Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) First oil change...please help a newbie

[nutter3]

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Just barely crack the filter loose and then take a 1 qt zip lock bag and slip it over the filter. Then unscrew it by hand. The spilling oil and filter are it the bag and not all over the engine and axle.

I believe you need a 1 gallon ziplock. And you're right azpete, this is a great tip that I use every oil change.

Andre

 

[Joe Mc]

Welcome and congrats on your "new to you" truck. Bought mine w/75k miles in may 02 and have 136k on it now. Plan to keep it unitl it rusts into the ground.



Tons of good info here - you asked a bunch of good questions and most all were answered. The one that stuck in my mind that didn't was about a "generic" manual - Don't waste your hard earned cash - you get what you pay for. Go to the back of your owners manual (if you don't have it PM me and I'll go to the truck and find mine) and you will see an order form to order a "real" Dodge Shop Manual. The phone number is listed so I ordered on phone for speed. I got the whole series, 3 books; mechanical, electrical and body/frame I think for $100. Like I said "you get what you pay for" and I don't regret it a bit. As the others said go with the 4,2 & 1 kit from Geno's Garage - Cummins can't beat it price wise and it's the same Fleetguard filters. Good rule of thumb when buying someone else's truck is to change all fluids & filters. Gives you a good base line to start with. Make sure you replace with proper filters and fluids. Do the coolant every two years regardless, check that new shop manual for the correct type and be sure to flush the engine and replace the T-Stat (get it from Cummins). Someone else mentioned and I must agree and suggest you listen to this advice "Don't purchase junk from the Pep Boys for your truck" the money you save will be spent 100 fold correcting something.



Another thing, none of us profess to be know it all's here, however, if you ask first before you do something you are more than likely to get 20+ opinions form folks that have done it at least 5 - 10 times before . . . It's a great place and you've spent the best $35. 00 on your truck by becoming a TDR member.



Once again, welcome and congrats on your new truck - may it be as good to you as mine has been to me. Treat it well and it will return likewise.

 

[PAbernathy]

Howdy, Joe Mc. Thanks for your thoughts.



I looked at the pics in your picture gallery: nice. What happened after the overheating during an air-conditioned high-altitude climb? Any aftereffects?



Thanks, Nutter3 for the correction on the size of the ziplock bag. A one-gallon ziplock will hold the filter easily.



Phil



PS: Still looking for any thoughts on testing of the oil, both before this first (for me) for a baseline, and future, to provide early diagnostic information.

 

[PAbernathy]

Oil Testing-Nobody Has Anything to Say????

PS: Still looking for any thoughts on testing of the oil, both before this first (for me) for a baseline, and future, to provide early diagnostic information.

Nobody offered any opinions, thoughts, rants, raves or questions about oil testing. So, I'll throw this out again.



I have my 4/2/1 kit from Genos, I have my oil sample kit from Blackstone, and I have a case of Rotella T . I think I'm ready to dig in. A friend (a fellow CTD owner and TDR member) has offered to help me do the actual first time work on my truck, so I am planning to complete this before 10/8/2004 when I take it for vacation. So, any additional thoughts would be timely now.



Phil

 

[rblomquist]

A fleetguard filter, 3 gallons of Rotella T 15w-40. Fill the oil filter about 75% if the way before reinstalling it, otherwise it's just another oil change. Might want to torque the plug. Some people have had problems with theirs. I forget what the figure is, I bought a Fumoto valve.

You might want to see the last time the fuel filter, rear(s), transfer case (if applicable ) and transmission was done.

Dont forget to check the air filter.

Eric

Love your signature! :-laf