Using the Gear Lube

[bossboy2]

Sorry it took so long to reply but, the life of a trucker. As far as the previous engine (ISX) is concerned, at 495k the oil pressure light came on and engine made light tapping. Shut her down and had it towed to Cummins Amarillo. They said they replaced the oil pump but tapping noise was still there. I didn't get fully out of Amarillo and tapping noise became 4lb sledgehammer beating against the block. Apparently a circlip came out of one of the wristpins and it ultimately worked its way into the block destroying it. So they said. Reconditioned block was brought in from Dallas, brand new head and all the peripherals and I was told to "drive it like you stole it", which I definitely don't do. 400k later the crank broke. Sorry, I'm just kinda expecting blocks to last at least 800k. I was empty the second time and going downhill on I-75 into Atlanta. No reason to break a crank. So yeah, I've always sworn by my Cummins engines as that's what I've used for the better part of 20 years, but the ISX left a sour taste 2x and I had already spent 24k on it once. I wasn't prepared to do it again. Maybe when they get it together I'll go back but the company I'm leased with has Petes that they lease with the Cummins ISX. They are constantly in the shop for rings, egr problems but surprisingly very few DOC issues...so far. Those are my reasons for the change.

That said, I have three oil samples done. The only parameter that's ever been exceeded was viscosity. It was about 2 points too high. I checked the soot level but it was midrange and acceptable. Granted, I get them done at Speedcrap but a sample is better than no sample. Unfortunately, Speedco doesn't check for fuel or coolant which I find egregious but I don't have a way to pull a sample myself. Yet. The truck is a 2013 Cascadia with EGR, DOC intact and working properly.
BTW, no, I hadn't heard of the issues you were describing about the DD13. I did see a disgruntled drive once really chewing Freightliner's ass about the wiring harness though, but I had already bought the truck.
I have searched the web trying to find a site that deals specifically with the DD engines but the best I can find seems more tuned to the diesel pickup truck market.