First oil change

[Archive]

Well I performed my first oil change today. It went pretty well except for the oil filter. It wasn't hard to break loose like some have reported, but I couldn't get it off without making a mess. Next time I cover it with a baggie before I try to get it out of there. I needed to remove the Turbo hose to install the new one. I couldn't get it started with the hose on. Nest time I'll remove the hose before I remove the filter. The oil coming out was very black. This is my third oil change on 12,000 miles and I don't believe the dealer is honestly changing it for me. I can't believe after 3000 on the last change it should be this black. This oil is being analyzed and I do my own from now on with an analysis every time. I also changed my fuel filter. It was closed up pretty tight but got it out ok. It was a little hard to start but finally she kicked over. One other thing. While I was at it I decided to check the rollover vent on the fuel tank. I found the red cap was still on mine. I was suspicious that every time I filled up there was a vacuum rush when I opened my filler cap.
Sorry for the long post. Hope this helps other first time oil changers.



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Jim

Patriot blue Y2k 5sp Stealth 2500 (markings removed)QC,SLT+,leather, camper,TT,lsd,3. 54,4x4,hd xfer case,Geno's dual gauge,DD IIM's and boost module,K&N stock filter, Tekonsha Sentinal, Reese 12 hole wd hitch, ARE lid & bedrug liner, Sony 10 disk cd changer.

[This message has been edited by jims (edited 07-30-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

jims, I am sure you know this, but fill the new oil filter with oil before you mount it and also fill the new fuel filter with diesel. The lack of fuel in the filter probably is the reason for the delayed start. The use of a plastic bag (zip lock) is a good way not making an oily mess.

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92LE,Cummins,Tach,4x4,5spd,3. 54,Borgeson steering shaft,

 

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My experience with my '95 Dodge Cummins is somewhat different in that the oil being removed looks clean enough to reuse (in someone else's car!). It really looks good. This engine has 56 K miles, regular changes in accordance with manual. Never have to top up the oil between changes either. (In all this I am very pleased.

However, this is not my first diesel. I had an '85 Volvo diesel for 15 years which ALWAYS had BLACK oil almost immediatly after a change and short driveing distance. (I suspect upper cylinder contamination of the lower crankcase (how? - unsure) Volvo ignored my complaints. I got rid of it recently at 130 K miles, using about 1 quart/1500 miles - Oil black as always.
After my great Cummins experience, so far, I don't regard black oil as "normal".
Regards,
Jimmy

 

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My experence with the 12 diesel powered rigs I presently own and all the others before is that the oil is black in less than an hour. It's normal,oil tests come out good. The way I look at it is it just makes it easier to check the check the oil level.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,driftwood,Banks&phscotty,30,000 GVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

 

[Archive]

I did fill the oil filter however I had no diesel to prefill the fuel filter.

Next time I'll have some around.

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Jim

Patriot blue Y2k 5sp Stealth 2500 (markings removed)QC,SLT+,leather, camper,TT,lsd,3. 54,4x4,hd xfer case,Geno's dual gauge,DD IIM's and boost module,K&N stock filter, Tekonsha Sentinal,Reese 12 hole wd hitch, ARE lid & bedrug liner, Sony 10 disk cd changer.

 

[Archive]

Jimmy,

My experience with my '95 is that the oil gets black slowly and is really black just about oil change time. It doesn't use any oil. After sitting all night the oil is still exactly on the full line just as it is just after the change regardless of the miles since the last change. It has 142K+ miles on it now. It seems to run smoother now then it did when it was new. Am I pleased? Ya betta believe it! #ad
#ad


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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

[This message has been edited by Joe G. (edited 07-30-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

My oil stays very clean. I considered changing it at 1,000 miles, but it was so clean that I couldn't see dumping it. I changed it at 2400, and it was still clean. Now, at 4,000, it's still very clean. Makes it hard to check the level. #ad


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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

[Archive]

I changed the oil in my 95 when I bought it in May and the oil was black as cole, but the used car dealer said it had about 5,000 miles on the oil. I have almost 2,800 on it now and the oil has just become noticible dark but not nearly bad as before.

I'd better chane it tomorrow hence we are heading for Denver this weekend.

Mac

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95 Ram 2500 Auto Std Cab, Cat & Muffler Fell off, 125,000 miles.
Bombed-to-be!

 

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Well to my relief I got my analysis back today and was told not to change a thing.
"If I keep doing what I'm doing my engine should last a lifetime" This quote from the guy I talked to at blackstone. I did switch to rotella-t and he said I might wan't to switch back if my numbers go south. Also suggested I make my next change at 4000 instead of 3000.

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Jim

Patriot blue Y2k 5sp Stealth 2500 (markings removed)QC,SLT+,leather, camper,TT,lsd,3. 54,4x4,hd xfer case,Geno's dual gauge,DD IIM's and boost module,K&N stock filter, Tekonsha Sentinal,Reese 12 hole wd hitch, ARE lid & bedrug liner, Sony 10 disk cd changer.

 

[Archive]

I did my 1st oil change yesterday and my oil was pretty black, however it did look pretty clean on the dipstick. My oil filter was quite a bit overtorqued, but finally got it off. I do have one question, what is the opening on the oil drain plug? I used a 3/8" extension and got it off with that but i'm afraid of stripping the opening soon. Any info would be appreciated.

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KEVIN O
7000 miles------------
2001 2500 ETH DEE, QUAD CAB, SLT+, ANTI SPIN DIFF, CAMPER AND TRAILER GROUP, SLIDING WINDOW, BLACK CLEAR COAT W/AGATE LEATHER, BRUSHED BLACK ALUM SIDESTEPS, BEDLINER, JACOBS EXAUST BRAKE AND THAT VERY SPECIAL FRONT AIR DAM!
OH YEA, 3. 55 REAR END--SHORT BED--4X2--TRAILER TOW MIRRORS--SOFT BED COVER--34FT. 2000 NEW EAGLE/JAYCO FIVER--15K REECE HITCH

 

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I don't have my new truck yet, should be here in a week or so. I have been told by the dealer that all new trucks come with a "lifetime" FREE oil & filter replacement @ 7000 mile increments. My question is should I use this nice offering or should I do it myself.

 

[Archive]

Kevin,
I used a 3/8 extension also. Changing over to the quick drain valve next time. (would have this time but it didn't come in the mail before the weekend I changed my oil)

Firedup
If you trust your dealership it's a good deal.
I don't trust mine to change a fuse without screwing it up. Every time I go back to their service dept. they have somebody new working there. That doesn't give me a whole lot of confidence.



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Jim

Patriot blue Y2k 5sp Stealth 2500 (markings removed)QC,SLT+,leather, camper,TT,lsd,3. 54,4x4,hd xfer case,Geno's dual gauge,DD IIM's and boost module,K&N stock filter, Tekonsha Sentinal,Reese 12 hole wd hitch, ARE lid & bedrug liner, Sony 10 disk cd changer.

 

[Archive]

Just changed my oil for the first time a few days ago at about 4,800 mile and it was black. The oil filter was on EXTREMELY tight #ad
!!!. Used the ziplock baggy method that I read in another thread a while back and not one drop of oil on the truck. Put on Fleetguard LF 3894 Stratapore filter and filled with clean oil. Used about 11 quarts of Premium Blue 15W-40 in crankcase. Was actually a good oil change experience. I prefer to do all of my own maintenance rather than go to the dealer for it. Just gives me peace of mind knowing it`s done right.

Have a good one folks!


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`01 2500,QC,LB,4WD,ISB,5SPD,
355 LSD,Tow Pkg. ,Forest green PC,Mopar alum. side steps,Mopar mud flaps,Mist gray seat covers,Tekonsha brake controller,Hadley air horns. Bone stock and plenty of power. THE BIG GREEN MACHINE.
Built in St. Louis
PHIL STUART

 

[Archive]

Got to thinking why the oil in all my diesel rigs turns black rapidly. Could it be that I use high sulfur red fuel exclusively?Any ideas?

 

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Barracuda:

Your truck is almost identical to mine - right down to the current mileage. When did you take delivery? I got mine on April 17th. It's also a St. Louis truck.
Also, what's the difference between the standard oil filter and the stratapore? I did my first change at 2400 miles, and I used the standard filter. The factory filter was a mess to get off. #ad


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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

[Archive]

After reading all the posts I am beginning to wonder what is the problem, trivial as it may be, with the oil. I do not want to start a new posting since this is in line with what we are discussing. I have a 2001 ETH/DEE with 2434 miles and my oil is black as coal. I am preparing to change my own oil and have it tested by Blackstone Labs.

Several questions for those of you smarter than I; what oil is used in the engine from the factory/dealer? For everyone reporting “clean” oil what are you using? Where can I learn about and/or purchase this Premium Blue 15W-40 oil?


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Bronze 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab, Short Bed 4 x 4, ETH/DEE, leather, camper/trailer, keyless, 285/75R16 B. F. Goodrich AT's, etc, etc... Future BOMBer!!!!

Life NRA Member

[This message has been edited by justme (edited 08-20-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Truck's mileage is still low, so I'd steer clear of the Blue 2000 (synthetic Blend) and just go with pure mineral like Plain Premium Blue.

You can order it at:
http://www.genosgarage.com/

or use the Cummins Service Locator for your area/zip code and buy it/have them do it...
http://quickserve. cummins.com/ServiceLocator/wsl_find_pr

Happy Hunting.

Me Max...

 

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Justme:
I changed mine at 2400 and it was very clean. It had whatever the factory put in it. I used Mopar oil and a Mopar filter from the dealer the first time due to convenience, but I may go with the Cummins Premium Blue next time (not synthetic). I'll get my filters from Geno's or a local Cummins place from now on to save $. I'm still learning the world of diesel too.

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by Fireman Dave:
Barracuda:

Your truck is almost identical to mine - right down to the current mileage. When did you take delivery? I got mine on April 17th. It's also a St. Louis truck.
Also, what's the difference between the standard oil filter and the stratapore? I did my first change at 2400 miles, and I used the standard filter. The factory filter was a mess to get off. #ad

Fireman Dave,
Sorry It took me so long to reply to your posting. I`ve been too darn busy,bad excuse for not replying sooner though. I took delivery of mine on April 3rd this year. I believe that the issues regarding the difference in the oil filters is listed in TDR issue #28 in the 24 valve section. Or on another thread on this site. The Stratapore filter has a synthetic type media whereas the standard does not. I also believe that the Stratapore is stronger to handle cold starting oil pressures which can be very high. I use Premium Blue mineral oil not the semi- synthetic type 2000. Bought it and the filter through Geno`s Garage. Very happy with Geno`s #ad
I keep some oil and an extra filter on hand just to be safe. Hope this helps you.
Have a good one!

Phil Stuart

 

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Phil:
Thanks for the reply. I'm getting ready to order from Geno's for my next change. I'll get a couple of fuel filters too. I'm with you on wanting to keep my hands under the hood. I feel more connected with my vehicles by working on them, and I also know exactly what's been done.
Dave

[This message has been edited by Fireman Dave (edited 08-26-2000). ]