Oil/Fuel Filter Changing Tips

[DThiel]

Somebody used to have on their website some tips/hints for changing the oil filter on the 24V engine (large zip-lock bag over the filter, etc. ), but I can't find it with a search of the forum. Was there something about watching out for a bare wire off the back of the alternator or something like that? Any tips or info on the website would be appreciated.



The local "highly trained" Five-Star dealer ruined the oil pan with the last oil change. A drive-train full of oil and a truck out of commission for a week waiting for a new oil pan convinced me it's time to do my own service work.



Also, any tips for changing the fuel filter on a '99 24v?

 

[Rob Thomas]

Well I can help with oil filter, all I do is drain the oil completly from the pan,then pop the turbo hose off (just a screw driver) and loosen the filter. You CAN tilt the filter with out driping ANY oil out. I do it all the time,you can still use the bag idea if you like,you just don't need to. Hope that helps.



P. S. when removing the drain plug,watch out, it only takes about one turn before it's starts spewin', another silly design.

 

[JPittman]

Go to Fritz's site:



http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/filter/oil_filter.htm

 

[D White]

For the oil filter I use a Sears strap wrench, it's has a rubber strap and plastic handle. No chance of sparking it on the hot post.

Works good for me!! If you use the ziploc bag trick, the gallon freezer ones are tougher and seem to work the best. Doesn't take much to poke a hole in the bag when pulling it out, then you have oil everywhere anyway



Doug

 

[chuck3]

I use the sears strap too. Some guys were using metal handles and contact with the connection on the back of alternator can cause a spark and take out a 40 amp. fuse which leaves you stranded.

Get yourself the Finger touch drain from Geno's for the oil plug if you want to make a messy job a thing of the past, works great.

chuck.

 

[RJOL]

Originally posted by DThiel

... Was there something about watching out for a bare wire off the back of the alternator or something like that?

Here is the TSB that covers the "bare wire" on the alternator... .



http://dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/2000/08-23-00.htm



If it is bare, you need to be careful when using wrenches near it. It will blow the 140 Amp main alternator circuit breaker in the power control box if you short it out...



A strap wrench is a good tool to use to get the filter loose, unless it's your first filter change. Some of these filters must have been torqued to 150lbs from the factory...



Have fun...