So I have done just about everything you can do on a vehicle except an oil change. I've always had a gas vehicle before this truck, and since oil changes were pretty cheap, I always left it up to the shop. I've done it everything on this truck from ball joints to changing out the Vp44 myself so I know I can do it. What I'm wanting is some tips if there are any, what exact steps to take when doing this, and what is the most recommended oil for these trucks? Thanks alot...

 

Valvoline Premium Blue, Mobile Delvac, Retella T, Castrol Tection Extra, or a synthetic, go with Amsoil heavy duty diesel and marine.

With the oil filter, go with Cummins Filtration (Fleetguard) 16035 or Wix 51607.

Basically, get a drain pan (4 gal or bigger), remove the drain pug and let er rip. While your waiting on the oil to drain, remove the oil filter. Make sure the gasket is with the filter, if not, take a rag and grab a hold and peel it off. Then wipe the oil off where the gasket was. On the new filter, fill it almost full with new oil and install hand tight + 1/4 turn. I say almost full cause when you go to put it on, might have to tip it a little to clear some stuff. Then reinstall the drain plug and refill the crankcase. With the one quart in the filter, it's going to take 11 more quarts to reach the full mark on the stick. Once full, start the engine and check for leaks.

If your going to change the fuel filter, do it first or second. This way you the engine reaches full oil pressure just in case there is air in the fuel system.

 

wildbills got this one covered. I like the amsoil for the simple fact of less oil changes to be done and less waste oil not to mention the idle is quieter than with the delo I had in it. also mpg gain too

 

another thing that helps me is taking the tube from the air filter to the turbo off to get a little more room to the oil filter.

 

All of the current oils have far too little zinc. So, if using one of the new spec low emissions oils, run some ZDDP. Made the same suggestion to a fleet manager and he is now replacing school bus cams....STILL.

You can get the old Delo in 5 gallon cans. Much better oil. I run it in everything including my old school Firebird with flat tappets and 10-1 compression. You cannot beat the older oils.

Dave

 

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking of going synthetis. Seems like some synthetic oils are near the same $ as regular. Does that seem right? Also what's the best bang for your buck synthetic oil to get?

 

I have tried many oils (including full synthetics) and finally arrived at Amsoil 15W40 Marine. i live in a cold climate and it just makes sense for me to change oil once a year.

Changing oil on these trucks is not different that anyt other thype of vehicle - excpet the filter is bigger and theres more oil. I like to fill the filter like Wildbill does as well.

Theres a great how-to here:

Oil & Filter Change on Ram/Cummins

 

If AMSOIL, the 15W-40 Diesel and Marine would be a good option and the most popular. Still old formulation.

 

I only use Amsoil 15-40w Diesel and Marine oil and Amsoil filters in my 96 12V

 

Me too. I only use Amsoil 15-40w Diesel and Marine oil and Amsoil filters.