4.8 10 or 15k km oil changes. What say you?

[graham1]

Howzit guys.
So, as the topic says.
Should I change the oil at 10 or 15000km intervals?
The previous owner apparently religiously serviced every 15000km from new to 220000km.

Do I stick with that? Or do 10 now that she’s getting on a bit?

Thanks!

[hugejp]

I do 10k changes...

[mvcoller]

I do them every 15,000 km.

I sold my Terrano TDi 27 at 350,000 km and the engine was still as strong as an ox. Initially, changes were done at 7,500 km but when "Clean Diesel" came along (which at the time was 500ppm) Nissan sent out a circular stating they they recommended doubling the distance between oil changes. At that stage my Terrano had done just over 100,000 Km.

I feel that is you stick to a good oil, and don't drive on dirt routes more than 50% of the time, 15,000 km intervals should be OK. I do however believe in changing the air filter at every service. Some guys recon if you replace it every second service and blow it clean at the service between replacement, it should be OK.

I however feel that as well as clean diesel, clean air is vital for keeping the oil free of harmful abrasive particles. These abrasive particles reduce the life of the oil and helps it to lose the viscosity required to prolong engine life.

[Tinus lotz]

I service oil at 10000km

[Wilkie]

oil change on every vehicle differs....and this is my opinion
older generation grunter petrol engine..10 000km
older generation grunter diesel engines 7 500 km
new tech multi valve petrol engines ...15 000km
new tech multi valve diesel engines....20 000km
my new M/B 3.0l sprinter has a every 30 000km service interval.....
BUT a major factor also ..is the condition of engine..

[Alex Roux]

oil change on every vehicle differs....and this is my opinion
older generation grunter petrol engine..10 000km
older generation grunter diesel engines 7 500 km
new tech multi valve petrol engines ...15 000km
new tech multi valve diesel engines....20 000km
my new M/B 3.0l sprinter has a every 30 000km service interval.....
BUT a major factor also ..is the condition of engine..

But changing more frequently than necessary would not do harm?

[Rhett]

First of all, how many kilo's do you do a year? I have always serviced once a year as I'll never do 10 000km in that time. If you don't drive dirt roads (which you should be doing in a Patrol ) then MAYBE 15 000km is ok. But as Malcolm says, good oil is very important.

If you are specifically talking about your older gen 4.8 (2004), I would most definitely stick to a 10 000km service interval, and if you do Namibia trips etc, change the filters as soon as you get back and that 4.8 will outlive you

[graham1]

Damn, not the answer I was looking for guys.
Now it means I’m going to be under it covered in oil this weekend.

It’s been less than a year since the last oil change, but there has been a Botswana trip and quite a few trails that have been done. So she deserves a service I guess.

Thanks all.

[Rhett]

Should take about an hour / 2 beers . Are you doing the fuel filter too?

[graham1]

Should take about an hour / 2 beers . Are you doing the fuel filter too?

Problem is I’m notoriously bad with making a hell of a mess with oil changes. So much so that these days I put a drop sheet down to cover the entire garage floor before I start. And that’s with small cars with 3 or so litres only. Imagine the mess I will make with almost 7 litres!

I didn’t think about the fuel filter to be honest