Getting ready for my first oil and fuel filters change

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BahlSacke

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Getting ready to do my first oil and fuel filter changes. Just wanted to see if I'm missing anything obvious.

I'm going to stick with Mopar filters, sounds like that is a good route to go. These seem reasonable and have good reviews - any reason I shouldn't pull the trigger on this? https://www.amazon.com/Dodge-Cummin...ar+6.7+filter&qid=1554419511&s=gateway&sr=8-3

This is my go-to oil filter wrench - will it work with the filter location? Hooks into a ratchet. https://www.amazon.com/Tools-3149-N...ilter+wrench&qid=1554419926&s=gateway&sr=8-44

I'll need 3 gallons of oil, I'll double check, but looks like 5w-40.

Synthetic or conventional? (I'll only probably put 20kish miles/yr on this thing, so I'm thinking conventional will be plenty adequate)

I know there is one fuel filter under the bed, I looked at it while I was down there before, and it looked easy enough to get to. Then I believe theres another one tucked deep in the engine bay on the drivers side? Do I go through the wheel well on that one?

I also read that the oil filter is accessible through a wheel well also? If so, passenger side or drivers?

I need to actually get eyes on the motor and start looking at it, but I was just seeing if I could get a few tips to help me out, any special tools required, PIA to look forward to, problem areas, etc.

Thanks
 

BossHogg

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The filters in your Amazon link are sourced from a Chrysler dealer so you should be getting Mopar filters. I would never use anything but Mopar or Fleetguard fuel filters. The knock-offs I've seen do not have the micron filtering specification required to protect the injectors.

I've never used an oil filter wrench like the one in the link. I use a swivel wrench and can access the oil filter from the passenger-side wheel well to loosen/tighten.

Check your owners' manual for oil requirements. Depending on the temperature range the engine is operated in determines the type of oil. I use Rotella T6 in the cold climate of Michigan. If synthetic isn't required, then use dino oil since the benefits of synthetic is mostly in cold weather starting.

You will want to drain the rear fuel filter before removing it. A length of 3/8" tubing fits. The engine mounted filter is accessible on the driver's side against the firewall and next to the brake unit. You will need around 20" of extension plus a 6 point 28mm socket to remove the filter cap. There is a yellow knob next to the filter you can use to drain the filter canister. There are several how-to videos on YouTube.

Check YouTube how-to videos on the oil filter change. It isn't easy and there are different ways folks take to change it. I pull the turbo air inlet tubing to get access. Others use the wheel well. There are oil filter caps you can buy that will cap the oil filter to stop spillage when removing.

If you have 4 wheel drive, grease your front drive shaft. Once again, YouTube to the rescue to show you how.
 

SyN

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YouTube - search Marion Blair.

He is very detailed / organized.




He has a video for about every service from front to back!
 
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17CrewCab1500

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nolafishr

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You may want to check out Genos Garage also, They have lots of parts/accessories for the Ram/Cummins Diesel - genosgarage.com
 
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BahlSacke

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Just changed the oil, getting ready to do the fuel. Everything I saw and read says 3 gallons, just use all 3 gallons and you're ready to go. Well, after letting it run for a few minutes and shutting it off it's not even showing on the dip stick. What's going on?
 

crash68

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the oil is still clean, it won't be jet black for a few thousand miles... lol
Did you put the drain plug back in? seriously it's happened [emoji45]
 
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BahlSacke

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Yes, the plugs back in lol. When I was 16, my 3rd oil change ever, I forgot to put the new filter on. That oil stain is still in my parents garage lol.

Anyways, just finished the fuel filters and got everything cleaned up. I'll take a look at it again later or tomorrow.
 
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BahlSacke

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Checked it again, on a slight uphill and it was perfect. So I moved it back to level ground and it barely registered on the stick again. Let it sit for 10 minutes and tried again, this time it was in the safe zone, but still saying 3/4 qts low (assuming the bottom of the safe zone to the top is 1qt). Weird. I guess I'll go grab a quart and keep it on hand and monitor it. I've never had a vehicle where you have to wait so long for the oil to settle like that. Maybe because 15w-40 is so heavy?

Edit: also really odd that everything I read regarding 3 gallons being wrong were people saying they register too much oil at 3 gallons, and end up putting around 11 qts in.
 

SyN

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I will be honest! I buy 3 gallons
I drain - fill filter up about 1/2 way and install & pour remaining oil into the motor and forget about it.

Cummins says 3 gallons - I give the young lady (3 Gallons).

Just me!
 
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BahlSacke

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I will be honest! I buy 3 gallons
I drain - fill filter up about 1/2 way and install & pour remaining oil into the motor and forget about it.

Cummins says 3 gallons - I give the young lady (3 Gallons).

Just me!

I've heard multiple people say that, which is why I'm confused. Normally I'd add the extra 3/4 qt and top it off without even thinking about it, but the whole "add 3 gallons and forget about it" seems to be a common motif. Whatever, I'll grab an extra qt and keep and eye on it. Curious to see where itll register once I get it up to temp.

Anyways, the oil change was a pain, but not the worst I've experienced. The filter cap definitely helped, would've been a mess without it. I ended up taking off the air intake hose and loosening from the top, then removing from the wheel well. I didn't trust myself not to let it slip from my hands if trying to pull it up through the top. With the cup style that you loosen from bottom of the filter, it seems like a pretty easy change honestly, will try that next time. Both fuel filters were super easy, with exception of not having the correct tool for the big plastic nut on the bottom of the rear water separator, I'll buy that spanner wrench next time, should be much easier.
 

SyN

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^^^ NOT ALL Dipsticks & Tubes are Created Equal!
Might be an issue there.

There is that word again - Whatever - :hmm:

My 3 gallons puts me right on the full mark -(Sitting over night)
After a drive and up to operating temp & sitting for an hour or so it is just bit above.

Good Luck with your issue!
Hope ya get it figured out -->:favorites13:
 

PaulTGarrett

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I will have to admit that I put a new oil filter on my old Jeep pickup (258 6 cyl) and got about a block away before the filter gasket gave way. Seems that you have to remember to take the old gasket off before spinning the new filter on. Who knew?
 

crash68

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Checked it again, on a slight uphill and it was perfect. So I moved it back to level ground and it barely registered on the stick again. Let it sit for 10 minutes and tried again, this time it was in the safe zone, but still saying 3/4 qts low (assuming the bottom of the safe zone to the top is 1qt). Weird.
If your in the safe zone your good, no need to add extra. You have 3 gallons of oil in there, if you check it hot you probably be considerably higher.
With my EcoD, it has 10.5 quarts puts it right in the middle of safe zone, higher when hot.
If the dipstick is o-ring sealed, don't trust the first time you pull the dipstick out.
 

DodgeDude99

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Another Geno’s recommendation.

I just bought fuel, air, oil, trans filters, Geno’s shipped was almost $20 cheaper than Amazon prime.

I will also buy Fleetguard filters from the local big rig parts house as well and they are usually competitive in pricing.

Fleetguard has a part # for all the filters you need.
 

BossHogg

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If your in the safe zone your good, no need to add extra. You have 3 gallons of oil in there, if you check it hot you probably be considerably higher.

I have to agree, I have never added more than 3 gallons after an oil and filter change. Three gallons always places me smack dab in the midst of the safe zone.
 

SyN

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Delete! :nutkick:
Filter price has already doubled!

For those that have Amazon and Amazon prime if you use Wix oil filters - keep an eye out they do have the Wix XP filters on sale ever once a while.

They are not the quality or micron rating of the Stratapore - but similar.

Got those for $7 ea - normally $13.99

AA03A6FD-17D5-473C-8132-15F19DFD6214.jpeg
 
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WY-Dave

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I will have to admit that I put a new oil filter on my old Jeep pickup (258 6 cyl) and got about a block away before the filter gasket gave way. Seems that you have to remember to take the old gasket off before spinning the new filter on. Who knew?

On my fuel filter swap on the truck, the o-ring got torn on the front filter and what a mess! Luckily the big rig shop I bought the FGs from had extra o-rings.


The dealer charges $25 more for the oil change for what I could do it for. So they get the pleasure.
 
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