Oil Changes on the Interstate

[Dakell12]

Hey everyone, prepared to make my maiden voyage tomorrow morning! Does anyone know of good roadside oil changes between Los Angeles and Denver for my 8v92? Thanks!

[coolbus]

literally every truck stop along the way will have the capability. Be sure to use the correct oil for your application (Dello 400?)

good luck

Mark

[TomC]

In Las Vegas at Williams Detroit Diesel.  Just make sure they have straight 40 weight Delo 100.  Also Speedco might have the oil also.  Good Luck, TomC

[Sojourner]

As per TomC qouted.
Just make sure on SAE label show CF-2 & non detergent 40 SAE.

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

[Dave B]

When I drove my new (to me) bus back from Texas a couple of months ago I asked for 40 weight ND oil at the truck stops where I refueled.  At one place the guy said "I can never remember which is the weight number; the 15 or the 40"!

The manager at another truck stop in Montana gave me directions to the Detroit Diesel dealer, which turned out to actually be the Freightliner dealer.  They were nice enough to give me directions to the Detroit dealer after they found out they didn't have any 40 weight either.

Now I always carry 5 gallons of 40 weight ND with me whenever I travel.

[Jerry32]

I believe that the detroit dealers carry detroit 40 wt oil . Jerry

[Dallas]

As per TomC qouted.
Just make sure on SAE label show CF-2 & non detergent 40 SAE.

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

Jerry and Dave B,

The SAE 40wt oil you want is NOT Non-Detergent.

It is rated CF-2 and has it's own set of detergents.

Please, just to humor me and maybe make your engine happy, read Detroit Diesels Tech guide 7SE270 available here:

            http://www.detroitdiesel.com/support/on-highway/manuals/Lubricants_Fuels_Coolants/index.asp

Make certain that it meets API classification CF-2. Here is a very good explanation of oil classifications:

           http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/Bioreng/fact181b.htm

Here is a List from API listing Oil that meets CF-2. But use it wisely, some of the CF-2 oil is multiviscosity and will not meet Detroit Diesel  requirements, except under certain cold weather conditions:

           http://eolcs.api.org/FindBrandByServiceCategory.asp?ServiceCategory=CF-2

Finally, if your oil jug doesn't have the API Certification Mark on it, it ISN"T API recommended. Below is the API logo to look for:

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Dallas,

Does it say "710" on it?  Lol

Nick-

[Dallas]

Nick,

Not "710"

But, if the wrong oil is used continuosly you'll think, "7734 0"   

[JackConrad]

We carry about 10-12 gallons of Shell Rotella T 40W with us.  If we ever get down to just a few gallons left (hasn't happened yet), we will have to find a supplier to buy another case (6 gallons).   Jack

[Barn Owl]

Link to a good article on why 2-strokes need special oil:

http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=3580.msg32497#msg32497

[buddydawg]

That was a great article.  Has anyone thought of making a separate board just for these technical article posts?  It would be a very handy section to have on hand. 

[HighTechRedneck]

Additional useful info on the topic:

Info about which oil and why Sulfated Ash rate is important.

[RJ]

Dakell -

If your oil is fresh when you leave LA, you shouldn't need to change it between there and Denver.

Don't expect to find the correct straight 40 wt oil at truck stops.  They service trucks, not buses with two-stroke Detroits in them, and the vast majority of 18-wheelers nowadays have four strokes that take multi-viscosity oils.  Because the demand for straight 40 wt is so small at these locations, they don't carry it in bulk anymore.

Take two, six-gallons/case cases with you, you'll have enough for an oil change, if needed, on the road.

Finally, get a copy of the "Bus Garage Index" and keep it in your coach.  Lists bus garages all over the country, including contact personnel.  Available from www.busride.com, one of the industry trade magazines.  Probably the best $40 you'll ever spend on your coach.

Have a good trip!

FWIW & HTH. . .

[coolbus]

OOPS...

I just traveled 2500+ miles w/ my new bus (8v-71) and used a couple of gallons of Dello 400 15-40.

what should I do? Change all the oil right away? What is the problem?

Thanks


Mark