Amsoil Million Mile Chevy
Invoice for replacing my stuck odometer at 999,999
Stuck Odometer at 999,999
On May 18, 2008, at 2 a.m., while driving west on I-94, my 1999 Chevy Van’s odometer read 999,998 miles. With just two miles to go, I watched eagerly as the numbers ticked by. Finally, the odometer hit 999,999. I pulled over at Roberts, Wisconsin (Exit 10), 25 miles east of St. Paul, Minnesota, and took a picture of the odometer, capturing the moment just in case it rolled over to all zeros.
I drove another mile, according to my trip meter, and the odometer remained at 999,999. I drove an additional mile or two, but it was still stuck at 999,999. I eventually realized there was no room for the odometer to turn to 1,000,000, and it wasn’t going to reset to all zeros. It was permanently stuck at 999,999! The dealership charged me $200 to replace the cluster panel. However, after three weeks, the new panel developed an electrical issue and had to be replaced. Go figure!
Delivery Driver Test Amsoil
Amsoil Company Produced this Brochure
At 930,599 Miles…Location: Jackson, MS…
A valve keeper wore out in my 350 Chevy engine
causing one of the valves to stick
Million Mile Chevy Amsoil Dealer John Schlimmer of Greenville, Ohio…drives a 1999 Chevy G-3500 Express delivery van over the road between 110,000 to 120,000 miles a year.
When Schlimmer learned about AMSOIL synthetic motor oils and lubricants in 2000, he installed AMSOIL products throughout the vehicle’s drive train at 68,250 miles. After installing the Amsoil 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, he went from changing his oil every two weeks to once every three months.
In October 2007, a valve keeper wore out on the 5.7 L 350 gasoline engine. Schlimmer said the actual mileage on the engine did not factor in more than 6000 hours of idle time. It had 930,599 miles on it. Schlimmer sent the engine to AMSOIL Inc. for analysis. Analysis showed that a valve keeper had worn out, causing the valve to become wedged in the chamber.
The problem with the engine was not oil-related. Measurements taken against the manufacturer’s specifications indicated the engine was still in useable condition.
In each of the five categories, the engine tested within 1 percent of the manufacturer’s original specifications for the engine.
Schlimmer replaced the engine and continues to drive the van with the original transmission still running smoothly at over 1 million miles of service.
The Decision To Replace The
Engine Was Bittersweet
Below are pictures taken during the analysis of my 1999 Chevy 5.7 L 350 gasoline engine…by an independent machinist in December of 2007. Notice how clean the valve covers, rocker arms and oil pan are.
This engine had accumulated well over 6,000 hours of idle time…due to waiting to pick up another delivery. In the heat of the summer…I would idle the engine with the AC running to cool the inside of the vehicle and in the wintertime, I would idle the engine with the heater running to warm the inside of the vehicle.
If you read about “overheating this engine” on the homepage…that was an issue weighing on my mind when I decided to replace the engine.
I remember thinking that day…If I do get the valves replaced… cost $2000…what happens if I have more issues in the near future? How much money do I want to invest in this engine?
The main factor was I simply could not afford to have breakdowns. The freight I haul is extremely time-sensitive. When a manufacturing plant experiences a line shutdown due to a broken-down machine, it can cost the manufacturer over $10,000 for each hour they are down!
And to top it all off, if you fail to deliver on time, the manufacturer might hold you accountable for their lost income!
A Bitter Sweet Moment For Me
You be the judge. Zoom in on the brochure and see for yourself just how squeaky clean the entire engine is after 930,599 miles!
Looking at the pictures and specifications of my engine was bittersweet. The sweet part was seeing how incredibly clean it was, particularly the bottom of the oil pan and the rocker arms. These pictures and specs illustrate the effectiveness of Amsoil Signature Series Synthetic oil in reducing friction and wear. Even more remarkable the 20-25,000 mile oil changes prove Amsoil can take the heat.
And then when I read the spec page…that was a bittersweet moment for me! After seeing how little wear there was throughout the engine, all that was wrong with the engine was a valve keeper worn out. I knew at that point…I could still be driving that engine down the road today.
Pictured Below…My 930,000 Mile…350 Chevy Engine
If Your Oil Is So Good…
Then Why Are You Changing
It Every 3-5000 Miles?
Keep in mind what you’ve just seen and read about this engine…was accomplished by changing the engine oil and filter every 20 – 25,000 miles.
And what makes this even more significant…the Amsoil company had no idea I was on this million-mile journey until around 900,000 miles!
So why am I sharing all this with you?
Because I know your vehicle is your “pride and joy.” It becomes like an ole shoe to you. It takes you to work each day…keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Many of you make a living out of your vehicle…like me.
I know how important it is to be able to hop into your vehicle when it’s 20 below and turn the key and the engine starts right up. Or when it’s a hundred degrees and you’re stuck in a traffic jam and the engine and transmission oil are not overheating. Those are just a few of the many benefits of Amsoil synthetic lubricants.
So if you still think your oil is so good…then explain to me…why are you still changing it every 3-5000 miles. Knowing what you know now?
Another unique story is my “Million Mile Transmission.” There’s no doubt the Amsoil synthetic transmission fluid played a crucial role in achieving this milestone.
Purchase Amsoil Products at Rock Bottom Prices!
Let’s Get Started 3 Ways To Purchase Amsoil Products
1. Purchase Online Or Via Phone: You can purchase Amsoil products at retail prices by going to Amsoil’s online store or by calling Amsoil at (800) 777-7094 from 8 am to 5 pm Central Time, Monday – Friday. Thank you for using my ID#516778 when ordering.
2. Become A Preferred Customer: Save 25% off retail prices by becoming a preferred customer. Cost: $10 for 6 months or $20 for 1 year (Canada $30). When signing up as a preferred customer you’ll receive your own ID# giving you access to the online store to purchase all your products at wholesale prices. You can call Amsoil’s toll-free ordering number at (800) 777-7094 to order wholesale.
Preferred Customers receive an information kit on AMSOIL products and the monthly AMSOIL Action News magazine containing powerful testimonies and updates about the Amsoil products.
3. Become A Dealer: Start your own business and become an Amsoil dealer. Cost: $50 yearly (Canada $65) save 25% off retail prices and share the Amsoil products with your friends, sign up Preferred Customers and Dealers under you, and earn a commission off their orders. When signing up as a Dealer you’ll receive your own ID# giving you access to the online store to purchase all your products at wholesale. You can call Amsoil’s toll-free ordering number at (800) 777-7094 to order wholesale.
Have questions? Or need help in selecting the right oil and filters for your vehicle or equipment? Feel free to contact me anytime at (937) 417-1127 or jbs777@gmail.com. If you reach my voicemail, leave a message or text, and I’ll respond as soon as possible.
Thank you for using my ID#516778 when ordering.
Happy Trails
John Schlimmer
Million Mile Chevy Amsoil Dealer
www.MillionMileChevy.com
PS: Most Japanese models take the Ea15K oil filter…good for 15,000 miles. If you drive over 15,000 miles a year…change the oil filter…no need to change the oil until 25,000 miles or one year. European cars … oil and filter need to be changed at the recommended mileage by the owner’s manual.
