It was my astonishment that prompted the call to the motherland. I was at 10K for the first 120K, but have been extending that to 12.5K. I agree that even synth. oil is cheaper than running the engine to the limits of the oil.
I do get annual oil analysis on the bus, but that is a 2 cycle engine.

Thanks and have a wonderful Labor Day.

__________________
Gary
Experience is something you get, Just after you needed it....
'99 E300 295K, '83 300D 220K, '75 240D 185K sold
'80 MCI Bus Conv DD 6V92TA, w/4 cyl. Kubota diesel GenSet 12.5KW