Just bought a 2007, 5.9 the window sticker shows it doesn't need an oil change for 4000 more miles. The owners manual shows it holding 12 quarts, it has written in paint stick on the valve cover 14 quarts. I have been checking it an am now convinced that it is overfull. The oil is very dark color, is this typical? Do I need to contact the previous owner about oil brand or are these sensitive to that? I am going to stop at the Dodge garage and get an oil filter and fuel filter. I assume Advance or Auto Zone sells what oil I will need? Any advice will be appreciated on changing the oil for my first time on a diesel.

 

My truck holds 12 qts, including a new filter.

I change my oil every 15K miles. And that's based on a UOA.

As for oil, you'll get a lot of opinions about that. I think as long as you use a quality diesel oil, you'll be fine.

I generally use Valvoline Blue, because I can get it at a good price. I wait for it it to go on sale somewhere, and then buy it for later use.

Our trucks still use a flat tappet cam. Not sure why, but they do. That makes the zinc content kind of important. Not long ago, all motor oils had their zinc content decreased by a significant amount. So I add 2 bottles of Comp Cams break in lube with every oil change.

One of the functions of diesel oil is to trap and suspens soot and ash particles. It very quickly turns black and nasty looking. Try not to get it on your skin - it's a bear to get off.

 

Don't be alarmed by the oil being black. You can change the oil in a diesel engine, drive it 25 miles and it's black again!! Lots of soot I guess, but they all do it and don't worry about it.

 

musky,

if it were my truck, I would not go by the oil sticker miles on the window.
_______________________________________
I would have all fluids changed at your first chance.
**Start your own maintenance program and stick to it.**
this motor is too expensive to play around with.

I have a 2005 model dodge diesel, I use Shell rotella 15w40 12 qts with filter change. oil and filter changed at 7500 miles.

I use Baldwin oil and gas filters.

the most important filter:
to insure it's changed and in good repair is the fuel filter, that is the one that will leave you dead on the side of the road. keep an extra one in the tool box and learn how to change it.

I run the std 4" thick air filter. the aftermarket air filters will let too much dirt into the engine. may flow more air, but the big std air filters will flow plenty of air.

have the transmission drained and filter changed.

the coolant should be changed by this time: 5 years or
100k miles. be sure to check out and buy the proper coolant Gl5 or GS5 cannot remember which, but I bought my coolant at NAPA, again ask questions and get the right coolant.

good luck with your truck,

 

''Maintenance Plan''? Do you guys change the differential fluid and transfer case fluid as well? Where do you purchase Baldwin filters? Thanks for the input guys, being new to diesel I don't want to overlook something simple that can turn into a huge problem.

 

Being new to diesels keep asking questions. Searching here will answer most of them and will even answer some you didn't even know you had!!

I would start by changing ALL FLUIDS and FILTERS!! This will let you set up your own maint schedule. Always use good quality name brand products. (Avoid Fram though) searching here will also give you the quantity needed for fluids.

 

Many on here get their filters on-line. Buying in bulk can save a bunch of $$. Geno's Garage and TruckHelp are two that I've used. Stick with Mopar, Fleetguard (Cummins) & Donaldson. Walmart carries Mopar fuel filters, but the others you'll have to get on-line or a local diesel shop. Only exception is air filters, I've had better luck with Napa Gold (Wix) and AC Delco (get a tall filter for better performance and mpgs).

As long as it's 15w-40 Delo, Delvac, Valvoline Blue or Rotella, dino oil is pretty much all the same. Usually the cheapest at Walmart, but sometimes Autozone, O'Reilly or farm stores have it on sale.

If you don't know the truck's maintenance history start with the fuel filter, then trans filter, bands and fluid. Next coolant, then differentials and the transfer case. You can probably check the condition of each and spread it out over a few months based on how gross it looks. You'll be buying lots and lots of ATF+4, so shop around. Sometimes it's under $4/qt at Walmart. Congrats on the truck!

 

Thanks again, it's good to be able to ask the simple questions without getting blasted, you guys are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!