oil change question
 

I have a 2002 Dodge w/ 24v turbo cummins and i was wondering how many quarts of oil does it take when you change oil?

I just been hearing alot of different replies so i figured id ask here.Sort of a new-b

The book in my 2002 says 10 qrts, or 2 1/2 gallons. Some guys put in a full three gallons.

My '02 takes 11 qts - 10 in the pan and 1 in the filter. Fill the filter before you install it.

11 quarts including the filter.

According to the Service Manual from Dodge its 11 Qts...

3 Gallons will put you at the fill line.

Its good advice to fill the filter before you install it.

Removing the old filter with a plastic bag around it is another trick that I've gotten real good at over the years.

x2 on the ziplock bag over and under the filter before removal saves a big mess of oil on the floor. Use the gallon size and don't look back, you'll always remember that tip after you've done it once. And I use 3 gallons of oil in my 02 filling the filter first.

oil filters
 

I like to wait an hour or so, I find that the oil will (is it) syphon back and be down an inch from the top of the filter.This works for me.

Here is how I've been doing oil changes...

http://www.frontiernet.net/~mopar1973man/oil_change.htm

Been working for the last 88K I'm not changing a thing...:cool:

If you take off the air boot to the turbo, it is much easier to get to the filter.
I normally just unscrcw it, carefully. Have not spilled a drop after several changes.
Seems to take 12 quarts to get it to the full mark. 11 puts it in the middle of the marks. More oils seems like a good thing, as long as it is in spec.

For me removing the air tube makes removing the oil filter really easy and no mess. Using shopping bags I just drop the filter in the bag and lift out. Throw the bag in the trash.

Hi, This feels awkward but here it goes, I have an 03 Cummins 4x4 2500 with 144500 miles. I was getting my oil changed every 3k miles but taking it in was costing me 240.00+ I owned a shop, but didn't do the labor, so I know better than that, but I moved and sold the business and now I'm here, and getting royally handled. I don't like it. I figured with help I can learn to do this myself and just become more knowledgeable. Please help. Am I at the point I need synthetic if so would Rotella T6 be best or go to VPB? I got to work and come home take vacations and drive but no heavy duty nor do I plan to anytime soon.

Welcome to DTR Kitty,
Oil changes cost me about $60 for Rotella oil and a good Fleetguard Stratapore filter.
It is very easy to do. It takes me about 10 minutes worth of wrench time. I would be glad to do it for you for $180 for 10 minutes of my time...YIKES that is an expensive labor rate!
I only run the synthetic oil in the winter due to the -30/35F temp I am going to see during cold start ups in the morning. The oil changes that I use the synthetic are a little more expensive, like $90, which I would assume you don't need in TX.

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the first thing is, don't change your oil so often, every 10,000 miles is good enough!! personally,
,i change mine every 12000.........300000 miles and no oil consumption

Why do you think you might need synthetics? If you have been using Valvoline Premium Blue than stick with it. It's good oil.
Use the suggested Cummins Stratapore filter and at least 7,500 mile innervals. Get yourself some throw away rubber gloves and find a place to take the used oil and go for it! Ask away.

How do you drive the truck, hard? Does it get driven AT LEAST a half hour every time it's started to get the oil nice and hot? Short trips are not the best.