Losing Oil

[troutman]

My 2004, 5.9 cummins is losing oil at about a quart ever 1000 miles for the past 15,000 miles. The truck has 96,000 miles and I've owned it since 75,000 miles. I switched over from conventional to synthetic oil 10,000 miles ago. It still made no difference on the oil usage.

There appears to be no oil leaking or under the truck. When I start the truck there is a little blue smoke. Then occassional when I go down the road and step on it a cloud of black smoke comes out.

I had it check out at the dealer. They took the turbo off and inspected it for oil consumption. There was no sign of oil usage.

This is my first diesel and I'm not sure if it's typical for them to use oil at this mileage. The truck runs extremely well and I absolutely love it. Any suggestions or advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Heiseroil]

That is interesting.. I've got about 50k on my 04, and I haven't ever used a drop of oil... Hmmm.. If there is no oil leak, I don't know what else it could be.
Scott

[horsehaulin]

My 2004, 5.9 cummins is losing oil at about a quart ever 1000 miles for the past 15,000 miles. The truck has 96,000 miles and I've owned it since 75,000 miles. I switched over from conventional to synthetic oil 10,000 miles ago. It still made no difference on the oil usage.

There appears to be no oil leaking or under the truck. When I start the truck there is a little blue smoke. Then occassional when I go down the road and step on it a cloud of black smoke comes out.

I had it check out at the dealer. They took the turbo off and inspected it for oil consumption. There was no sign of oil usage.

This is my first diesel and I'm not sure if it's typical for them to use oil at this mileage. The truck runs extremely well and I absolutely love it. Any suggestions or advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

The black smoke is nothing to fear, that is normal in a diesel. The oil consumption has me a little worried though. Seems as if you have covered all the normal bases. Blue smoke at start up means the valve seals are likely worn out, and at your mileage is odd. I will get a buddy of mine to jump on this forum and help you out.

Tony

[C/PRD/]

Gotta watch those dealers. If it's not hitting the ground, it's going out the exhaust. I have 184000 miles on my 03 and don't use an entire quart in 12k of driving. Valve guides, more than likley, could possibly be seepage at the head gasket between a cylinder and an oil passage. I would dmand it be looked at before you warantee expires. Maybe even call another stearler near you.:cool:

[new to me 03]

I am happy to see someone else out there with a higher-than-average miled 03. I just bought an 03 with the 305hp motor. It has 103,000mi. It hasn't been towed or plowed with. Can I switch over to full synthetic for all the oils in the truck at this milage without any worries? Or will the motor oil loosen up gunk that my fall into the oil pan? Should I run full synthetic for say 1,000mi, then drop the pan down to get any loosened gunk out, or just switch to synthetic and not worry about this? Thanks.

[horsehaulin]

You can put Amsoil in at any mileage. Although Amsoil recommends a engine flush, I have never been too fond of them. I just have the customer change the oil at 15K for two or three changes before they go to the true extended drain of 25K that Amsoil is rated for. Thus far I have had no customer complaints of this as most of them are not fond of engine flush neither.

Just my .02 and the way I do it on my sales.

Tony

BTW, switch to Amsoil, fill the pan and install the filter and forget about it! It will be the best thing you have ever done for your truck.