First oil Change - now or later?

[Skrap]

So, I bought my 2500 6.4 on May 11th. Since then I have put 900 miles on trip home from purchase, 550 miles round trip to Vegas and back with approx 550 miles of "around town" miles. As of today I have about 2000 miles on the truck. Our family will be heading out on a family vacation to Montana in mid August. Total round trip will be approx 2800-3000 miles. This would put me in the ball park of 5000 miles after our vacation.

I have read several threads on oil changes and whatnot but still have some questions. I have not had my first oil change yet. Half the trip each way will be continuous driving through the desert heat where it can get well over 100*. Am I crazy or rediculous to get my first oil change done before our trip? I have no problem spending the $100 or so doing it and I probably wouldn't had I already been through one or two oil changes already.

So, get r dun before or I'm good to wait until after the trip.

 

[QwikKota]

I would change it now for piece of mind. The factory filters are usually on crazy tight so make sure you have a good plier style oil filter wrench with teeth on it. I changed mine at 1200 miles and have even been so crazy as to change our Jeep's oil at 500 miles. There is no evidence of break in lube present from what I have researched and an oil change with dino oil is less than $30 typically. No brainer.

 

[14hemiexpress]

The question is it worth the peace of mind? I don't think taking it with out the oil change will hurt anything I did my first oil change between 5-6. It's all preference it the service manual doesn't specify a brake in oil change and I'm by the manual when it comes to service that's just me.

 

[R/T_Fire]

When rebuilding our tractor motors or taking a delivery of a new tractor its usually about 100 hours of service which we kinda figure to be about 1000 miles of driving we change the oil.

I do this with every new vehicle or motor. 1000 miles new oil, and 5,000-10,000 I switch to a Schaeffers supreme 7000 and thats what I run from there.

Id change it on a brand new motor. but just cause its my opinion not anything factual or science based

 

[KarL45]

As the first couple of thousand miles is where the most lifetime wear will occur, I would change about 2k. Guess a lot also depends on when you normally trade in miles or years. To me, if you plan to exceed the 100k powertrain warranty, I personally feel oil is the cheapest maintenance. If trading in 5 years or 100k or less, probably wouldn't matter except to your wallet. Just my thoughts.

 

[Andy578]

unless you're gonna be towing i wouldn't bother and even then i wouldn't bother if it's just a light load

 

[Skrap]

As the first couple of thousand miles is where the most lifetime wear will occur, I would change about 2k. Guess a lot also depends on when you normally trade in miles or years. To me, if you plan to exceed the 100k powertrain warranty, I personally feel oil is the cheapest maintenance. If trading in 5 years or 100k or less, probably wouldn't matter except to your wallet. Just my thoughts.

My truck is only driven after work and on the weekends. Probably won't get more than 4K miles per year of general driving not ncluding any family vacations/road trips. I also have the lifetime warranty. My goal is to have the truck for approx 6-8 years and have no more than 50-60k miles on it then trade it in for another MC.

Andy' not towing and will have about 550 lbs of people, pets and gear in the cab and approx 500 lbs in the bed, so not too much overall. Thanks guys.


I think I will probably just get it done before my trip and then since it is not drive daily this will give me plenty of miles to drive it until Christmas and get a second oil change when we have a 4000 mile round trip to Oklahoma and back.

 

[drittal]

... and an oil change with dino oil is less than $30 typically. No brainer.

Dino oil is a no no in the 6.4.


FWIW, service department at Dave Smith told me there is no break in oil so no need to change it earlier than normal oil change intervals. I just changed mine at 5245 with 35% oil life.

 

[loveracing1988]

Dino oil is a no no in the 6.4.


FWIW, service department at Dave Smith told me there is no break in oil so no need to change it earlier than normal oil change intervals. I just changed mine at 5245 with 35% oil life.

While there is not a specific break in oil, I still believe in getting the wear particles out that get in the oil in the first few thousand miles.
If it were my truck I would change it and then change it once a year from here in out.

 

[QwikKota]

Dino oil is a no no in the 6.4.


FWIW, service department at Dave Smith told me there is no break in oil so no need to change it earlier than normal oil change intervals. I just changed mine at 5245 with 35% oil life.

I did not know there weren't any conventional 0W-40 oils. The manual is odd in that it says you can use Synthetics but not required. I also believe in getting out any metal particles early on but may be more paranoia than science. A syn change can be closer to $50 but still cheap compared to an engine rebuild.

 

[drittal]

I did not know there weren't any conventional 0W-40 oils. The manual is odd in that it says you can use Synthetics but not required. I also believe in getting out any metal particles early on but may be more paranoia than science. A syn change can be closer to $50 but still cheap compared to an engine rebuild.

There is currently 3 oils that meet chrysler requirement for the Ram 6.4. Penzoil Ultra platinum, mopar full synthetic, and Amsoil signature synthetic. If you shop around you can get 7 qts and a filter for $60-70. I just dropped $98 on amsoil and amsoil synthetic filter because it was all I could get locally without going to the local dealership to get bent over on repackaged penzoil.

 

[w6pea]

If it was my truck, if it calls for first oil change at 7000 then I would do that. I believe they recommend Shel Semi-Synthetic, I would go with that. I might be wrong, but what ever Mopar calls for both Oil and Filter. Keep receipts and records that way if you have a warranty problem they can't balk too much. If you have the lifetime warranty take it to the dealer and follow it to the letter.

 

[loveracing1988]

If it was my truck, if it calls for first oil change at 7000 then I would do that. I believe they recommend Shel Semi-Synthetic, I would go with that. I might be wrong, but what ever Mopar calls for both Oil and Filter. Keep receipts and records that way if you have a warranty problem they can't balk too much. If you have the lifetime warranty take it to the dealer and follow it to the letter.

Penzoil ultra 0w40 is the recommended oil.

 

[HammerHead]

I would change it if it were me. Full synthetic and a royal purple filter and your good for 5000-7000k.

 

[w6pea]

This is from page 841 2015 Owner manual:
NOTE: 1500 Models Only
• Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months on
1500 trucks, whichever comes first.
2500 – 3500 Models
• Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km) or twelve months on
2500 – 3500 trucks, whichever comes first.
Severe Duty All Models
• Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the
vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road environment.
This type of vehicle use is considered Severe
Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering (2500/3500 Models
Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only)
and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights 8

 

[w6pea]

This is from Pages 834 and 835
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20
Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Material
Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR®, Pennzoil®,
and Shell Helix®. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil – 5.7L Engine 2500/3500 trucks operating
under a gross combined weight rating greater than
14,000 lbs/(6,350 kg.)
We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Material
Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR®, Pennzoil®,
Shell Helix® or equivalent. Refer to your engine oil filler
cap for correct SAE grade.
834 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Oil – 6.4L For best performance and maximum protection under
all types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SN.
The manufacturer recommends the use of Pennzoil
Ultra™ 0W-40 or equivalent MOPAR® engine oil meeting
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard
MS-12633 for use in all operating temperatures.
Engine Oil Filter We recommend you use MOPAR® brand Engine Oil
Filters.
Spark Plugs We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Engine 87 Octane.
Fuel Selection – 5.7L/6.4L Engines 87 Octane Acceptable - 89 Octane Recommended

 

[Skrap]

Going to take her in tomorrow morning for the change. Asked what oil they use and they gave me the typical "it's a Shell oil Chrysler sends us of the 6.4" but would not / could not elaborate. I have 7 quarts of the Penzoil 0w-40 I may take and have them use.

 

[w6pea]

Maybe I am wrong ( I have been known to be wrong before) I would not put Pennzoil in my ex-wife's car or my worst enemies vehicle much less my own. My Uncle had a Service Station from shortly after WWII until he passed away in 1978. I he always told horror stories of what Pennzoil would do to a motor,(sludge) he always swore by Richfield Oil Boron Products.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richfield_Oil_Corporation

I grew up working in a Chevron Oil Co. Gas Station, and I have never used Pennzoil Products, but there again that's just my opinion. I use Motorcraft Synthetic-Blend in my 95 Ford, In my new truck I will use Shell Oil Synthetic. Or what ever the dealer puts in it, but No Pennzoil

 

[Skrap]

So, gotter done. Took to local small dealer. The odometer read 2200 miles. First thing he said was, you don't need an oil change. I explained I was leaving for a fairly long round trip vacation and wanted the factory original oil out. Asked what oil again and he told me a shell blend but wouldn't/couldn't give specifics. Said cost was $90. I asked about full synthetic and that was $125. Told him I have 7 quarts in my truck of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum full synthetic and his Tech can use that and I want the empty cans back. He was fine with that. Got the seven quarts from the dealer when I bought the truck just for this reason or other emergencies. Cost me $70 at the time. An hour later I paid $28 for the labor and was out the door. Went out and picked up 8 more quarts at Pep Boys plus a RP 10-48 filter to put back in my emergency box I keep in my truck. $100 and the exact oil Chrysler recommends plus the lifetime warranty, I should be good to go.

 

[loveracing1988]

So, gotter done. Took to local small dealer. The odometer read 2200 miles. First thing he said was, you don't need an oil change. I explained I was leaving for a fairly long round trip vacation and wanted the factory original oil out. Asked what oil again and he told me a shell blend but wouldn't/couldn't give specifics. Said cost was $90. I asked about full synthetic and that was $125. Told him I have 7 quarts in my truck of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum full synthetic and his Tech can use that and I want the empty cans back. He was fine with that. Got the seven quarts from the dealer when I bought the truck just for this reason or other emergencies. Cost me $70 at the time. An hour later I paid $28 for the labor and was out the door. Went out and picked up 8 more quarts at Pep Boys plus a RP 10-48 filter to put back in my emergency box I keep in my truck. $100 and the exact oil Chrysler recommends plus the lifetime warranty, I should be good to go.

This is why you always check the oil that goes in your truck. For $90 they should have used the correct oil instead of who knows what oil.