oil comsumption question.

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by gunner76, Jun 1, 2013.

  1. gunner76

    gunner76 Medium Load Member

    500
    137
    Mar 11, 2010
    IA
    0
    This is a little different than most of these threads, my truck has started using less oil than it did before. I've already verified that there isn't diesel or coolant going into the crankcase. The truck has 425,000 on it and I've owned it since it had 285,000. I have always had to add a gallon around 8,000 miles on a 10,000 mile service schedule(not as good as I like, but better than some acert cats), now two oil changes ago I had to add 1/2gal just before the 10,000 mark, last oil change I didn't have to add any, and this oil change I'm at 6500 miles and it is still at the full mark. What is causing this? I'm using the same oil, the only difference is that I'm not idling the engine as much now since it's warm(but it used oil last summer when not idling)and I'm actually running the engine a little harder now than ever before. I'm doing some more interstate driving instead of all the stop and go driving that I used to do, but I can't see that making that big of a difference in oil consumption.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. gerardo1961

    gerardo1961 Road Train Member

    1,672
    480
    Feb 21, 2010
    miami
    0
    I have the same problem,after 6k the engine begin to use oil extra 1.5-2 gallon i change the oil every 12-15k,is a c13,some body tell me the accert like to use a oil extra betwin oilchange is mormal
     
  4. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

    12,209
    100,723
    Jan 30, 2010
    keep stroking.
    0
    an oil sample is a good place to start. if that check's out ok then it maybe the change in the way your driving it now. if an a-cert they do better under load where it (pushes) the ring out for a tighter fit. than at idle. where they are slobbering the oil. but oil sample would be the way to go.
     
  5. gunner76

    gunner76 Medium Load Member

    500
    137
    Mar 11, 2010
    IA
    0
    I get the oil sampled almost everytime and it always comes back normal.
     
  6. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

    12,209
    100,723
    Jan 30, 2010
    keep stroking.
    0
    ok then go driving and make $$$$$
     
    cetanediesel Thanks this.
  7. TDRV2000

    TDRV2000 Bobtail Member

    40
    13
    Feb 27, 2013
    Ohio
    0
    I know Cat is aware of the C13 using oil. Ohio Cat in Cincinnati give me a forum to keep record of miles and fuel and oil consumption. But mine was just under what they considered for Cat rebuild under warranty. I know of several people who Cat rebuild theirs for no charge. The company I haul for told me the ring design was the problem and with the newer overhaul kits Cat fixed the oil consumption. But it is funny that gunner76 talked about his oil consumption going down mine has done the same thing for the last 20,000 miles also. But we all know they don't fix themselves.
     
  8. BullDoggin

    BullDoggin Light Load Member

    183
    56
    Jan 27, 2013
    0
    Stop and go, as well as excessive idling, is what eats up oil and kills engines...
     
    cetanediesel Thanks this.
  9. BullDoggin

    BullDoggin Light Load Member

    183
    56
    Jan 27, 2013
    0
    Sometimes, they sure do. Perhaps the oil company introduced a new additive to keep seals more flexible. It doesn't take much to make a big difference. When I switched from 3.55 to 3.08 rears and stopped cruising at 1600 rpm at 70, my oil use dropped about 75%.
     
    Heavyd and TDRV2000 Thank this.
  10. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

    7,625
    6,023
    Feb 4, 2009
    0
    I agree too.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.