Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine oil and filter question

[mavrick1]

I ordered a 2002 3500 QC 4x4 with the regular motor and 5 speed transmission. My question has to do with engine oil and filters. I got 10 free oil changes from my dealer. I have them done every 5,000 miles since I figure I am between severe (3500 mile change) and easy (7500 mile change) driving. The dealer uses the Mopar filter and Mopar 15w-40 diesel oil. Has anyone ever used this filter and oil? I've read a lot of the oil discussions and articles on the web site and in the magazine. I'm just wondering if anyone might have an idea of how the Mopar stuff stacks up against the other oils and filters. The truck has 23,000 miles on it and is running great and never uses any oil. I work it pretty good during the summer pulling my boat down the highways in the Oklahoma heat, and it never misses a beat. Just wondering what others think.

 

[tarussell]

I gave my free oil change coupons away because I always do my own oil changes and only use a Fleet Guard LF 3894 filter every 3000 miles. I know that I may be stuborn about maintanince but it sure does make me sleep better knowing everything is done right the first time.

 

[Paulsdodge]

OIl changes

Hi,

My truck is also a 2001 and I've always done my own oil changes as well. I only use the Mopar filter and I also use the Shell Rotella oil. I have no complaints what-so-ever.

 

[obert]

Bought mine used, But I just use good ole' Rotella T and Wix (who makes NAPA, BTW) filters.



Oh, Except for that one time. It was Sunday and i felt like changing oil, but out of filters. Wix Dealer Closed, Close NAPA closed, Wal-mart open. Got a fram that supposedly was made for my truck.

Went home, changed oil, and almost exactly 1000 miles later I was sitting on the side of I-71 with a loaded trailer and a melted piston. Apparently errant filter media won't pass through the cooling nozzles. Thank goodness for warranty. I was NOT going to be my own warranty station for a $15k repair on a truck I had owned a week shy of a year.

 

[kluther]

i use the factory filter. have an inside connection 9. 00$ each and gives me the seals. oil,i use rottela or delo. both smell a while after changing. note oil from D/C doesn't smell. ken

 

[Neal Cassady]

Depends on the Dealer

mavrick1,



If you have a good dealer that you can trust not to abuse your truck while they have it you should be fine. Most dealers don't give the oil change jobs to their "mechanics". I wouldn't let my local dealer check my oil but I'm really anal about my truck.



Neal

 

[rblomquist]

Originally posted by obert

Bought mine used, But I just use good ole' Rotella T and Wix (who makes NAPA, BTW) filters.



Oh, Except for that one time. It was Sunday and i felt like changing oil, but out of filters. Wix Dealer Closed, Close NAPA closed, Wal-mart open. Got a fram that supposedly was made for my truck.

Went home, changed oil, and almost exactly 1000 miles later I was sitting on the side of I-71 with a loaded trailer and a melted piston. Apparently errant filter media won't pass through the cooling nozzles. Thank goodness for warranty.

Just curious but who warrantied this (DC or Fram?) I didn't think Fram oil filters were on the DC "approved" list.

 

[lschultz]

Ever body that uses a Fleetguard filter uses it. The Mopar filter is made by Fleetguard. They just spray there paint on it and put there # on and charge you double. You can get them filters from Genos a lot cheaper. The Mopar oil is made by one of the oil producers. Maybe Valvoline?Or.

 

[Joe G.]

Check my post about LF3894 filter prices in the product and accessories forum.

 

[obert]

It was under 100k warranty. Dealer took care of it thrugh cummins, who, so the service writer told me, is seaking restitution from allied signal. Although there was supposed to be a notification sent to dealers describing the effects of using this filter on a 24v.



BTW-- At least in Ohio, Unless your filters are supplied to you at no charge, warrenty CANNOT be voided by any filter that was "manufactured for your vehicle"



Years ago the bobcat dealer i work at tried that and got nailed.

But i couldn't understand why because we get paid more for warranty work.....