I went to a oil change place because I had heard all of the horror stories about the filter...they wanted $72 to do the job....using regular Rotella 15w40....I asked them if they could sleep nights, and opted to try it myself....

I honestly never had an oil filter come off so easily...I was amazed...no spill either. So for $28 I did the whole thing myself, and I know it is done right!!!!

 

For the fluted filters I use an end cap wrench from Geno's. It slipped sometimes so I used a hacksaw to cut a few slits in it, and then used a large hose clamp on the outside to adjust it a bit tighter. For some of the non-fluted filters that I have I use a small rubber strap wrench, getting at it from under the truck.

 

OK, seeing as I just got my truck I am prepared to tackle the filter, but this brings up another question. Everyone has said that the drain plug feels finger tight, so my question is does the drain plug use a reusable drain plug gasket? I know we get alot of cars in our shop with oil leaks that were done at lube places that havent replaced the type you can only use once, and if you have an anserw aobout the drain plug gasket, how about a part number

 

I bought a one-touch valve from Geno's when I did my first oil change. One of the best mods I've done to the truck. I haven't looked back since...

 

Hmmm my Dealer does the first oil change on the house. Haven't had to worry about this much

 

Changing the filter from the bottom side can be tough. My arm reach is not the longest so it seems really tight. I cut a 4" slit in the wheel well just enough to fold it slightly and not tear up the wrist. I make the first 1/2 turn from there and finish from down under. Of course when I put it ack on I tighten it a 1/4 past 1 complete turn(1 1/4) I'm a bad boy. The drain plug has always been about 15 ft. lbs. I only hate it in the winter time, the good old road slop dripping in your face

 

I let the dealer do my first two oil changes using my Cummins Fleetguard Stratapore Oil Filter and their Mopar 15w40 oil. I remember watching the oil lube tech grunting a little on that first one...LOL.

But this last time, I changed it myself using Shell Rotella T 15w40. I used a ratchet and a couple of extensions with a Oil Filter "C" Cap Wrench that I bought at Autozone to remove the oil filter. This just goes on the end of a 3/8" ratchet or ratchet extension and cups around the bottom of the oil filter. That wrench piece probably only cost 3 or 4 dollars. Seemed easy enough to me. After I loosened it up a little bit, I placed a gallon freezer bag around it and then spun it off by hand and into the freezer bag which sealed up nicely.

Anyway, I prefilled the new Stratapore filter with Rotella and put it back on the "C" Cap wrench, maneuvered it back up to the location and screwed it back on good and snug.

I had also added a Fumotovalve in place of the drain plug.

I think this could have been a lot bigger job and very difficult to access the filter without that cap wrench and ratchet extensions.

 

A screw driver worked for me after some choice words

 

I tried to do my 1st oil change in the back yard. Out came the plug, which seals good at low torque, next to the filter. It wouldn't budge, strap wrench, pivot handle filter wrench, end cap wrench, nadda. I almost went the screwdriver route but all I could see is me tearing the can apart. Well I filled it back up with fresh oil plus the dirty filter oil and made time to get to the dealer. They charged me for a new filter and and a couple of quarts of oil. When I asked the tech if he had a hard time getting the filter off he said no, but then again he sorta did look like a gorilla

 

It is my understanding that the oil filter is put on after the engine is painted, and clear coated. The fresh paint is the cause of the problem, that plus the fact that the filter gasket more than likely doesn't have any oil on it. If you check, you will find paint stuck to the rubber gasket. I did.

 

I read this thread with great interest before doing my first change last night.

I thought to myself, "Self, let's do the smart thing and get the proper tools." So, off I go to the parts store - I bought more oil than Exxon can spill (first diesel - yikes) and a strap style 3” wide nylon 1/2" ratchet type filter wrench. I cracked open my 4/2/1 box from Geno's and was set to go. Parts all set out on the driveway - 136 gallons of hot, black oil in the pan - new one touch plug all ready to go ... I reach for my new strap wrench and what do I see? My neighbor's gigantic black lab sprinting off towards the end of my dock with wrench in mouth. That damned mutt jumped into the (still ice cold) lake and dropped it straight to the bottom.

I guess the moral of the story is this: You can never have too many tools on hand to get any job done. Also – I hate that dog.

-Walt_Mink

 

Yeah, ain't that something? My dealership gives the first change free, and the sales guy told me he'd get me all the free oil changes I want. Having experienced this with my 1st four trucks, I decided they could do the first change on this one. I'll do the rest...

 

I can't believe all you guys fighting over a stuck filter.

GET ONE OF THESE !!!

You will never break it. Period. Well, unless you shoot it with a 12 gauge slug or something.

Plus, when you're not using it, it makes a great table decoration / conversation piece!

 

Best one I've heard in quite a while!!!!!
What a mental picture!!!

Don't try to teach THAT dog a lesson by throwing a lit stick of dynamite, he might bring it back to you or your truck...Too quickly.

K.

 

maybe trim the fuse a bit...?