How often should the engine oil be changed on a year 2000 Fiat Ducato 230, 2.8TD? Many thanks.
With a diesel engine , the more the better . My own van , actually exactly the same as yours , twice a year , and that's with very low annual mileage . Beginning of the year and end , and a new filter at ever change . I do this myself , so basically it's small change to me . I also flush the system as well , using a flushing oil , though some would argue this can be dodgy practice .
Okay , so why do i do it so often ?, well the reason is simple . Oil can become acidic , if left in the sump over long periods idle . During a layup say , this can attack , and damage the engine , including the main bearings . I first learned of this one , with motorcycles about 10 years ago , and to emphasise the point , this article included pictures . I had actually seen the result for myself , on an engine i stripped down , and wondered what had caused the staining . I've simple just carried the practice on . Secondly , change the oil , start the motor , then drop the oil . It will look no better than the stuff you removed in the first place . This is because unburnt particles of the combustion sequence will always find their way into the sump , and this is what turns the oil black . It's also what makes the oil acidic in the first place .
So what of the flushing oil , and why is it dodgy ? . Well this oil literally flushes the system , just as you would give a flask a rinse after you've used it . This removes the residue of all the old oil , cleans the oil galleries , and softens any sludge in the system . I do it ever single time , and because of this my oil actually stays cleaner longer . To prove this point , i recently replaced my sump , as the old one was in a bit of a state oil , certainly no oil painting . I was amazed at the condition of the inside . Not a trace of sludge , and the dregs of the remaining oil was spotless . I mean this sump appeared unmarked , and actually looked new inside . A completely different story on the outside though .
So you may be thinking , if that's the case , why is it dodgy ? . Hmmm , well yes there is a risk , and that's due to the sludge . Remember i said it loosen sludge , that's true , but the problem is , sometime this sludge can be masking , or even preventing a leak . I have been warned several times against this practice , but my feelings are , i'd sooner find and deal with a leak while i have time on my hands , as opposed to having one let go suddenly , and maybe having to have the vehicle recovered .
What i will say in conclusion is , i've never suffered a leak in any of my engines due to this action , two of those vehicles are diesel , and both over twenty years old . But you should be warned of this being a possibility .