Checking your Oil

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Richter, Apr 19, 2014.

  1. bigguns

    bigguns Road Train Member

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    Way back when I was to taught to check oil it was done prior to starting a cold engine. Fuel or coolant getting in the oil was easier to spot. Also there was no question if all the oil had drained back into the pan.
     
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  2. Grey Dodge

    Grey Dodge Light Load Member

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    That's got to be an ISX thing. I'm driving a 2012 386 with an ISX and it's exactly the same as you just described. Only engine I've ever seen do that. None of the N-14s were like that.
     
  3. JohnP3

    JohnP3 Road Train Member

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    Many engines do not have the proper oil level, Cat had a lot of the early "E" that took 53 liters to fill they were supose to take 36. It takes very little oil over the proper level to creat problems. Oil seals will leak, front and rear mains especially. Many older Cats had a dipstick that was calibrated to be checked when the engine was hot and running.
    I have been to most every engine course, for the last 40 years, not one truck engine now calls for checking the oil except when cold.
    Cat when you buy a new truck wants you to bring the unit to their shop, at the first oil change, they will change the oil and calibrate the dip-stick, and do a tune up.
    It is not rocket science, ask you lockal engine dealer what the oil pan level is for your truck, when you do the oil change add that amount of oil being sure the engine is cool, remark the dip stick, I take solder and coat the stick then mark the solder, they will give you a low mark and full mark level.

    Just a thought!
     
  4. bigguns

    bigguns Road Train Member

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    No intentions of starting a peeing match. Too many highly educated fools have no common sense. Sorry, but for me, just because no engine manufacturer recommends cold checks I will go unless the gods and keep checking it cold. For me it just makes good sense. You can also have a look around while the hood is up before hitting the road.
    I never before heard of checking oil while the kitty is purring. I am not saying you are wrong about that - I never heard of it.
     
  5. Oscar the KW

    Oscar the KW Going Tarpless

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    I have read that our neighbors to the north will check the oil while the engine is running. But you have to remember, that the temps that some of them run in up there are so cold that the polar bears have been known to build fires to keep warm.
     
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  6. leftlanetruckin

    leftlanetruckin Road Train Member

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    A thread on checking your oil....:biggrin_25519:
     
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  7. Licensed to kill

    Licensed to kill Heavy Load Member

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    It's common to check oil with engine running on equipment IE dozers, hoes, and the like. Because our trucks run 24/7 in the winter, I have threatened to add a "running" full & add marks to my sticks so we don't have to shut down to check, just haven't gotten around to it.
     
  8. BeenJammin

    BeenJammin Light Load Member

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    If you go into a sweeping curve and you notice your jakes are acting up. Check your oil level, lol.
     
  9. skateboardman

    skateboardman Road Train Member

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    a thread on thumpin your steer tires is sure to follow
     
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  10. trees

    trees Road Train Member

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    Those numbers are all normal, and yes, if you idle, you need to have it turning 900 rpm.