First oil change...need your advice

[MojaveJoe]

Iam about to do my first 3750 oil change.



Would surely appreciate your tips or tricks for making it a less stressful experience. (I recall reading that taking the factory filter off was a Bit*%!) (or, be sure and fill the new filter before installing. )



Any and all advice welcome.



Thanx, Joe

 

[lmills]

Slip a freezer bag around the filter when talking it off to help contain the oil.



As you said, some of the filters are extremely tight, mine however was loose enough I probably could have gotten it off by hand

 

[rashwor]

As you mentioned...

the filter should be filled first before installing. Install new filter only hand tight - no wrench. Filling the filter saves a little on engine and turbo wear. Don't over-torque the drain plug. On second gen trucks, this could cause problems with the pan or cause the plug to break / crack.



I have heard some say that removing the air hose between the box and the turbo will give you a little better access to the filter.

 

[Dean Upson]

Re: As you mentioned...

Originally posted by rashwor

the filter should be filled first before installing. Install new filter only hand tight - no wrench. Filling the filter saves a little on engine and turbo wear. Don't over-torque the drain plug. On second gen trucks, this could cause problems with the pan or cause the plug to break / crack.



I have heard some say that removing the air hose between the box and the turbo will give you a little better access to the filter.

Joe,



All of the above, but make real sure the oil that you use to prime the filter is 100% clean.



Dean

 

[Crunch]

Re: As you mentioned...

Originally posted by rashwor I have heard some say that removing the air hose between the box and the turbo will give you a little better access to the filter. [/B]

I've heard that too, and read it in something I downloaded from TDR, I think. I removed the air hose but it was still too tight to work the wrench so I crawled under the truck and removed it that way. The biggest worry was spilling oil on my face. In the future I will probably not remove the air hose and continue to work from underneath the truck.



I've also never had to deal with 3 gallons of oil before. My gasser F-150 used about 6 quarts and it was no problem to just flush the old oil down the toilet. But for the Cummins I figured that was too much and decided that pouring it down a storm drain was the wiser move...









JUST KIDDING!



I took it to the auto parts store and left it with them in the containers the new oil came in.



I'm still probably going to get a visit from the EPA and the truck Nazis.

 

[tpuig]

All the above tips are good advice. Buy oil in gallon jugs on sale at Costco or Wallyworld.

I ended up getting one of the hose and drain plug from Geno's after researching a bit. (Some guys like the valve, some like the hose. ) Anyway, it really makes draining very easy. After 5 oil changes, I finally broke down and got one of the orange filter wrenches from Geno's as well. The first oil change wasn't too bad, as were my previous 3, but I guess I put the filter on an extra turn last time. It was a real mother to remove.

And although I sound like an add for Geno's, I bought the 4/2/1 filter kit for my '03. Saves a couple pennies that I can put elsewhere into the truck. Good luck and enjoy putting on the miles.

TP

 

[SSage]

My filter was a pain to get off. The plastic 6 in 1 cap wrench did not work. I had to use the belt or strap type to get mine off. Even then, it took some real effort. Mine was probably worse than most, I'm a big strong construction worker... no light weight either. . It took a strong pull of the rachet on mine.



You may want to have the strap type on hand. The cap type is nice when putting that last 3/4 turn on the filter.

 

[Briman]

I use a cup wrench and a two foot extension from below, lower it straight down and no trouble with spilling any oil. I personally don't think hand tight is enough, given all the vibration that goes on with that motor. It seems to me that sometime during the second gen life DC printed something about this. The Mopar filters have markings (a letter, a-d) spaced at 90 degree intervals around the filter. The recommendation was to tighten 3/4 turn after the gasket seated. I don't go quite this tight, somewhere around 1/2 turn seems to be good for me. I guess maybe you could get it that tight with your hands?

 

[MojaveJoe]

Thanks Guys

That's exactly the kind of advice I was looking for.



I just learned that a 305HP HO CTD doesn't need the first oil change until 7500 miles. While the 235HP SO requires it changed every 3750 miles. So Iam debating draining early now or letting the break-in oil stay for another 3750. If there truly is a special oil in it for break-in, this may be a mistake. Any ideas?



Also, keep the oil change tips and tricks coming. Very helpful for those of us who are new at doing their own maintenance.



Many Thanks

Joe

 

[ttreibel]

I found a nice metal socket for the filter at Napa for 10 bucks. I took in the Fleetgaurd filter and they found me the perfect socket. Before that I removed the Turbo air intake and used a strap wrench the socket works much better and Napa's looks way stronger than the 6in1 from Geno's.



BTW I am with the 7500 oil changes but Cummins Northwest thought 6K was a better distance in there opinion.

 

[Ladders]

And when filling the filter w/oil, use just the outside holes (pour slow) as the center hole is direct feed to the eng. If you drop a piece of "whatevers" in the center hole, it goes to the eng. The outer holes are for the "dirty" oil and the "clean" oil comes out the center. I usually just fill about 1/4" from the top to give a "breathing" room for the tilting/movements of getting the filter installed. Usually go about 1/2 turn to tighten and then mark the filter where I previously marked the filter flange (on the eng). Gives a reference if the filter moves. In 102k miles on the y2k never had a filter loosen or tighten. Marks were always lined up. Done 3 changes on the 03 and same results - filter hasnt moved.



SOTSU!!

\\BF//

 

[Fireman]

Joe,



Like Briman, I use the metal cup or socket type filter wrench. It is the same wrench that is used on Mopar 360s, 4. 7s etc. A 12" extenstion will work nicely. If you remove and replace the filter carefully you won't spill any oil. Compaired to the older trucks it is Soooooo Easy. I buy 3 gal of oil, fill the filter and dump the remainder of the 3 gals in the crankcase-fills it right to the full mark. Couldn't be easier !



I bought a Fumoto (one touch) valve from Geno's and it sure makes draining the oil easy. Some folks worry that they hang down below the pan, but if you have a 4wd the front axle protects it from possible road hazards.



Fireman