First oil change observations

[RAMINSPEED]

I just performed my first oil change on my 03 Ram Cummins with 3,700 miles on it and was pleasantly surprised. After reading all of the posts about having trouble getting off the original oil filter, I took the precaution and ordered from Geno’s Garage my filters and a 6 in 1 filter wrench. While I was ordering up those items, I ordered an EZ Change drain plug with the tube (no more mess). The filter came off pretty smoothly, even thought the 6 in 1 wrench slipped on it a few times. I didn’t even spill a drop of oil from the filter (not the norm for me with past vehicles). The new filter and drain plug went right where they belonged without a hitch. I like the Idea of the EZ Change plug but it obviously won’t let all of the oil out of the pan, so I will be spacing it with a washer or 2 to get it down a little lower in the pan so I can get the last few drops of oil out. I read some concern on another thread about the plug being damaged from impact while off roading. I don’t feel it sticks out far enough to be really concerned. I was also surprised to find only 2 Zerk fittings to grease (one at each end of the tie rods).



That same day I want over to the local auto parts store and noticed they had similar oil filter wrenches for less and Fram sells the same kind of quick drain plugs with hose for $15 instead of the ones in Geno’s for $48, but they didn’t have the 18 x 1. 5 plug size. Oh well.



I was also concerned after reading about problems on other threads of low fluid levels in the rear differential. So, I figured while I was at it, I’d check the fluid levels in both differentials. The front was fine but the rear required about a pint. There was also a considerable amount of steel dust/shavings on the magnetic plug. It makes me mad because when I bought the truck, I distinctly recall the salesman telling me to wait while they “check the diff and other fluid levels”, seems odd that they would mention the diff in particular. He must have known about the problem others were having, but obviously the tech didn’t, otherwise it would have been full. They also over filled the engine oil a quart, and they claim they have a 5 star ratting. :-laf

 

[Tony T.]

I can relate to what your saying on the dealership make ready thing. I told my salesman a few things I wanted checked out before I took possession of my CTD,and I remember one being to check out the fluids in engine,trans, rearends, etc. He assurred me that will be all taken care of. First oil change the mechanic I use personally that I've known for over 35 years said front pinion seal was seeping oil, which is no big deal, and could have started any time between the 5000 mile oil change. I guess what I am trying to say is I don't trust them to check out every thing, like I would the mechanic friend of mine would. Had a bad experience with a Chevrolet dealership service dept once. They were idiot's. If you do your on service be sure and keep records and any warranty work records. Oo.

 

[ttreibel]

If your filter was on as tight as mine the Geno's 6 in 1 wrench would of broken.



The metal shavings on the plug are normal my brother swears you should dump your front and rear Diffs. at 100 miles something about bearing races getting polluted etc etc... I just wonder if I should attach a stronger magnet to the bolts and on the front add a drain bolt.



I guess I am to cheap he has talked me into one of those Mag HiTec covers for the rear he thinks I need that because I tow a bunch. With synthetic oil in the rear-end it is going to cost me like 50 bucks just for the fluid.



BTW mine rear end was almost a quart low



I am sticking with the 7500 mile oil change and filter with a new fuel filter and air filter every other oil change.

 

[lmills]

On my 01 that I had, the filter was so tight that I collapsed it. I was expecting the same thing on my 03, but it spun right off. I probably could have broke it loose by hand.

 

[ralphr]

car sales(persons)

One thing I've noticed over the years, while the consumers usually think the salesman is a crook, the service people think they are idiots! no disrespect meant. So when the salesman goes to the service department and says "hey, my customer thinks you should check the rear diff fluid levels ... " the servie person goes on break Oo.



either check it out for yourself, or strike up a good relationship with your service writter. at least you might get a chance to get something checked.

 

[Ncostello]

I've had two occasions on a ISC and a ISM where the spin on coolant filter was on so tight... it had to be completely destroyed for removal. I'm talking so tight a bar through the filter only ripped the metal casing in half. It was not a pleasant experience. The weren't on there long enough to tighten up like that either. I actually bent and destroyed the band type filter wrench I had specially bought for those small filters.



The fuel filters and oil filters (spin on) on both engines came off by hand however.

 

[Tony T.]

That's the point I'm trying to make some people are not able or do not have the place to check it out themselves. When you have just shelled out 30+ Grand on a new truck you would like to drive out with a good feeling knowing the engine's full of oil, the trans is full of fluid ,and rearends are up to par. There are a lot of good service techs that will check these things out, but there are some that do take alot of breaks. The idiot I referred to on my new truck at the time back in 95 beat the crap out of my dash, trying to get the radio to short out after I had complained about it shorting out going down the road. Third hit it shorted out. :--)

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

ttreibel, your filter looks pristine compared to the original one I had to remove from my new '01 Cummins! That one took 2 hours to rip outa there and had gotten impaled 3 times with a large screwdriver and was nearly ripped in 2 by the time it came out!



My '03 was a piece of cake, used a standard oil filter band wrench and took it out from above after taking the turbo intake hose off.



Vaughn