Oh crap, I have sinned.

[millican]

I took a look at the "maintenance schedule" tab on the spreadsheet where I keep track of things for the Datsun. My last oil change was at 132802 miles (17 February 2014), and I now have 138791 miles. Almost half of those miles were in one trip, but I didn't realize it had been almost 6000 miles since the last oil change.

[Gradyfest]

Your trucks soul is not pleased with you. I've heard it's not so much the oil you have to worry about going bad these days though. It's more that your oil filter can't handle that many miles. Have you at least checked the level over those thousands of miles? Even the smallest leak over that many miles could have you quarts low by now.

[MicroMachinery]

Well.. do an oil change.

[tr8er]

Just swap engines every 6000 miles. No more oil changes needed!

[datzenmike]

I took a look at the "maintenance schedule" tab on the spreadsheet where I keep track of things for the Datsun. My last oil change was at 132802 miles (17 February 2014), and I now have 138791 miles. Almost half of those miles were in one trip, but I didn't realize it had been almost 6000 miles since the last oil change.

 

Not the end of the world, in most cases oil is changed more often than really needed. The filter only removes the big particles of dirt the fine stuff is held in suspension and why we use a 'detergent' oil so it can be flushed out with an oil change. In the old days before oil pumps and filters non detergent oil was used and dirt was encouraged to settle on all engine surfaces to reduce the amount getting to the bearings. The oil can become overloaded with contaminants though and it's lubricating properties reduced so oil changes are important. ALWAYS... change the filter. If you truly sinned, you would have used a fram filter. NEVER use a fram, they are garbage.

[millican]

The level has been checked and topped off as needed. I read that the oil filter is supposed to be changed every 6000 miles, and the bypass filter every 3000. The primary oil filter isn't due for a few more miles at least. So, on my next day off, it will be getting an oil change.

[datzenmike]

I always change the filter as I'm down there anyway. Besides the old filter contains old oil that just dirties the new oil. To each his own.

[DaBlist]

IF the engine is clean inside today's oil will last a long time. Some vehicle fleets test their engines oil and don't change it until it shows it's starting to break down. Common to test good at well over 10k.

[Draker]

I test the oil in our VW. I'm currently testing 11k between changes.

 

Different animal though, it's new. Tighter clearances, fuel doesn't contaminate the oil.. etc.

[Guest Rick-rat]

And I felt guilty about going 500 miles over my usual (3,000 mi.) oil changes

[Draker]

The true test is to send the oil out and have it tested. You could be fine at 4000 miles... or you might be fucking your engine up cause you should have changed it at 2500 if your oil is contaminated with fuel from running to rich.. etc.

 

 

Just depends on how healthy your engine is. It could be rebuilt, but that doesn't mean its healthy. You could have a clearance issue causing metal contamination of the oil and you'd never know by looking at it.. until it starts making a ton of noise. lol

[harlow426@msn.com]

Sometimes after a few particularly severe duty cycles I change the oil regardless of the odometer. Diesel service quality oils have more detergents in them and can be used longer. Changing the oil is the only way to rid contaminates created by an internal combustion engine.

I have used every brand of filter(MANY frams) under the sun with identical results. THE SIZE OF THE FILTER IS WAY MORE IMPORTANT THAN BRAND. Bigger is better.

[Charlie69]

I always change filter whenever I change oil.  There is no reason to put new clean oil in an engine and run the old dirty filter.  At the cost of oil today why would you even consider not changing the filter?

[maltese]

Sometimes after a few particularly severe duty cycles I change the oil regardless of the odometer. Diesel service quality oils have more detergents in them and can be used longer. Changing the oil is the only way to rid contaminates created by an internal combustion engine.

I have used every brand of filter(MANY frams) under the sun with identical results. THE SIZE OF THE FILTER IS WAY MORE IMPORTANT THAN BRAND. Bigger is better.

I agree. However, the physical size of an oil filter is not where the comparison is made, it is the area of filter media inside. Assuming a like size filter flows the same, and filters to the same micron, I will choose the brand that uses the most filter media. Better chance of filtering properly for the duration of the service interval.

[millican]

I changed the oil, filter, and secondary filter. The oil filter I got from NAPA at first was far too big, there was no way it would fit. Apparently some of the SD22 engines have an oil filter mount at a different angle and can use that filter. I also replaced the secondary one, which is just a roll of Scott 1000.

[datzenmike]

You have one of those TP filters?

[dat521gatherer]

Change the oil? Don't know what that is but it sounds like the popular thing to do.

[harlow426@msn.com]

I agree. However, the physical size of an oil filter is not where the comparison is made, it is the area of filter media inside. Assuming a like size filter flows the same, and filters to the same micron, I will choose the brand that uses the most filter media. Better chance of filtering properly for the duration of the service interval.

I don't think those factors come into play at normal change intervals. Overall system volume increase is an immediate tangible benefit. Wish I could find a filter that had a 2+ qt capacity! I guess it all depends on what a person thinks his/her $$/Datsun are worth. All name brand filters have to pass the same minimum requirements spec'd by auto manufacturers.

[JoeCool]

The true test is to send the oil out and have it tested. You could be fine at 4000 miles... or you might be fucking your engine up cause you should have changed it at 2500 if your oil is contaminated with fuel from running to rich.. etc.

 

 

Just depends on how healthy your engine is. It could be rebuilt, but that doesn't mean its healthy. You could have a clearance issue causing metal contamination of the oil and you'd never know by looking at it.. until it starts making a ton of noise. lol

 

Just out of curiosity what is the total cost of these oil tests? Including shipping each way.

[Draker]

Just out of curiosity what is the total cost of these oil tests? Including shipping each way.

They sent you the container for free. It's about $30 for the test. Depends on what your testing for really.. and about $2 to ship it to them.