Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Hi Truman, you wrote:

 

> "For example on a diesel you need to change the oil

> about twice as often and the diesel takes about twice

> as much oil and the filters cost about twice as much."

 

Try 1/2 as often, although I don't let mine go that long between

oil changes.  My manufacturer's book says to change the oil

every 7500 miles.  The oil in our jeep gets changes every 3500

miles.  HOWEVER, a Dealership owner and friend (and all

around good guy) says changing the oil in the diesel more

often isn't such a bad idea.  *But*, it's definitely not twice as

often.  Let's call that one a wash.

 

As for the amount and cost, yes.  It costs me about twice as

much to change the oil in the diesel... $58 here in Santa Fe

(down from $70+ in CA) as opposed to $30 for the jeep. 

 

Per engine maintenance?  I have a dodge diesel pro who went

into business for himself and that engine takes care of itself. 
It's fine.  No service needed.  Doesn't need tuned, doesn't need

plugs, doesn't need anything.  Change the oil, oil filter,  air

filter (these you do have to change every 9,000 miles or so),

gear fluids, and fuel line filter.  That's it.  That's about the same

for a gas engine though.  Better to put the money into the

actual payments than into maintenance.

 

I'm coming up on that 150,000 miles though on my 2000, so I

do drive mine a lot.  It gets the same mpg as the jeep (both are

straight 6 blocks) so I just drive my truck.

 

OK, Truman, given the information above (*less oil changes than

you calculated the first time*), in how many miles does the

diesel engine pay for itself?  Just curious,

 

:) -Kathy