15,000 mile service on my 18

[Cummins12V98]

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.

What is that?

 

[amauri]

I also can't imagine filling the filter, unscrewing the cap and then getting it up and on the threads without spilling any oil.

Maybe I've been lucky so far, but really not that difficult at all for me to do it that way.

 

[Wayne M.]

The CAT wrench looks like a great tool, especially for $7.

Yes, mine is an older one and it has a military style woven strap- brutal. The new ones have a nylon seat belt type strap. If it is only $7 now, that’s a steal.
I guess if I had a current model truck, I’d be doing the topside method of undressing a bit to operate. That’s how I handled my ‘92.

 

[SnoKing]

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_...MI8YXijpjZ5gIVCttkCh2-jAuyEAQYAiABEgJ5UPD_BwE

Nylon Strap type. Cheap!!

 

[JR]

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.

View attachment 117742

Do you actually remove the air filter Everytime, or just the housing?

 

[AH64ID]

I removed the intake tube for both changes so far. It’s quite easy and the whole process isn’t really any longer than the change on my 05.

 

[JR]

I wonder if there are different cut outs on the inner fenders for some reason. Mine is so easy to get to through the wheel well - tire intact - I've never attempted any other method. I'm not a fan of unnecessarily removing intake piping on the clean side either.

 

[SnoKing]

Do you actually remove the air filter Everytime, or just the housing?

You remove the air tube between the air box and the turbo. I do it in two pieces. There is a small breather hose that I unhook at the top end above the turbo. Ron does in slightly difference removing a bolt up higher and removes the breather hose and metal pipe.

Here is Ron's old thread on changing filter from the top.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/easy-cummins-6-7-2013-and-up-oil-change.252227/

 

[Cummins12V98]

Do you actually remove the air filter Everytime, or just the housing?

just the intake. It’s very simple.

 

[gsbrockman]

I wonder if there are different cut outs on the inner fenders for some reason. Mine is so easy to get to through the wheel well - tire intact - I've never attempted any other method. I'm not a fan of unnecessarily removing intake piping on the clean side either.

I did it through 362k miles on my 2014 RAM 3500 without incident.....

 

[dieselshadow]

I personally don't see the need to open up the clean side of the air intake system to change the oil. Why chance dusting your engine or leaving room for a mistake allowing a potential dusting? The turbo doesn't need an inspection at every oil change. Not bagging on anyone's method or anything, I just don't see the need. Now you need a ladder to reach down in the hole from the top. Can you really use two hands on the filter from the top? Still seems pretty cramped in there. But then again, I haven't tried it that way.

The fender hole really isn't an issue, even when doing in a gravel driveway like I did on the first change. It will only get easier next time.

 

[AH64ID]

I personally don't see the need to open up the clean side of the air intake system to change the oil. Why chance dusting your engine or leaving room for a mistake allowing a potential dusting? The turbo doesn't need an inspection at every oil change. Not bagging on anyone's method or anything, I just don't see the need. Now you need a ladder to reach down in the hole from the top. Can you really use two hands on the filter from the top? Still seems pretty cramped in there. But then again, I haven't tried it that way.

The fender hole really isn't an issue, even when doing in a gravel driveway like I did on the first change. It will only get easier next time.

The 1st change I wanted full access to the gorilla filter, and the 2nd change I needed to install my block heater cord so both jobs were much easier with the intake tube removed.

I have one of the geno's filter caps and will be trying the fender method this next change. Not that the intake method is hard, but if the fender is easier why not go with that.

 

[gsbrockman]

I personally don't see the need to open up the clean side of the air intake system to change the oil. Why chance dusting your engine or leaving room for a mistake allowing a potential dusting? The turbo doesn't need an inspection at every oil change. Not bagging on anyone's method or anything, I just don't see the need. Now you need a ladder to reach down in the hole from the top. Can you really use two hands on the filter from the top? Still seems pretty cramped in there. But then again, I haven't tried it that way.

The fender hole really isn't an issue, even when doing in a gravel driveway like I did on the first change. It will only get easier next time.

Until you’ve tried it that way........

In any event......I’d much rather take the intake apart (which I only did on my 2013 3500 and 2014 3500—The 2018 4500 I can do below, just like any 2012 and older truck due to the frame style) than subject the top of the oil filter housing to minute dirt and debris from the wheel well liner (or other areas—-even with the block off tool).

On one of my oil changes on the 2014, I tried to screw the primed oil filter on from the wheel well area, AFTER placing it below the air box from the top. I’m not huge....and I’m not small....but my impression is some of you guys must have little girly style hands and forearms to negotiate the oil filter within that area. The angle the engine sits in the bay is not very forgiving, either.

In any event......loosen two 8 mm bolts, remove one clamp from the CCV filter to the turbo....and it’s done.

 

[dieselshadow]

Can you get both hands down in there from the top?

I'm a mechanic by trade. The equipment has changed over the years, but the difficulty level doesn't really change, it just depends on the machine. I'm used to figuring out ways to get things done. Being in cramped spots, being out of position, sticking you hand where you don't really want to, is all part of my daily routine. Mechanics being human are naturally lazy too. Show me a way that's easier and quicker and I usually sign up, as long as it doesn't pose a larger risk to me or the machine.

 

[AH64ID]

Can you get both hands down in there from the top?

I'm a mechanic by trade. The equipment has changed over the years, but the difficulty level doesn't really change, it just depends on the machine. I'm used to figuring out ways to get things done. Being in cramped spots, being out of position, sticking you hand where you don't really want to, is all part of my daily routine. Mechanics being human are naturally lazy too. Show me a way that's easier and quicker and I usually sign up, as long as it doesn't pose a larger risk to me or the machine.

Both hands and a midget. There is a lot of room with the intake tube out.

 

[gsbrockman]

Can you get both hands down in there from the top?.

I’ve never needed but one hand....

 

[Cummins12V98]

So are you thru the side guys going to simply ignore the boost hose wear I posted and not remove the intake hose to inspect???

Simply can't see how a person can add "ONE" quart to the filter, add the special cap, drop in the hole, reach in unscrew special cap and then reach in and lift the filter without tipping and get under it enough to screw it on without spilling a drop. Simply don't buy it.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I’ve never needed but one hand....

There are times I use the other hand to help align to get the threads started.

YES on my last three second gen trucks I removed the air filter box and hose in one pc and changed the filter from the top. EZ, and yea I would give the turbo a spin each time.

 

[JR]

On one of my oil changes on the 2014, I tried to screw the primed oil filter on from the wheel well area, AFTER placing it below the air box from the top.
.

At the risk of beating a dead horse, no need to prefill. Just stick it in and screw away

Seriously though, it just isn't necessary. The oil pump is rated at something like 20gpm at rated rpm so even at an idle it's going to fill that filter in nothing flat. Not only that, but Everytime you start your truck after it's been sitting most of the oil that was in the filter has siphoned back to the pan. If it gives a warm fuzzy feeling then there's nothing wrong with doing it (as long as you are paying attention to what goes in the center hole), but not necessary, and makes it easier to install no matter which way you prefer to tackle it from.

 

[Cummins12V98]

May not be necessary but washing your truck isn't either.