15,000 mile service on my 18

[CBari]

This truck is my 5th new truck with the Cummins in it, so I was expecting all of the filters to tight. I however wasn't expecting the oil filter to be so tight that I broke two wrenches trying to get it off. I have a set of filter pliers that I can usually break most filters loose with, I had never used it on one of my trucks as I usually take the air box of and remove from the top. I had bought one of the screw on lids for the oil filter from Geno's so you don't make a mess removing from the fender and thought this was the perfect time to try it. After trying the pliers and making no progress, I pulled out my fluted filter wrench I used to use on the 5.9s from the bottom. It really did fit good and flat so couldn't get much torque on it, so I decided to go from the top. I removed the air box and got out my new strap wrench as my old one had a little tear and I thought I should replace it last time I was at the parts house. I put the wrench on and preceded to dent the filter and nothing else. I then go my little 8 inch cheater added a little more torque and the strap broke. Feeling pretty frustrated at this point I got the fluted wrench back out and put it on tight with out the ratchet attached and then got the ratchet on it. I could budge it so I got a two foot cheater and it broke loose some what I turned it about 1/16th of a turn before the welds on the fluted wrench broke. I am running out options at this time but I had a cheap metal band wrench that fit so I tried it thinking its moved it should be easier. Wrong I couldn't move it at all. I then got my trusted old strap wrench put on from the top and still couldn't really move it. I then call wife for reinforcements I had her on the top with the strap wrench and I put the metal band wrench with a cheater on it and finally got it loose but it was tight for at least another half a turn. I say all of this to say I am ready to go on a gorilla safari hunt at the cummins plant.

The fuel filter is usually fairly tight but this one was maybe finger tight it was a welcome reprieve.

For those curious I did use the geno's cap and it works great if you get the filter off which I should be able to do next time.

 

[TFucili]

The oil filter guy's previous gig...

 

[nukegm]

the factory oil filter on my cummins was insane tight as well. i too broke a rubber strap wrench, and bent my metal oil filter wrench that i have had since the 80s ( made in the usa ) ! only thing i can think of is that they dont lube the gasket. there is no reason for a filter to be that tight - in my opinion. cheers!

 

[AH64ID]

I also broke a strap wrench on my first oil change... but I didn’t wait 15K miles. I can’t leave oil in a new motor that long, it just doesn’t sit well with me. I know most motors go that long, but

Did you do your diff fluids? I just did mine at 15K and should have done the rear sooner. The OE gear lube doesn’t appear to be of high quality.

I then call wife for reinforcements I had her on the top with the strap...

 

[Cummins12V98]

Let me know how it works to put a full quart in your filter next time then add the cap then push thru the fender then unscrew cap then one handed raise the filter and screw it on. Oh all that without spilling a drop of oil.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Yes dump all GL and I also think transfer case should be done also.

 

[dieselshadow]

Let me know how it works to put a full quart in your filter next time then add the cap then push thru the fender then unscrew cap then one handed raise the filter and screw it on. Oh all that without spilling a drop of oil.

I did it recently. It’s really not that difficult honestly. Don’t know if I got a full quart in the filter or not, I just filled it within an inch or so from full.

Getting the original filter loose was the big deal. That and dropping the drain plug and having a massive stream of hot oil splash out of the pan and into the driveway. Now it has a drain valve on it. Seems like I have a small collection of drain plugs now. LOL

 

[gsbrockman]

The fuel filter is usually fairly tight but this one was maybe finger tight it was a welcome reprieve.

Which one? I presume you do know there’s two fuel filters....correct?

 

[SnoKing]

I have a strap filter wrench that has about a 1.25 fiber strap, I go from the top and get the strap right up to the top of the filter up against the flange. It takes a 1/2 socket extension and I use a 1/2 racket with slow pressure and it slowly turns. Yes the OEM was installed by the animal that sleeps in a cage in the corner of the factory. The instructions call for the ratchet handle to be across the top of the filter, and not sticking out from the side of the filter, which one might think gets the most force.

 

[gsbrockman]

My BIL made me a nice strap wrench about 10 years ago, for a Christmas present, after I commented how well I liked his when I used it once at his garage.

It has never failed....and is verrrrrrry durable. It actually got partially retired for a bit when I bought my 2013 RAM 3500 and 2014 RAM 3500, but I use it every oil change and fuel filter (separator) change on my current 2018 RAM 4500.

It has a 15/16” nut and I use my 1/2” drive ratchet and extensions on it.

 

[SnoKing]

My BIL made me a nice strap wrench about 10 years ago, for a Christmas present, after I commented how well I liked his when I used it once at his garage.

It has never failed....and is verrrrrrry durable. It actually got partially retired for a bit when I bought my 2013 RAM 3500 and 2014 RAM 3500, but I use it every oil change and fuel filter (separator) change on my current 2018 RAM 4500.

It has a 15/16” nut and I use my 1/2” drive ratchet and extensions on it.
View attachment 117734

Looks like my Craftsman ratchet!

 

[amauri]

I've changed the oil twice on my 18 2500 2wd, accessing the filter from the fender after removing the wheel.
Used Geno's cap and pre-filled the filter without issues and not a drop spilled.
The original filter was tight but my old KD strap wrench worked fine.

 

[Wayne M.]

Gentlemen. I’m saddened to hear of the engine oil filter struggle on the new rigs. It’s supposed to be a happy time- the first oil drop. I’ve experienced some equipment that have had tight filter “extractions” in my time, and there’s one tool that should be in every mechanics arsenal, and this one tool can last a career.
https://parts.cat.com/en/catcorp/hand-tools/wrenches/filter-wrenches/2P-8253
this is without a doubt the terminator. If this won’t spin it, either get the air hammer out or start unbolting the whole housing (I’ve been there). Nobody is breaking this tool.

 

[amauri]

The only problem I encountered on the first oil change was this one:
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...n-plug-damage-found-on-1st-oil-change.266290/

 

[sag2]

The OEM filter came right off on my 18 with the Geno's filter wrench. I reinstalled two new ones so far using the 3/4 turn method and they came off tight but no trouble. I still don't pre-fill the filter even though the filter diagram says to.

 

[SnoKing]

Here is a picture of my strap wrench. Web is actually 2" wide. No way a filter is going to win over it. SnoKing

 

[Wayne M.]

Sno- the CAT wrench webbing is similar, but it has a saddle and a rather large barrel to help spread the load and not crush the can.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I just can't wrap my head around dropping filter with a quart of oil in it with the cap on thru
the fender opening. Removing cap, then with one hand grabbing the filter and raising it up and screwing it onto the filter housing without tipping the filter.

What i can't imagine removing the tire when going from the top is so easy and it gives a person a chance to inspect the turbo along with finding what I did that could have left me along the highway.

 

[Cummins12V98]

SnoKing I have a very similar strap wrench i have used for years. My strap is not quite as wide but I always use it at the fill end of the filter where it's strongest.

 

[sag2]

I also can't imagine filling the filter, unscrewing the cap and then getting it up and on the threads without spilling any oil.
The CAT wrench looks like a great tool, especially for $7.