Your opinions are appreciated. I have a 2011 3500 Laramie 4x4 just turned 71000 miles. It runs good, I like the truck a lot.
I recently had the oil and oil filter changed at the Dealership as I have the oil package change plan. I am allowed (4) oil and oil filter changes within a two year period. I always use the Rotella T6 5W40.
The Dealership always does a good job never no issues. My recent oil change showed 13 Quarts of Rotella T6 instead of the usual 12 Quarts per requirement. I plan on having the Dealership correct the situation on Wednesday. In the meanwhile, could any issue occur until I have the problem resolved? I am only guessing the extra quart of oil is not a major issue in the meanwhile ?
A thought if I may: Have you checked the dipstick on a cold engine? I'm sure you have, but did not mention it. If the oil level is good on the dipstick, could it have been a typo by whom ever entered the info. Just a suggestion.
Thanks for there reminder about checking the dipstick cold, I meant to add the comment. Anyway, the level is past the full mark 1/2 or so. First thing I did hoping for a typo. No evidence of any oil leaks. One concern is oil saturation with the Crank Case Filter?
@topdog When I did the first few oil changes on my '12, I observed the oil level to be a 1/2 inch or better above the safe area. I know some may disagree with me, but I do a 11 1/2 quart change.
Doing this, I've found the oil level to be right at the top of the safe area instead of way above it. I had asked the dealership's service manager about the oil level being so far above the full mark on a 12 quart change early on in ownership. Was mentioned to me about doing a 11 quart change, then add what is needed to make the level at the full mark area.
Another thought I have on doing the 11 1/2 quart change is this: My truck is stock, and when it regens, it adds to the oil level on the stick. Using a full 12 quart change, and with regens, the oil level was noticeably higher on the stick. Another reason I do 11 1/2 quart change. Hope that made sense.
The dealer has never performed an oil change on my truck. I know the day may come it becomes to hard, or I become unable to do it. I always thought the dealer wanted premium dollar to do this service. Hope this helps a bit.
The issues you point out are good, thanks. Points well taken.
I am familiar with the oil level being above the full mark even when 12 Quarts are in the engine. The issue that concerns me is the Diesel Tech deciding to add 13 Quarts in stead of the required 12 Quarts, after all the Work Order indicates 13 Quarts. I am also concerned the extra quart of oil will cause issues with my Crank Case Filter becoming saturated quicker due to the extra oil.
I get a great deal on the Dealer Oil Service Package. It's (4) Oil Changes that includes (4) Tire Rotations and Greasing the Drive Shaft Fitting. Each oil change is with Rotella T6 5w40 for $270.00 which I think is a great deal.
Can you easily drain a quart out? This comes to mind: If the tech actually did a 13 quart change, will they want to apply one of your 4 oil changes to rectify their mistake? That would be very worthwhile asking when you speak to them.
Yes, $270.00 for 4 oil changes works out to $67.50 per change. I've got $55-$60 in a change doing it my self, plus get rid of the oil. I had asked the selling dealer about this kind of program when I purchased new. The response was "never heard of the such." At any rate, you have a good deal on oil changes. If that was offered here, I believe I'd jump on that too. Sounds like your dealer wants to treat folks decently. Rare trait these days.
My Dealer is pretty decent. They have made a few dollars on my behalf with other things lol. The oil change deal is really good in my opinion. If the customer chooses the Rotella T4 15w40 the deal is even cheaper. All in all, I guess the Dealer hopes to make a profit with other needed repairs.
98whitelightnin, Thanks good point as well. I had the Fumoto on my previous diesel truck (2002 Power Stroke F350 with the 7.3 made by International -Great Motor) It held 15 Quarts. The Fumoto was very good with keeping the mess under control however the only issue I didn't like was the slow drain. It's just my opinion a fast oil change drain gets all the old stuff out. I don't want the Fumoto in my present truck. But again, you make a good point.
The big problem is when it's so over full the crankshaft hits the oil. BTDT in the early 70s with my first 855 NTC Cummins. I thought the NTCs all had nine gallon pans and the first time I changed it I put in nine gallons... turned out I had a 7 gallon Pan. There was a drastic increase in temperature and decrease in the oil pressure from all the churning.Craig
There were no 32 ounces mentioned, just "too much". Not knowing how much too much, I figured that I could mention that there can be issues with straying either way.
After all, we have learned today (on another thread) that running 30% low apparently works just fine. I would not want 30% too much in my engine.
Not that I'd let it run that low, either, but you know what I mean.
Okay, correction on that one. It appears that the oil really wasn't missing, but not all of it drained out and/or measured incorrectly.
Draining the oil cold can lead to thinking that there wasn't enough in there (it didn't all come out).
Filling new oil and not waiting until it has all made it down into the pan can lead to thinking that there isn't enough.
One quart over fill on a 3 gallon system isnt going to do anything or raise the level enough to do anything. Heck, I've run an extra quart on old worn out vehicles for years that burn it too fast between change intervals.
I'm not sure why some people freak out about the "exacts" to when doing their oil changes. Remember, the oil drains past the crank as it falls from the valvetrain through the valley, and the pistons also come in direct contact with oil sprayed from the jets. And there is no crank windage issues on a motor that turns a mild 2000 RPM all day long and you're not going to cause a foaming problem. If you think the oil never touches the crank then you best never drive up or down a really steep road either...
Now if you're trying to squeeze out every drop of HP in a 5000+ RPM race motor then crank windage is a consideration and why you want to minimize crank and sump contact.
I understand you logic and respect your opinion. I believe in following the requirement of 12 Quarts total. Even 12 Quarts brings my truck's dipstick slightly above the "Full or Safe" mark. I am ok with that, I just don't feel comfortable with anything more than the required 12 Quart fill limit.
I have a 2015, and ( this starts a war), but.
ALL, of my oil changes, currant miles, are 86,000. ALL, have taken 13qts. I don't pefill oil filter. I add 3, one gallon jugs,( turn jugs upside down with cap on to get rest of oil) and add that little bit of oil. and start and let run a little, and check for leaks. Let sit a wile, even overnight, on level ground, and it needs more qt of oil to put on full mark on my oil dip stick. One more qt brings it perfect to the full mark. All oil filters have been stock, except last 2 are/were NAPA.
Motor sounds good and hasn't blown up yet.
It could be as simple as that the dipstick lengths differ a bit. That was apparently the case with FCA gas engines, where the amount of oil and the dipstick readings didn't quite jive.
So they started using a new dipstick.
Had this discussion about every year for going on 30 years now. Not every dip stick and tube is created equal, variations will occur. Even a quart over\under the 12 recommended is not enough to cause issues.
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