Oil Change - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Orange Truck · 08-12-2005, 09:32 AM

I have heard that oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months which ever comes first. I understand the miles part. At the moment, I have 350 miles on my last oil change (1969 Chevrolet C10 stepside) and 4 months in time. It is really necessary to change the oil on the time basis alone? Need advice and information. Thanks.

ed455 · 08-12-2005, 10:18 AM

Yes, oil breaks down over time. There are acids that form in your crankcase that causes a lot of the break down. Sludge will accumulate as a part of the breakdown. Personally, I think 3 months is ridiculous. I used to tell (elderly) people 3000 miles or 6 months. I think that's a little more reasonable. Remember, it's primarily the oild manufacturers who are telling you, 3000 miles or every 3 months. They have a vested interest in that statement. For the occasional driver they double their oils sales with that standard.

Auto manufacturers, on the other hand have been stretching the recommended oil change interval longer and longer.

farside847 · 08-12-2005, 10:52 AM

I tend to push it to 4000 miles/4 months myself.

**53burb** · 08-12-2005, 10:55 AM

I do every 5000 miles. They say that oil is much improved since this standard was created back in the '50s. Click & Clack (they have an auto radio program and weekly newspaper section) recommend this. It is primarily the companies who can profit from this, who generally recommend 3000 miles/3 months.

cdowns · 08-12-2005, 11:29 AM

oil companies would like to make it that you change your oil every week twice on a full moon //i go 6months or 5000miles

bouncytruck · 08-12-2005, 12:00 PM

I've always gone 5,000 miles. When I bought a new honda in '97, the manual said that the oil should be changed every 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions and 5,000 under extreme conditions. The dealership tried to tell me that that wasn't true and I should change the oil at a minimun every 3,000 miles. Of course, at their facility because they had the proper oil for that vehicle.

The 3,000 miles is marketing hype generated by the oil companies.

tomatocity · 08-12-2005, 01:33 PM

how about using synthetic lubricants? do they break down at a slower rate since they are not of the dinosaur?

Mongo · 08-12-2005, 03:06 PM

I just posted a tid bit about oil in the FAQ section.
It is a long read but well worth the time.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=168315

LUV2XCLR8 · 08-12-2005, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mongo

It is a long read but well worth the time.

Wowsers, man that thing was long

08-12-2005, 09:32 AM	#1
Orange Truck Orange Truck Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mount Juliet, Tennessee Posts: 70	Oil Change I have heard that oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months which ever comes first. I understand the miles part. At the moment, I have 350 miles on my last oil change (1969 Chevrolet C10 stepside) and 4 months in time. It is really necessary to change the oil on the time basis alone? Need advice and information. Thanks.

08-12-2005, 10:52 AM	#3
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	I tend to push it to 4000 miles/4 months myself. __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

08-12-2005, 11:29 AM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	oil companies would like to make it that you change your oil every week twice on a full moon //i go 6months or 5000miles __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-12-2005, 12:00 PM	#6
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	I've always gone 5,000 miles. When I bought a new honda in '97, the manual said that the oil should be changed every 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions and 5,000 under extreme conditions. The dealership tried to tell me that that wasn't true and I should change the oil at a minimun every 3,000 miles. Of course, at their facility because they had the proper oil for that vehicle. The 3,000 miles is marketing hype generated by the oil companies. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

08-12-2005, 01:33 PM	#7
tomatocity Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 1,255	how about using synthetic lubricants? do they break down at a slower rate since they are not of the dinosaur? __________________ Got bored, sold everthing. Got bored, looking for a 1960-66 C-10. Want to build my last truck.

08-12-2005, 10:18 AM	#2
ed455 Captain Ed Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Port Charlotte, FL Posts: 1,241	Yes, oil breaks down over time. There are acids that form in your crankcase that causes a lot of the break down. Sludge will accumulate as a part of the breakdown. Personally, I think 3 months is ridiculous. I used to tell (elderly) people 3000 miles or 6 months. I think that's a little more reasonable. Remember, it's primarily the oild manufacturers who are telling you, 3000 miles or every 3 months. They have a vested interest in that statement. For the occasional driver they double their oils sales with that standard. Auto manufacturers, on the other hand have been stretching the recommended oil change interval longer and longer.

08-12-2005, 10:55 AM	#4
53burb Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,010	I do every 5000 miles. They say that oil is much improved since this standard was created back in the '50s. Click & Clack (they have an auto radio program and weekly newspaper section) recommend this. It is primarily the companies who can profit from this, who generally recommend 3000 miles/3 months.

08-12-2005, 03:06 PM	#8
Mongo YES_____NO Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Somewhere in the vicinity of betelgeuse Posts: 7,351	I just posted a tid bit about oil in the FAQ section. It is a long read but well worth the time. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=168315 __________________ People many not remember what you said or what you did, but they will remember the way you made them feel. - unknown Cause, remember: no matter where you go... there you are. - Buckaroo Banzai 1984 Help support the board

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