Don't Delay First Oil Change

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Maintenance' started by SRT-Tom, Mar 23, 2018.

  1. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Your first oil change is very important. Get it done on time or, preferably, ahead of schedule.

    This is because, on a new engine, the block walls, underside of the valve covers, all the head surfaces exposed to oil, the rods, crank, pistons, cam, lifters, etc will shed debris. Most of this will be fine particles, but in some cases, with aluminum heads and block, the factory cast processing can result in rather large pieces of relatively thin aluminum coming loose. As the aluminum flows into the mold it can splash against the wall of the mold. This results in a very thin coating of aluminum on the mold wall then as the mold fills, the casting obtains its full/final shape. But this initial splash can result in a foil like piece of aluminum that can at some point over the miles break loose. If it makes its way to the oil pan it can get pulled into the oil pump. The gears will pulverize this piece of aluminum into a bunch of tinier pieces. These end up in the filter.

    If the stuff remains in the pan, some can flow out when the oil is drained.

    And of course where there are sliding, rotating metal surfaces separated only by a very thin layer of oil, this will certainly remove any loose particles of metal. (This is part of the "break-in" process.)

    Also, besides the accumulation of particulate matter, there is the contamination of the oil. Specifically, water. Old oil can hold up to 7% water. In a Hemi engine with a 7 quart capacity, this can equal almost 1/2 quarts of water.

    So a word to the wise, don't delay changing your oil!
     
  2. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    yeah, on my truck I went about 1500 miles than I had the oil changed. changed to using Pennzoil full synthetic and now change it every 4-5000 miles
     
  3. kiss1962

    kiss1962 Member

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    On my past 2 New challengers 2014 then 2017 I changed my oil aprox. 1500KM or 1000 miles then every 8000km or 5000miles .Plus I have a Catch can and it works great !
     
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  4. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    yep, on my 2009 challenger I change every 4-5000 miles.(Mobil1 and a K&N oil filter) thing is it may get changed once a year as I barely put 5000 miles a year on it. mostly driving to shows and on some pretty weather weekends. but my truck which is a 2017 ram, it gets changed every 5,000 and this vehicle gets the miles put on it as my daily driver.
     
  5. FrankenMax

    FrankenMax Full Access Member

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    When my dad would dyno a motor when he was done, he dropped the oil. He would inspect it and send the motor out the door with instructions. After 10 passes or 1 race or 500 miles which ever came first change the oil. I still do this and I’ve never lost a four stroke motor. Two stroke is another story.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  6. 70-426_10-SRT

    70-426_10-SRT B&E body lover

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    Speaking of oil changes. . . . .
    Where do you re-set the TIMER for oil changes?

    On the Grand Cherokee, there is a SERVICE section on the menu.

    This 2010 SRT8 just says SEE DEALER

    if I have to actually open a manual, I'm going to be pissed
     
  7. ZEN357

    ZEN357 Full Access Member

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    Glad I read this, my Challenger only has a little over 1000 miles on it and I was going to wait until 3000. I think I'll schedule an oil change today. Thanks!!!!
     
  8. 70-426_10-SRT

    70-426_10-SRT B&E body lover

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    So, from what I read on OTHER Boards:

    You Turn the Key to the RUN position with out starting.
    Press the Gas Pedal to the floor THREE times in under 10 sec
    And say " There's NO Place like home" Three times?


    Tried it and the warning DID go away.

    But How do you set a Service Reminder interval?
     
  9. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    yep, I changed my Rams oil ahead of schedule to put in synthetic oil. still using a Mopar filter though. Same way with my wife's Grand Cherokee. after that first oil change I usually change every 4,000 miles.