V-6 first oil change.Thanks for any tips.

[Rougarou]

Hi, I’m new here, so if this belongs somewhere else just let me know. I have a 2019 ram Quad cab with the 3.6 L penta star engine. I have about 4800 miles on the truck and it shows that I have 51% oil life left. I have a couple questions.

1. Do they use break in oil?

2.When would you recommend I do my first oil change? I’m going to use either a synthetic blend or full synthetic and was thinking if I change it every 7500 miles that would be a good strategy.

3. What oil filters would you all recommend?

Thanks for any tips.

 

[BIGMIKE27]

I have a 2016 Hemi. I use pennzoil ultra platinum with Fram XG(ultra Synthetic oil filter). I did my first oil change when the oil life hits 0% which is usually 8500 miles. I now have have 49667 miles on my truck and runs perfect.

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[turkeybird56]

Full synthetic oil and a good filter. There are a lot of threads on here on what to use. A lot of PPL use redline oil and royal purple filters.

Since I get $18.00 oil changes for life, I just have dealer put in Full Synthetic..........

OH, and this IMHO, Change at 5,000, this way U got a nice even number, and change every 5,000. ALSO, rotate tires every 5,000 miles. All IMHO. Worked for me last 46 years, but I's old, lmao.....


ADDED: If very hot where U drive, and U tow hard and drive hard, think about using 5W 30 oil for slightly hotter protection...

 

[MidTennMtneer]

I myself would go ahead and change it around 5k and do the switch to synthetic. After that I would follow the life meter which for me is around 7500 miles which I think is acceptable.

I use Pennzoil Platinum and Purolator Pure One filters. Unfortunately for us they do not make a Purolator Boss Filter (one made for synthetic oil) for the Pentastar. They’ve been saying for months it is coming soon.

Being a cartridge filter it is super simple to change. You can take the manifold cover and all off or just use some universal joints in your socket.

If you get a Fumoto valve for the drain, between that and the cartridge filter you’ll hardly get your hands dirty.


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[Quyonmob]

I get the filter off with a 24mm and one universal, no need to remove the intake.

I use mopar filters and pennzoil platinum 5w20 every 5000mi. Oils life monitor usually reads 40-45% when I change the oil. It’s cheap insurance for me.

 

[Burla]

If you want 7500 mile interval get an oil with a high starting tbn and full synthetic. I think we found out either amsoil ea or fram ultra had a canister filter, those are spun micro glass, read oil filter thread.

 

[gfh77665]

1. Do they use break in oil?

2.When would you recommend I do my first oil change? I’m going to use either a synthetic blend or full synthetic and was thinking if I change it every 7500 miles that would be a good strategy.

3. What oil filters would you all recommend?

1: No, Pennzoil conventional is factory fill.
2: Synthetic 10K. Blend 7,500, conventional 5,000
3: Fram Ultra or NAPA Gold or Platinum.

 

[QwikKota]

I change the factory fill early but it's not the end of the world. I wait until 7500 miles or so to switch to synthetic but many cars come with that from the factory nowadays. Make sure you can get the filter off before you drain the oil!

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[tap4154]

I get the filter off with a 24mm and one universal, no need to remove the intake.

I use mopar filters and pennzoil platinum 5w20 every 5000mi. Oils life monitor usually reads 40-45% when I change the oil. It’s cheap insurance for me.

I've done a couple changes so far and use a "three-way" 3/8-sized ratchet handle that has 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" drives (found it at Walmart). No need for any extensions or u-joints.

To the OP, take note of where the O ring is on the filter housing and put the new one in the same groove and rub some oil it. Some folks put it in the wrong spot. Also don't over-tighten the filter housing. Just make sure it's fully seated. The O-ring seals it, not brute force.

The Pentastars are about the easiest engine to change the oil/filter on IMHO. I've been using the OEM Mopar MO-349 filters and Mobil 1 Advanced 5/20. BTW you can change the filter any time if you wish and not lose a drop of oil. Say if you want to run 10K miles on an oil change, you can change just the filter at 5K.

 

[alpinegreenneon]

This is for all the DIYers that change their own oil on their Pentastar. On my 3rd oil change, I finally figured out that I don't need to completely remove the engine cover as suggested in the FSM. I loosened the clamp for the convoluted air tube at the air filter housing and slid it off there. Then I loosened the clamp on the throttle body but did not remove it. Grab the engine cover at the left rear lifting and pivoting on the throttle body about 6-8 inches leaving the right side ball socket of the engine cover attached. No need to play with removing the intake air temp sensor connector or the vent hose on the right rear of the engine cover. Now there is plenty of room for tools to remove the filter cap.
Since a jug of oil is 5 quarts and you need 6, just get another jug and measure out a quart. Keep that extra jug for the next 4 oil changes. Cheaper than buying a single quart every time.
There is an orange funnel on eBay that has an angled neck that is the exact angle needed for the oil fill tube.

 

[Fitz-0518]

I have the 2018 Tradesman 1500 QC 3.6 V6 Penstar. Have 5000 miles. This is my first V6 in a truck. Had Hemi and GM's since the 70's. This engine has really grown on me. Surprising power and the 8 speed is just fun.
I have a bottom end start up rattle for 1-2 seconds. Been running 5 PUP 5-30 and 1 DuraLube. Going to try Redline 5-20 and if rattle is not stopped, will try Redline 5-30. In central Ca our summers are brutal at 100-110* Estimate the asphalt reflective heat is 140*+
I use the M1 synthetic cartridge filer. I made up a 1/4 drive medium length articulating socket wrench set at 25 degrees with a stubby extension to the 24 mil short socket. Easy off, easy on. (Yes over the top, but that is the way it is in my garage)
The tip on the filter cap and O ring is important. I use a orange ring so that I can see it as I tighten. Once the orange ring "disappears", stop it is seated. Over tightening the cap will twist and tear the filter. That is testimony. Fitz