2011 First Oil Change Easy

[Alan Reagan]

Did my first oil change yesterday and what a difference over past first changes.



The oil filter came off easily. Nice. Drain plug came out easily. Looks like a new style.



The oil smelled like the devil and was blaaaaaack. That was some nasty stuff.



Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. On my past trucks, the first change is usually a big PITA, trying to get the filter off, especially.

 

[n7gxz]

My oil filter was on real tight. I could not get it off using the filter socket, I had to take the air filter box and intake pipe out to get a band type wrench on the filter and then had to use a pry bar to get it loose.



Kevin

 

[Alan Reagan]

I had a 2010 that I did the first change on and thought I was going to have to have it towed to a garage to get the first filter off. A band wrench wouldn't budge it. I had an old wrench that fit on the bottom that I had to beat on with a hammer, then use an extension, socket and short pull bar to break it free.



The 2011 came right off.



When I did the fuel filter on the '10, it wouldn't come loose. I finally got it broke free and changed the filter. Hopefully the new one won't be a problem. I don't know if it is Cummins or Dodge that does the final assembly on the engine parts but they must not always follow the torque specs.

 

[GaryCarter]

I always use a heavy duty nylon band wrench that takes a 1/2" extension. With a long extension and a 1/2" breaker bar the filter IS coming off, I don't care how tight the Cummins robot put it on.



I approach mine from underneath. Loosen it first then do the old gallon baggie trick.



Gary

 

[amsoilman]

I believe the filters are put on by Cummins when they build the engines.

 

[Bill Stockard]

I believe the filters are put on by Cummins when they build the engines.

Yes, they do by a trained gorilla and they hide him when hosting plant tours.



Bill

 

[roberthall0]

CarQuest sells a tool for removing filters that makes it an easy job even on first oil changes. Its made of steel and you use it with a ratchet and an extension. The tighter the filter the more it grips. I have never had it to slip. If I can get a picture or part number I will post it.

 

[KParsons]

oil change no mess

someone here had a good idea to punch a small hole in the bottom of the oil filter. this work very well,let it drain for a while. nice and clean. oil was 43$ for 3 gal. it took 12. 5 gal. total to fill it up. the donaldson filter was 12-14$. the fuel filter was very fast. 10 min to change it. k

 

[bigblock_doc]

The oil filter was tough. Finally got it through the wheel well. Used a normal

band type filter wrench. Snuck it up from the bottom, moved it to the top and with a lot of pushing, and talking nicely to it, it moved a 1/6 inch at a time. PITA.

Next one should be a lot easier.

 

[BVol]

Mine came off easy enough... . but I had a tough time trying to get the new filter lined up to thread it on. It has to be done from underneath and I tried every position I could twist myself into. Finally I layed down with my head towards the front of the truck-I guess I could get a better view that way beacuase it spun right on. Hopefully the next one will be easier. In case anyone is wondering. . the dashboard display came on at 4010 miles.

 

[zb39]

Mine messg came on this weekend with 4556 miles.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Mine came off easy enough... . but I had a tough time trying to get the new filter lined up to thread it on. It has to be done from underneath and I tried every position I could twist myself into. Finally I layed down with my head towards the front of the truck-I guess I could get a better view that way beacuase it spun right on. Hopefully the next one will be easier. In case anyone is wondering. . the dashboard display came on at 4010 miles.

I'm right handed and it is easier for me to slide in from the front (head to the rear of the truck). That gives me a clear look to the filter and filter head when I install the new one.

 

[zb39]

Changed it today. First time, no issues. Put in the valve so I don't have to mess with the plug from now on.

 

[RonD]

I just serviced my 2012 for the first time yesterday, the oil filter was snug, but came off with little effort, the oil drain plug was just a little over finger tight, sort of odd to see that. The oil was not that bad after 5000 miles, no strange smells, dark but not any different than my old 5. 9 was. I wanted to check the battery water, there is a sticker on top that says do not pry off the caps. I first thought this was a never service type battery, I pried off the caps, it fills just like any battery, I removed the rear end fill plug to check the fluid level, it started to run out a little, so it was full, and the oil was clean, reset the oil change reminder, it never did go off, I just thought it was time, overall this new truck has been trouble free, and just as easy to service as the old 05 was, Ron