Dropping the oil pan

[hookliftpete]

Been too busy to get back these last few days.

In the 18 months having owned the truck, the oil is changed every 10k, sometimes is a couple hundred over if I can't get a few hours to change it, but not much.

Previous owner said they changed it at 10k, who knows though.

Cummins lit says (online pdf I'd found) was 15k for a change.

I'm getting 7-8mpg, so I'd be, on your chart 15-18k between changes.

So bypass filtration should help, but I'm still thinking dropping the pan to clean the sludge would jump start the process to higher oil filtration? Would a couple of short oil changes do the same for less frustration?

If I do drop the pan, back to first question, what is it that I should be looking for on engine internals, as far as normal vs irregular wear, etc?

Thanks!