Changed the oil for the first time yesterday evening....2500 on the clock, figured it was a good time to drop the original oil for any possible casting sands and wear metals....Everythiing came out looking clean....Also lubed the front end, but NOT the front drive shaft....No different than any other service, just a new-to-me engine....Anyway:

No fuel smell in the oil
No obvious metals, or anything else
No mess

Thoughts:

1. I never want to meet the dude who installs the oil filters...He scares me
2. I must immediately purchase a cup-type filter wrench...Or remove the front fenderwell liner....Otherwise this gash on my arm may never heal
3. I must immediately purchase a flexible hose for the grease gun....What a pain the solid tube is
4. I couldnt find the needle zerk either ???



Are there more than just 2 lower ball joints to lube?? Or is that it??

BTW:
Rotella and Baldwin from local Cummins place

 

The easiest way that i have found to replace the oil filter is to unclip the air filter cover then unscrew the clip that attatches to the Turbo and remove the housing completely. This might sound like a lot of work but it takes about 2 min to remove and replace when done. After it is removed the oil filter is right there and you can remove it from the top.

Ryan

 

All you have to do is use a long extention and do it from underneath. The cup wrench work's preaty good, but slip's just a bit. I just picked up a 3 arm wrench I'm going to try.

 

I had the same issues. I use K&N's oil filter. I have used them since I got my first diesel back in 2003. They have a 1" nut on the butom so you can use a socket wrench with an extension. Pretty cool and never had a problem. I know some people on this site don't recommend their air filters. These seem really well built. Just an option for you guys. Take care.

 

I found a 2-arm clamping type, use with a ratchet...Didnt really like it...Anybody know what size cup-wrnech to buy?? Wal-Marts biggest was too small

 

Gienos sells one that works like a champ

 

(Genos), I agree it works perfectly plus it's only like $6.

 

I bought mine from Geno's, but Walmart has the same thing. It's just an orange little cup style that you stick a ratchet extension in. Much easier than trying to remove it from the top.

Regarding these grease zerks, those are only on the 4WD trucks, correct? I've never found any on my 2WD.

 

The little 3 jaw one is the way to fly. It uses a 3/8 extension and actually increases it's grip on the filter as you twist to loosen.....and yes, the guy who spins those stock filters on is one guy I wouldn't shake hands with. I couldn't risk losing a hand for a week or two.

 

Hmm... I've been worrying about not being able to find the appropiate filter wrench to get at my oil filter from the bottom. I shouldn't have worried. I just reached up there from the bottom and found that the filter is hand tight. This is going to be an interesting first oil change.

 

Not a single drop of oil hit the floor Oh yeah, it takes a LOOOOONG time to dump 3 gallons in using a funnel The biggest pita was greasing the front end.....And I've looked the front propr shaft over and over again, I cant see where to lube it?

 

Now, this is getting stranger. I got a Stratapore from Cummins, and it said to turn the filter 3/4 turn after contacting the base. I was able to tighten the filter almost one entire additional turn BY HAND. That doesn't seem right.

 

You need a bigger funnel. Seriously. The one I use look's like the Tin Man's head.

 

I use a regular filter strap wrench and from under the truck I reach through the opening in the fender well and remove the filter. Thought it was easy until I read all the problems people are having. Not knowing makes it easier I guess. I do need to get a bigger oil catch pan. It comes near to overflowing and is a mess to clean up.

Phil

 

what was even funnier was when the oil first hit the pan....Sounded like it was pouring out on the floor I thought "Now I KNOW I put the plug back in" Had a good laugh at myself