First Oil Change - Redline 5w20 and RP Filter

[Souths1der]

Well, I just got done with my first oil change at 3,500 miles. I went with Redline 5w20 and a Royal Purple filter. Everythign went fairly smoothly. FIred it up after the change, checked for leaks, all good.

In addition to this being the first oil change on the Ram, it was the first oil change I have ever done myself...at 41! I'm having a lot of fun with this truck. It is so refreshing learning new things, you really forget that feeling when you've been doing the same type of work for 20+ years.

Some things I noticed regarding the filter.
- The Royal Purple filter was larger than the one from the factory, I used the one they said was for the hemi (RP #20-820). I assume the added bulk is the awesome that is inside it.

- When I first started screwing it on, it wasn't as smooth as I had expected. I'm like 98% sure I was seated in the threads at the start, but since this was my first time and got this resistance, I stopped right away and tried to re-seat it, but when I did it again it was the same. Tried 2 more times and the result was always the same. Finally I just decided to forge ahead with screwing it on assuming the mild resistance initially was the filter and its connection on the block just marrying together. After about 1 full rotation it was smooth and easy up until it butted against the block. Then I turned it another 3/4 turn. Long winded description I know, but I'm not a mechanic so I don't know how else to descibe it. In the end it tightened up nice (I did put a thin application of oil on the filter gasket).

I have to give a big thanks to this forum and its members. So many helpful people, all willing to teach old dogs new tricks. I really appreciate all the information this forum has to offer.

 

[Chewy]

HOLY CRAP! 1st oil change! Congrats!

The WIX filter I bought for my 200 mile oil change is larger than stock if memory serves.

I did 2 oil changes last weekend and I'm doing the RAM this weekend.

Did you put some oil on the filter gasket? I always do that to facilitate removal. I have a mass amount of tools for removing filters. Doesn't hurt!

Chris

 

[Souths1der]

HOLY CRAP! 1st oil change! Congrats!

The WIX filter I bought for my 200 mile oil change is larger than stock if memory serves.

I did 2 oil changes last weekend and I'm doing the RAM this weekend.

Did you put some oil on the filter gasket? I always do that to facilitate removal. I have a mass amount of tools for removing filters. Doesn't hurt!

Chris

Yes I put a little oil on the gasket.

It's funny you talk about a bunch of tools to take filters off. I had read all the posts about Dodge hiring Hercules to put that filter on at the factory. Man, they aren't kidding. I was real full of myself, totally thought I could get it off with just my hands. After about 15 minutes, I slid out from under the truck and sent a text to my wife who was out doing errands "Pick up an oil wrench please". Once she came home with the wrench, it was pretty easy.

 

[Chewy]

FYI! Hammer a screwdriver through the filter and turn. Been there, done it! Can make a little mess, but not bad if you're careful.

I have a channel lock like claw that is the best at removing stubborn oil filters. On my G8 seeing that the filter is inset into the oil pan and flush, I use a hex cap that you fit a ratchet onto. THAT's the best IMO.

Chris

 

[BAILEY1]

Glad to hear that your loving your truck and taking a hands on approach. It really makes a difference when your doing it yourself. What do you think about the redline oil, so far? Did it quiet down the "Hemi Tick" any?

 

[Souths1der]

Glad to hear that your loving your truck and taking a hands on approach. It really makes a difference when your doing it yourself. What do you think about the redline oil, so far? Did it quiet down the "Hemi Tick" any?

I didn't have any tick. I went with Redline because based on the research I did, it seemed to be the best choice. I ahven't driven it yet, unless you count moving it further down the driveway so I could clean up the spills... lol.

I'll report back after I drive it a few days. I just did a 150 mile trip up to Michigan and got 18.6mpg. It will be interesting if it gets any better on the way back. I'm not expecting better mpg from the switch to Redline. My main motivation to switch is because I hope to have this truck a while and want to do anything I can to make that happen.

 

[Chewy]

Redline is one of the better oils out there IMO...

 

[ATXHEMI]

The k&n filter had a "nut" on the bottom of it. You can use a socket to take it off.

 

[Hemi Joe]

Well, I just got done with my first oil change at 3,500 miles. I went with Redline 5w20 and a Royal Purple filter. Everythign went fairly smoothly. FIred it up after the change, checked for leaks, all good.

In addition to this being the first oil change on the Ram, it was the first oil change I have ever done myself...at 41! I'm having a lot of fun with this truck. It is so refreshing learning new things, you really forget that feeling when you've been doing the same type of work for 20+ years.

Some things I noticed regarding the filter.
- The Royal Purple filter was larger than the one from the factory, I used the one they said was for the hemi (RP #20-820). I assume the added bulk is the awesome that is inside it.

- When I first started screwing it on, it wasn't as smooth as I had expected. I'm like 98% sure I was seated in the threads at the start, but since this was my first time and got this resistance, I stopped right away and tried to re-seat it, but when I did it again it was the same. Tried 2 more times and the result was always the same. Finally I just decided to forge ahead with screwing it on assuming the mild resistance initially was the filter and its connection on the block just marrying together. After about 1 full rotation it was smooth and easy up until it butted against the block. Then I turned it another 3/4 turn. Long winded description I know, but I'm not a mechanic so I don't know how else to descibe it. In the end it tightened up nice (I did put a thin application of oil on the filter gasket).

I have to give a big thanks to this forum and its members. So many helpful people, all willing to teach old dogs new tricks. I really appreciate all the information this forum has to offer.

Nice job!

 

[Burla]

I always put clean oil around the filter thread and rubber gasket before installing. Insures it will go on and off smoothly. Check the oil level a couple times, I found that my engine soaked up some Redline. Once I got the level right it has stayed right, but there is 8 quarts in there for whatever reason, lol. They have many different oil filter wrenches that are universal and will make removal a snap, but generally speaking it should never take more then hand tightening and loosening. Only when you accidentally tighten it more when your trying to remove it will you ever need a wrench. Never fails I still do it from time to time. If you run that oil 5w20, I would be shocked if you ever got the lifter knock/tick. The more I read this forum the more I see bad oil choices leading to lifter noise.

 

[smiley]

Lifter noise is caused by filter more than oil I think because of dry starts and cheap filters that don't have anti drain back. I have also seen it happen because of Mobil 1 for whatever reason and I am not a hater just what I have seen happen don't know why. Am I the only one who does not use filter wrenches? I have one but when I change my own oil I never tighten enough to need it to take off.


$miley

 

[Gunz86]

Had the dealership do my first oil change and I did the second change and was able to take filter off with bare hands, just put new filter on hand tight.

 

[12TrueSport]

Nice job on the oil change!! I'm going to check in to the Red Line oil. One thing I do in addition to putting oil on the gasket is fill up the filter. Once it soaks up some oil, I add a little more. I think it helps the system adjust quicker after a change.

Keep up the great work!!