Oil Change Cost?

[SamPap]

I am considering performing my own oil changes on my pickup. When I bought my pickup I received a preffered customer card wich entitles me to oil changes that cost $29. I think this is a pretty good deal. But at the same time I have not priced out 11 quarts of oil and a filter.

I also have to drive about 45minutes one way to the dealer to get this deal. The question I have is "how much will the oil and filter cost?"





Also, if it economically feasible for me to change my own oil, what of oil/filter is recommended?

 

[24V-DSL]

Do it yourself.....

I buy Fleetguard Stratapore oil filters (LF3894) at a big rig repair shop. $7. 05 each. DO NOT use Fram oil filters!!



Delo 400 15wt. -40 is ~$33. 00 for a case of six one gallon jugs at Costco. Oil choice is up to you, but there is a current poll here on the TDR showing what people are using.



Most dealers have to do these changes as quickly as possible. Therefore, they may not let all of the oil drain from the pan before putting the plug back. Also, most don't want to mess with the 11 qt. and dump 12 qts. in. You're not likely to find a tech who cares about your truck as much as you do..... wait time, risk of them scratching/denting your truck... . it's not worth it.



You can buy Fleetguard fuel filters at the same place ( FS19579). I pay $10. 23 each. The dealer will clip you for $40-95. 00 for this simple change.

 

[duaneparks]

For that matter, the little "Jiffy Lube" type places hit you for around $55-65 for the same change. I've done the "Jiffy Lube" thing once and won't go back. I'll save the $15-25 and use it on fuel...



Of course, when you change your own oil, you gotta worry about disposing of it properly... sometimes that's worth the extra $$, just depends.



Duane

 

[A. Brown]

Top of the line fleetguard and delo, delvac or rotella. Change it yourself for under twenty five bucks. Don't trust those morons at the stealer

 

[SamPap]

Fuel Filter

Thanks for all of you replies. How often should I change my fuel filter?

 

[BV]

Oil change cost

Like the others I buy 6 gallon cases at Costco for <$35 so the change would cost <$25 and I know it was done right with a good filter. I also would check the rear brakes and lube the 3 zerks on the front end.



FWIW - BiMart, GI Joes, Schucks and others run the Delo on sale from time to time for <$6 a gallon. Most folks like Fleetguard brand which is affliated with Cummins so Cummins NW on Swan Island would be a good place to buy from (I think Power Booster members get an extra 10% off). I order Baldwins and the rep drops them at my door - I hate driving to town.



OTOH - $29 doesn't sound that bad unless the lot boy dent's or scratches up your rig.

 

[Shovelhead]

Be wary of the "$29. 00" charge.



Does it include little items like ... ... . oil & filters?



And will they also nail you for the "Shop Fees", and the "Environmental waste disposal"?



It's real easy to pay $50+ for a $29 oil change.

 

[Ron Bissett]

ez drain

Get a EZ drain two types from Genos garage . Wal-mart will take back used oil and most auto zone will to. no charge . with EZ it is a snap to change the oil . Only problem is the filter is hard to remove make or buy a strap wrench and keep away from the back of the alternator positive post should be covered with a plug if not put one on . Do it your self and save $ and your nerves not to worry . LOL Ron Bissett in LOUISVILLE KY. Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[24V-DSL]

spap....

I change my fuel filter every 10K. Buy your fuel from a high volume station.



Here's how to change it: http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/filter/00fuel_filter.htm

 

[PCrable]

I'm a believer in the Valvoline Premium Blue 2000 full synthetic 15W-40 oil. I change it in my truck every 7,500 miles.



It's hard to find in stores, so I order it from Cummins Rocky Mountain in Denver.



The oil costs me $10. 54 a gallon.

The fleetguard Stratapore LF3894 cost me $9. 60



The fuel Filter I change with every other oil change (every 15,000 miles) and it costs me $15. 85 from cummins.



I just have them ship everything to me via UPS and it costs about $12 in shipping.



Sounds like I'm paying a good bit more than your $29, but It's a full synthetic oil with a very good filter and I know the job gets done right. I take the used Oil to Pep Boys and they dispose of it for no charge.



When I'm changing the oil, I also grease the front end zerks, check the brake pads, rotate the tires, adjust the rear brakes and give everything else a good look-over. I take it as a good opportinuity to make sure my investment is holding up well.



--Phil

 

[wcaldwell]

I've found Checker Auto Parts here in the Albuquerque area(probably among others) will take up to 5 gallons of used oil each day - free of charge.

 

[700rmk]

PC,

This is not a slam, but PB 2000 is not a full synthetic oil its semi-synthetic.

Valvoline now has a 5W40 full synthetic available that is replacing the PB 2000 called Premium Blue Extreme.



Just a heads up for others that might get confused... .

 

[sdalton]

What everyone is saying is to "do it yourself".

The best advise given you so far, on doing it yourself, is to buy a strap wrench. I changed my own several times without one, and once I got one, I could have kicked myself for not buying it earlier.

 

[HC]

On the economics, I assume the 45 minute drive means about 50 to 60 miles round trip. Considering depreciation, this is another $20 to $30 added to the cost of having your dealer do it, and since the change time and drive time are ~ the same, I have to agree with those that say "change it yourself". You'll save money, break even on time, and know it was done right.



More opinions:



LF3894 - I concur. This is the best of the "Dodge Approved" oil filters.

Oil - My opinion - Delo 15W-40 (Rotella is good too, I just happen to think Delo is even better)

Frequency: Every 5k unless you drive exclusively short trips or dirt roads.



Option 2, after break in: Consider going 10k on a good synthetic, Delvac 1 or Amsoil 15W-40, with a filter change at 5k. Saves time and the filter-only change can be done with the engine cold and no burns. I go longer, but I have a bypass filter set-up.



Fuel Filter: Opinion, every 10k at least until after you have a fuel pressure gage installed.

 

[bmoeller]

Re: ez drain

Originally posted by Ron Bissett

Only problem is the filter is hard to remove make or buy a strap wrench Ron Bissett in LOUISVILLE KY. Oo. Oo. Oo.

I use Oil filter pliers to get my filter off. Less messing around and faster than using a strap.

 

[LSMITH]

If it was $29 out the door I would let them do it. It costs me $25 to do mine, AND all the disposal hassles and mess. $4 for no hassle? You bet I would.

 

[Seed Guy]

Okay. First thing changing oil as often as possible is not only a fun way to spend sunday evening inspecting you truck it is also the cheapest insurance you can buy. I use stratapores and JD 15w-40 out of a 55 gal drum. Im sure its pretty cheap in the long run. Also new discovery as of today. Renolds oven bags work great to drop your filter into for 0 mess. I use a nice little strap wrench to losen it to finger tight slip the bag around it. Drop it done. Just add ten quarts. Oh and i prefill my oil filter.

 

[Big White Beast]

Glad someone caught that.........

PRE FILL THE FILTER..... Let it soak in and fill it again. It should take a whole quart or so. One of the first places out of the filter is to lube your turbo. The bearings ride on a cushion of oil. If it has to wait for the filter to fill your jeapordizing your turbo.



Drop the other 10 in the engine and your ready to go.



Fleetgaurd filters for me and costco's deal on Delo is hard to beat.



Garrett

 

[ecv2001]

I also buy the oil in the case, six one gallon jugs. chevron dello 400. This is the same oil most truckers use on there peterbuilts. I know i did.

I have had some baldwin filters my buddy gave me ,who owns a bulk fuel delivery,I also buy the oil from him. But the costco deal is even cheaper than he is.

With a new filter I use 3 gallons and she is full. Makes it easy to do.

Also dump out your blow bye resevior so you dont get a bunch of oil dripping back on your running gear.

An idea for waste oil. (besides dumping it down a storm drain) I fill a 7 gallon plastic gas can and take it to the dumps and dump it in a recycle tank. They always seem to be able to take it. Unlike kragens or the other part places witch are always full.

jim c

 

[bighammer]

I get Rotella in 6 gal. case at Sam's club. Fleetguard filters come from local diesel shop. The nearby oil change shop always takes my used oil.



My opinion on filling filter -- If it makes you feel better, do it. A lot of places don't. If you get junk in the center hole, it's in your engine, period. I can handle and protect a dry filter much more easily, and ALL oil that gets to critical parts gets filtered.



I also tend to change it cold. I know some guys will think I'm nuts, but instead of spreading all the crap thoughout the engine before a change, nearly all the oil is in the pan. Bearings will keep a layer because of the surface tension in close tolerances.



My thought is this: (and of course I will admit, it may be fualted)



Every time you start your engine, there is no oil pressure for a few moments. If you have an empty filter, and it has to fill before you have pressure, how long does it take? twice as long as a normal startup? Maybe three times? I look at it as just a few more starts on the engine. As long as no load is applied, I can't see that there would be any more harm as a couple normal startup conditions. I think even the turbo with it's low speed at startup, and residual oil will be just fine.



I have nothing against those who are more anal about their oil changes. They really care about their trucks, and that's cool. Not to say I don't care about mine, I just don't see it as a necessary procedure.



OK, quick! Off my soap box and behind my fan shield.