Oil Change (Your Own?)

[klenger]

I pay about $55 + fees for the dealer oil change, and only $20 + fees if I supply the oil and filter. I've been happy with the service I've gotten from them. Breck Dodge in Tucson.

 

[manganos]

I bought my truck at chesterfielddodge.com for a great price Thne two weeks later I get a coupon book in the mail for 100,000 miles of free oil changes. So I drop it off and 20 min later I drive away !! The invoice calls for the oil change,lube and check for water in the fuel. Under the cost it says warranty.

 

[HOCummins04]

Originally posted by bighammer

Change the oil cold. No risk of burns, and you get more oil out. (especially if you have more time to let it drip)

I was always told that changing the oil ASAP after shutoff would keep as much "stuff" (dirt/carbon/soot/gunk) in suspension in the oil as possible to get it out of the engine when you drain the oil. With the engine warmed up it stirs up all the oil. Also helps oil drain much faster.



Have I been in the dark all these years?

 

[amsoilman]

I was always told that changing the oil ASAP after shutoff would keep as much "stuff" (dirt/carbon/soot/gunk) in suspension in the oil as possible to get it out of the engine when you drain the oil. With the engine warmed up it stirs up all the oil. Also helps oil drain much faster.

Every Oil related School I have attended has said this is the accepted way of changing oil, and it definitely will keep most dirt/carbon/soot in suspension rather than allowing it to settle out and accumulate on the components as well as the bottom of the oil pan.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[dieselpilot1969]

I just throw 3 gallons of delvac 1 and call it done, with filters from Geno's and oil from Flying J it's right @ $120. 00

 

[Udaloy]

I buy my own oil and filter, (Rotella and Mopar) and let Wal-Mart change it for me. I don't have to touch it, it only costs $4. 30, and I can peruse the hunting/fishing section.

 

[shendren]

i'll bet that's fun... . punching a hole in the filter from below. i've only had 12v's til now. have always had to use the strap/bag/from above method. of course, the air box was not in the way.



do you have to remove the air box when doing it from above?



thanks. scott.

 

[RankRam]

do you have to remove the air box when doing it from above?



thanks. scott.





No you don't and yes I change mine from above. I'm used to my 99 and always take the filter off from the top.

 

[GerryDrake]

Originally posted by shendren

i'll bet that's fun... . punching a hole in the filter from below.

I have a very sharp long taper awl I store in my door pocket for just that purpose. Sometimes I can just push it through. It seals very well, and when I pull it out, I do it quickly, and seldom wear a drop. I DO suggest breaking the filter loose first, just to make sure it WILL spin off.

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by GWeed

For those who change your own oil, where do you take the old oil to get rid of it easily and cleanly?

I think most towns that have a recycling station would take it. Our town has a big tank for used oil and another for anti-freeze.



Dean

 

[badams1]

What is the matter with you guys? Why have I not heard the Amsoil bird squawk yet? The royal Purple people eater is waiting? No extended oil drains annd bypass filter sales rederic? This is making me sick!

 

[Buddy's Ram]

Well I just did my first oil change today! 4500 miles. I bought the filters from Geno's and used the socket type wrench. The zip lock bag trick worked real sweet.

Thanks TDR! That was the easiest oil change ever!

 

[BGParks]

400 for an oil change???

$400 for an oil change? Are they nuts? My dealership charges $52 for the change with oil and filter - dyno oil though. So I guess it costs $350 extra for the synthetic oil - - - wow, that must be some oil! You really have to wonder what kind of business plan some of the stealerships are operating under. I'd call it the run off all your customers (except the brain dead ones) as fast as you can plan. Have these guys never heard of repeat business or making more money by increasing volume or creating customer loyalty so you'll come back? You really have to wonder what they are thinking? For my $. 02 worth I'd either do it myself or find another dealership that hasn't lost their mind! Either way, good luck!:--) :--) :--) :--)

 

[Dean Upson]

Amen, that is nuts.



Dean

 

[rkelso98]

Wonder what Dodge Corp might say to that bill? Maybe nothing but then again, it may just be worth it to make them aware. You may get a refund. I would do it just in case, what do you have to loose? My2Cents

 

[jchapin]

For 400 bucks (CN) you should be taking all future used oil back and leave it on the service managers desk to deal with. That shop should be reported for such blatant dishonesty!



Even if it was the first oil change and they had some trouble removing the gorrilla-tight O/F from factory, I can't believe they hit you with a bill like that without explanation.



Anyway, after loosening the O/F with whatever method, definitely slip a gallon-sized ziploc bag over it and spin off. Just make sure it's a FREEZER bag or similar strength. Hot oil has a way of weakening lesser bags



Oh, and it's ALWAYS a good idea to throw some cardboard under engine before changing any fluids.

 

[Guest]

12 Qts..... 1 Filter... ... Bib A** drain pan... . 6-12 beers... . Your Done!!!!

 

[claymike]

It costs me 33. 00 to have it done, I do buy my own oil filter from Cummins. Also if you put 11 1/2 qts in you will not get the smell near as bad from the breather tube.

 

[swexlin]

Me dealer charged me $49. 99 + tax. For that I get dealer warrantied service, done right, with new Valvoline, disposal of old oil, and they do it while I wait, if need be, or, more usually, while I'm at work (I have a spare car).



Pretty good deal if you ask me.