Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/14583
BIG RIG BASICS JOHN BAXTER 2 You’ll need a substantial pan to collect the used oil. Since a typical truck diesel holds as much as 50 quarts, it should have a capacity of 60-75 quarts. 1 The first step is to operate the engine until it has been at normal operating temperature for a few minutes and oil temperature is normal. This gets everything the oil can dissolve into suspension so it will be drained out. While warming the engine, move the truck to a safe and level spot where it can be securely supported. Once the oil is hot and the truck in position, shut it off and remove the key. The engine must not be operated until the oil change is complete. Engine Transfusion Regular oil servicing is the most basic essential in getting long life from your motor additives as well as base oil that may have oxidized and broken down from heat. We visited the shop of K.L. Har- ring Transportation and Warehousing in Bethel, Pennsyl- vania to witness a change due on one of the company’s tractors, a 2009 Kenworth T660 with an ISX engine. The company changes its tractors’ oil at 18,000 miles, based on Cummins’ recommendations for vehicles running in severe service. The company owns 35 Kenworth trac- tors and handles logistics for a number of companies. We thank Keith Harring, president, Tommy Vajdic, fleet maintenance manager, and Bob Reed, technician, for their help with this story. R 24 TRUCKERS NEWS AUGUST 2010 egular oil changes make long diesel engine life pos- sible by removing impurities and replacing depleted 3 K.L. Harring has special self-sealing drain fittings installed onto all its oil pans. Reed removed a protective cap, then screwed in a drain spout that opens the self-sealing valve and has a short hose that directs the oil into the drain pan. On a typical engine, you’ll have to remove the drain plug with a socket wrench and grab it before it falls into the drain pan. Wear work gloves to protect yourself from hot oil. 4 Next, Reed grabbed a sample bottle and stuck it under the draining oil. This must be done after oil has had a little time to drain but well before it has all drained out to get a representative sample. The bottle will be sent to the Valvoline lab to make sure the oil was changed at the proper interval and to warn of any problems, such as coolant or fuel leaks into the oil.