Bag It!

[TDRComm]

Here are a couple of useful oil change tips if you own a later-model Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel.

If you would like an excuse for not doing a basic oil change on a late model Ram Turbo Diesel Cummins, we’ve got it.

“You can’t easily reach the oil filter.”

Yep, the oil filter is more-than-difficult to access. Ram/Cummins engineers noted the problem and have given you an access opening in the passenger-side, plastic wheel well area. Great idea, but only someone with hands the size of a 10-year old can reach into the filter area.

The solution is to cut the plastic wheel well and make the opening larger.

​

With the opening cut-to-size, don’t forget this BAG IT! tip:
Put a zip-loc bag around the oil filter just before the final turn to unthread the filter from the oil tube.

Next, install your new filter. Finding the oil tube and threading
the new filter onto the tube requires finesse and a bit of luck!

This is the 15th installment of “Learn from our Mistakes.”
We hope we have informed and entertained you for the day.

 

[smittyd174]

View attachment 135179

Here are a couple of useful oil change tips if you own a later-model Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel.

If you would like an excuse for not doing a basic oil change on a late model Ram Turbo Diesel Cummins, we’ve got it.

“You can’t easily reach the oil filter.”

Yep, the oil filter is more-than-difficult to access. Ram/Cummins engineers noted the problem and have given you an access opening in the passenger-side, plastic wheel well area. Great idea, but only someone with hands the size of a 10-year old can reach into the filter area.

The solution is to cut the plastic wheel well and make the opening larger.

View attachment 135176 View attachment 135177

​

With the opening cut-to-size, don’t forget this BAG IT! tip:
Put a zip-loc bag around the oil filter just before the final turn to unthread the filter from the oil tube.



View attachment 135178


Next, install your new filter. Finding the oil tube and threading
the new filter onto the tube requires finesse and a bit of luck!

This is the 15th installment of “Learn from our Mistakes.”
We hope we have informed and entertained you for the day.

Tried the bag trick , it works but not great . I have finally got a system that works for me . I purchased 2 items , first was a large oil filter plier, handles about 14 inches long. The second item available at Geno's or Amazon is a plug that screws into the used filter and new one as well.
Loosen used filter , spin it off carefully and when it's off set it on the crossmember that is below it . The filter will sit there , screw the plug into the filter , grab the handle and pull it out . I barely get my hands dirty . Install new one in reverse, still tricky to spin it on but not hard . Good luck guys and gals.

 

[TDRGuy]

Thanks "smittyd174" for the reminder to mention the oil filter plug made by Lyle tools (part # LC57180 at $12.95) that is available at the good ole Geno's Garage web site.

Mine was missing from the tool box and this discussion is a reminder to call my buddy (acquaintance may be a better word) and get back my "borrowed" tool.

On second thought, that's more trouble than it is worth. I'll order another from Geno's.

TDR admin

 

[Shedkept]

I've done more oil changes than I'd like to remember on many types of cars including those with dry sump systems. My '92 1st Generation D250 is the very first Dodge save for a slant 6 Valiant a friend had in high school where I was a spectator.
The oil filter isn't coming out of the bottom but with a long extension and correct filter socket it loosened up easily from down under. Removed the air filter pipe and spun it off, no mess. Easy. Next time I'll do the whole thing from up top but I had the truck on the lift for a transmission temperature gauge re-wire so I had to see for myself that it couldn't be done. As it is the procedure is pretty much fool-proof. The bag and the cap are a great ideas.
Thanks for the great website!

PS: Is the LISLE TOOL compatible across the "Generations"? Assume so but had to ask.

 

[TDRGuy]

I've done more oil changes than I'd like to remember on many types of cars including those with dry sump systems. My '92 1st Generation D250 is the very first Dodge save for a slant 6 Valiant a friend had in high school where I was a spectator.
The oil filter isn't coming out of the bottom but with a long extension and correct filter socket it loosened up easily from down under. Removed the air filter pipe and spun it off, no mess. Easy. Next time I'll do the whole thing from up top but I had the truck on the lift for a transmission temperature gauge re-wire so I had to see for myself that it couldn't be done. As it is the procedure is pretty much fool-proof. The bag and the cap are a great ideas.
Thanks for the great website!

PS: Is the LISLE TOOL compatible across the "Generations"? Assume so but had to ask.

Yes, the tool is compatible across all generations.
The oil filter is one of the few parts that has not changed since 1989... You can get the premium Stratapore (LF16035) in lieu of the paper/cellulose design filter if you so choose.

 

[GAmes]

Nothing to do with the article. Why can't I get to the forums? The gallery comes up.

 

[TDRGuy]

Thanks, GAmes.

We're working on it...

TDR Admin

 

[Shedkept]

Yes, the tool is compatible across all generations.
The oil filter is one of the few parts that has not changed since 1989... You can get the premium Stratapore (LF16035) in lieu of the paper/cellulose design filter if you so choose.

Thanks. I bought 3 of the LF16035's in an early order.

 

[Tuesdak]

What a bunch of neat freaks!

I use the OEM drain funnel for the oil filter. It eventually stops marking it’s territory in a couple weeks.

Seriously the filter pliers and ziplock bag are a good idea. It’s a tight squeak through the side that damages the ziplock. But it still reduces the mess.

Hot engine oil out the drain plug splashing back out the oil drain pan… well the filter mess is the least of my problems!

 

[SnoKing]

I always used a bag and attacked the filter on all three RAM's (93, 2001.5 and the 2015) from the top. Worked well for me from 1994 to spring of 2021.

 

[NIsaacs]

I always used a bag and attacked the filter on all three RAM's (93, 2001.5 and the 2015) from the top. Worked well for me from 1994 to spring of 2021.

I agree. '91.5, '01 and '21 from the top. Once you pull the intake tube off, there is not 10 cents worth of difference between the three trucks.

 

[24vctd]

I added a pacbrake relocate kit and valve where my oil pan plug was. Very well spent money for the ease of RR oil filter and oil.

 

[Rob S]

Ok, now lets discuss the best oil. Just kidding!

 

[bcbender]

Another success, much easier when doing the tire rotation at the same time

I may look into the trimming tho, it can be a tight fit for large hands.

 

[Tuesdak]

You can also add a rag to the oil filter drip funnel in case the engine drips with the filter off. Or maybe the dealer installed one for you when they did their first 'free' oil change. And you get a free forgotten rag.

And after doing the zip lock bag trick where the closer breaks off on the bag and fighting all the way out through the fender: no mess from the oil filter. (2018 cutting the plastic don't matter as it's a tight squeeze between a metal line and another hose no matter what.)

Then drain the engine. Oil on the hotter side jumps out of the drain pan...

It's faster to just drop the filter, pour it out by the engine into the funnel, and then take it out bottom first through the fender hole. Then use oil adsorb to clean up after. Same results just less time screwing around.