I purchased my used Dodge Cummins 1994 model approx 3300 miles ago and now its time to change to oil. I have no manual yet. but my question is.... How many quarts of oil do I need with the oil filter change? Thanks, Sonny

 

If you don't have a manual, stoke your printer with paper and visit DodgeRam.Org and look through the diesel section for all the part numbers, capacities and specifications for your engine. Right down to the model of your turbo charger.

Off the top I recall about 10 to 10.5 quarts.. Sorry, I'm used to Litres, but thats very close to quarts.

Jeh

 

The 94 holds 11qts PLEASE READ ON BELOW AS THE MANUALS ARE WRONG AND THE INFO ON CORRECTION IS EXPLAINED BELOW BY RHINO!!!!!, the drain plug requires a 3/8 ratchet, and it the torque when reinstall is 40 ftlbs, I would recomend you install a good filter such as fleetgaurd and do the fuel also. And do a search on here from the search mode up top for the letters KDP which stands for killer dowel pin in the front of the motor which causes immense dammage when it falls down into the front gears, which if yours has not been secured needs to be, I would also change out all the fluids as it gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing all is well at least from my standpoint when I service a used new to me truck or car. There are two manuals for your truck one being the Haynes, less than @20 which is a good starter manual for most shade tree self maintanace and can be purchased at most parts houses and then there is the complete factory one for around $80 shipped to your door from www.techauthority.com Goodluck and welcome. Enjoy your new to you truck and do a bit of searching here for info on making yours run better. When you get ready to secure the dowel pin let me know and I will email you the info on doing it the tab method. Rick

 

Thanks, Lil Dog. The oil change article was informative. I have another question, or anyone......... With your 3:55 gearing in your truck how many RPM's do you turn at 60 MPH? Thanks, Sonny

 

Kango, the previous owner made me a list of the mods he did before I bought it........

1. #5 tst fuel plate with full pillar gauges, timed, he did do the KDP, 3k spring, 4" straight pipe from turbo back,. valves at 100k, k-n filter and there he did mention something he modded with the wastegate over the phone?? not sure was it was.. It was an auto but he converted it to a 5 speed 20k ago. I am going to do all the filters and fluids as soon as I get the manual you suggested but for now I am going to do the oil. The previous owner has taken exceptional care of the truck.

 

Sounds like a real gem you got there. Check the K&N, if its a brick style filter for a good fit to the casing.. They require grease to ensure a good seal and may let some dirt by if not installed just right.

As for the filters, Fleetguard are the best IMHO and are the most cost effective too.

As for the RPM, with the stock tire diameter and an overdrive ratio of 0.79, the engine should be around 1780 to 1800 RPM at 60 MPH. Mine is close to that.

BTW, fill in your signature with all that good information you gave us!!

J-eh

 

If you are changing the filter and the oil you need 11 quarts total. 10 in the pan and 1 in the filter.

 

I STAND CORRECTED, PLEAS READ ON AS THE FACTORY MANUAL IS WRONG IT IS 11QTS ONE IN THE FILTER AND 10 IN THE PAN, BELOW IS THE INFO ON WHY. Goodluck,,, Rick

 

Correct, the engine holds 10 quarts and the filter hold one.

Here is a TSB pertaining to 1994 trucks stating that it is an 11 quart system. Somehow I guess they installed the wrong oil dipstick from the factory.
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1994/09-16-94.htm

Here is also a link to the Cummins FAQ site stating also that is takes 11 quarts:
http://www.cummins.com/na/pages/en/p...530004AC33EA57

1994's and 1995's are the same engine with the same oil pan. Oil capacity is the same.

 

I have a 98 12v and it has 104,000 miles on it. I have religiously changed the oil every 4,000 miles and it holds 9 quarts in the pan and 1 in the filter. Start the motor and let it run. Stop and let it sit for awhile and check and it is on the full mark. Next morning it is on the full mark. I am at the office accross the canal so I do not have my manual with me but I believe I remember reading that there is a quantity of oil in the system that does not return to the oil pan after shutdown. Therefore when you change oil and filter it only comes up to 10 quarts (could be wrong on that one). Unless my dipstick is wrong as well. I have changed the oil hot, warm, and cold (cold indicating that on a level surface all of the oil in the engine that can drain back into the pan has done so) and have never had to put more than 9 in the tank and 1 in the filter to get a full reading. After having checked out the two sites posted above from dodge and cummins I am at a loss. I have even let my engine drain for a couple of hours while I watched a football game (not intentional just forgot the game was on) and I still could not get more the 9 and 1 into the engine without going way over the full mark. ????

 

Good info Thanks everyone!! Now should I assume with the original dipstick if I put 11 qts in it would show 1 qt overfilled? And with the TSB dipstick that Rhino quoted it would come out correct? Tyhanks, Sonny

 

Well I stand corrected! Thanks Rhino, this is why this is such a great site, I was going off the factory manual from Chrysler and the Haynes which has been wrong in the past. I think I will since I just changed the oil, go out and take the dipstick out and add the 11th quart and make a mark on my dip stick to reflect the 11th quart. I had thought it odd that it was different and it was noted different in both manuals. Anyway thanks again Rhino for the clarification!! Goodluck,,, Rick

 

Joseph,

There is another TSB that I think affected the 1998 or 1999 model year and stated the same thing about an improper dipstick. I'll see if I can dig it up.

Sonny,
I don't know if I would go out and buy a new dipstick, I think I would just do as kandgo suggested. Add the 11 quart and make your own mark on your original dipstick. JMHO

I'm glad I could help

 

Ok, Thanks Rick. I'll put the 11 th qt in and mark stick accordingly. Yes, this is a helpful site!

 

Joseph,
Here is a TSB about the 1998 model year trucks. It states that it applies to 24v trucks but I would imagine a few snuck past on the 12v's.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/09-06-98.htm