Oil change, drain plug question

[DeezelDood]

The dealer is still doing my oil changes under the 7 year free oil and filter changes program when I purchased my truck. I have four years to go and I sometimes feel like doing it myself because I had alway done my own. I have far more confidence in me then I do the grease monkeys at the dealer.

I always enjoy your posts Grizzly. I had my oil changed many moons ago at a dealer and found the drain plug hand tight when I got home. No more.

The dealer is also an all day affair as you usually have to leave the truck. I don't trust the quick lube places, and reliable independent auto repair shops are either extinct or you need a 30-day advance appointment. There are two things that all of us can and should handle ourselves on the CTD, lube oil/filter change and fuel filter change. I'll throw in the front cardin joint grease for those that have the fitting. These things eliminate 99% of our exposure to repair shops. Other posts in this string seem to support my choice of the Fumoto valve. The clearance on the stock 4X4 is substantial and the valve is behind and well above the bottom of the front diff. The oil pan drain is also recessed about 1/8", so the valve bottom is no more than 3/4" below the pan. If anyone is interested I'll measure it and send a pic. It sure makes the job quick and easy, no drain pans, no transferring from the drain pans to the jugs. You can also drain the oil hot, no waiting and it gives you a nice full drain. Related point for all: Stay away from the plastic 6 in 1 filter wrench that Genos' promotes. I wallowed out the 3/8" square the first time I used it. Had to go to Napa to get a metal one. Note: Genos refunded my money and sent me a replacement metal wrench free of charge.

 

[AStrand]

A 2005 truck and your just now doing your first oil change??

LOL... ... . I noticed that too. Had to scatch my head. :-laf

I agree with the others on this post. If you feel comfortable doing it, by all means do it yourself for peace of mind.

 

[Grizzly]

I always enjoy your posts Grizzly. I had my oil changed many moons ago at a dealer and found the drain plug hand tight when I got home. No more.

The dealer is also an all day affair as you usually have to leave the truck. I don't trust the quick lube places, and reliable independent auto repair shops are either extinct or you need a 30-day advance appointment. There are two things that all of us can and should handle ourselves on the CTD, lube oil/filter change and fuel filter change. I'll throw in the front cardin joint grease for those that have the fitting. These things eliminate 99% of our exposure to repair shops. Other posts in this string seem to support my choice of the Fumoto valve. The clearance on the stock 4X4 is substantial and the valve is behind and well above the bottom of the front diff. The oil pan drain is also recessed about 1/8", so the valve bottom is no more than 3/4" below the pan. If anyone is interested I'll measure it and send a pic. It sure makes the job quick and easy, no drain pans, no transferring from the drain pans to the jugs. You can also drain the oil hot, no waiting and it gives you a nice full drain. Related point for all: Stay away from the plastic 6 in 1 filter wrench that Genos' promotes. I wallowed out the 3/8" square the first time I used it. Had to go to Napa to get a metal one. Note: Genos refunded my money and sent me a replacement metal wrench free of charge.

Thanks DeezelDood, I would be interested in a measurement and picture of the Fumoto. I looked for it on the Geno's web site and couldn't find it.



Even though I have the dealer change my oil under the 7 year thing, I stand there and talk to them while I watch. They haven't run me off yet. The first time they run me off, I'll do my own oil changes.

 

[kowaliga]

I have a Geno's plug, but never substituted it; Something else to worry about. I hurried home, fifty miles, to drain the the first load of CJ-oil before nightfall. I put on coveralls and headed back out after a five minute cool-down. Ambient air is @68 F. Fully expecting to be scalded by hot oil as I removed the plug. . after five minutes it was only tepid. . about as hot as ready-to-eat baby formula. I'm not towing and am normally in 6th at about 17K r. p. m. The Geno's plug would alleviate most scalding fears and be more controllable when refilling empty containers beneath the truck. Sorry to hi-jack, but cool oil was surprising.

 

[DeezelDood]

Thanks DeezelDood, I would be interested in a measurement and picture of the Fumoto. I looked for it on the Geno's web site and couldn't find it.



Even though I have the dealer change my oil under the 7 year thing, I stand there and talk to them while I watch. They haven't run me off yet. The first time they run me off, I'll do my own oil changes.

Grizzly: It's under "drain plugs", "finger touch oil drain plug". There is a pic on the order page. 02-07 is 18mm. $22. 95 each. Valve is double action, so no way it can open by itself. Be sure to put some LO on the gasket when you put it on, easy to rip up the gasket with friction when installing. The original has been fine for me, but some have switched to annealed copper for the gasket. I ordered the one with the hose barb, but I didn't need a hose. I was able to fit the jug and a small funnel under the pan. I'll either unscrew the barb or cut it off. It's on pretty tight.