little more out of them with pump adjustments, injector timing, and the such. One thing to try...when you change your fuel filters, fill them with ATF or an injector cleaner when you start the engine. Also something to check, it is expensive but I've read some great stuff over in the garage about the microblue coatings. Is the truck a flattop? Synthetic oils throughout will help a couple tenths.

    Hate to hear about the lay off. You see in the news how our economy is coming back and jobs everywhere. That may be true for white collar jobs. For us working folks I do not see that trend being so good. Good luck and God Bless to you and your husband!
     
  5. Scrapper

    Scrapper Light Load Member

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    Jan 19, 2010
    Nashville, AR
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    Oh yeah...post this over in the garage. You'll get alot more replys over there on the mpg and oil change interval questions.
     
  6. 86KW

    86KW Bobtail Member

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    Jan 21, 2012
    TITUSVILLE, FL
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    Thanks Scrapper! I'll have to wait til my hubby gets home to get answers to all your questions........ I'm learning, but have a way to go! :)

    Thanks for the reply, Winchester Magnum!
     
  7. 2bit

    2bit Light Load Member

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    Mar 13, 2012
    Medford,WI
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    I changed my oil every 15-20,000 miles. Just overhauled last week at 1,298,633 because head gasket was leaking between 3rd & 4th cylinder. The mechanical Cats need rod and main bearings every 500,000. They changed the design on the E model and you can go over a million on the bearings
     
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