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How many qts I need EXACTLY of Rotella for oil change?

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Old May 23, 2006 | 12:53 AM
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How many qts I need EXACTLY of Rotella for oil change?

Whats the total I should buy including the oil filter and engine of Shell Rotella 15W-40.
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Old May 23, 2006 | 01:57 AM
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should be 12 qts. 11 in the engine and 1 in the filter. Some engines take a little more and some a little less. When you do your oil change fill the oil filter then add the remaining oil to the engine, 1 in the filter and 10 in the emgine. Then start the engine let it idle for a few seconds then shut it down, let the oil settle back into the oil pan then recheck the level and add if its low.
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Old May 23, 2006 | 09:22 AM
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Yes it is 12 quarts (3 Gallons) total with a filter change. I just did my first one last night.

Here are the steps I used.

1. Pull the old oil filter (man that was on there tight) off, be sure to check the old filter seal because mine stuck to the mount. I almost double gasketed the thing.
2. Filled the new filter, from one of the gallon jugs and set that jug aside.
3. Put the newly filled filter on.
4. Drained the old oil from the pan.
5. Added the 2 other full gallons of oil in.
6. Added most of the gallon I set aside leaving 1 quart in the bottle.
7. Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds and shut it off.
8. Went and fixed me something cool to drink (Pink Lemonade ) and looked at it for about 15 minutes.
9. Checked the oil level and added the rest of the oil from them bottle.
10. Started up and drove around the block and checked for leaks.

Hub
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Old May 23, 2006 | 09:39 AM
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I would follow post number 2. My truck seems to like 11 quarts. If I use 12 which is what the manual says it overfills it by about an 1/8 th inch on the dipstick.
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Old May 23, 2006 | 11:45 AM
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Originally Posted by hubmonkey
Yes it is 12 quarts (3 Gallons) total with a filter change. I just did my first one last night.

Here are the steps I used.

1. Pull the old oil filter (man that was on there tight) off, be sure to check the old filter seal because mine stuck to the mount. I almost double gasketed the thing.
2. Filled the new filter, from one of the gallon jugs and set that jug aside.
3. Put the newly filled filter on.
4. Drained the old oil from the pan.
5. Added the 2 other full gallons of oil in.
6. Added most of the gallon I set aside leaving 1 quart in the bottle.
7. Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds and shut it off.
8. Went and fixed me something cool to drink (Pink Lemonade ) and looked at it for about 15 minutes.
9. Checked the oil level and added the rest of the oil from them bottle.
10. Started up and drove around the block and checked for leaks.

Hub
Thanks, good writeup
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Old May 23, 2006 | 09:41 PM
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Do you think they calibrate the dipstick for every engine? I doubt it. Add 12 quarts and be on your way.
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Old May 23, 2006 | 10:08 PM
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Arrow

There must be something wrong with my truck!
It takes 13 quarts, 12 in the engine, one in the filter.
Is my dip stick worng?
Dealership also said 13.
If it was over full I would expect higher pressure or air bubbles in it when I check the oil. Am I wrong here?
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Old May 24, 2006 | 03:17 AM
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12 here.....
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Old May 24, 2006 | 06:33 AM
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Originally Posted by handymantim
Do you think they calibrate the dipstick for every engine? I doubt it. Add 12 quarts and be on your way.
I agree, I put 12 every time and it is always on the mark.
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Old May 24, 2006 | 10:15 AM
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12 qts here also.
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Old May 24, 2006 | 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by forwardho
There must be something wrong with my truck!
It takes 13 quarts, 12 in the engine, one in the filter.
Is my dip stick worng?
Dealership also said 13.
If it was over full I would expect higher pressure or air bubbles in it when I check the oil. Am I wrong here?
I put 12 in mine and it was close to the middle of the "safe" zone. So I left it at that... Could have easily added a 13th quart...


Tony
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Old May 24, 2006 | 07:29 PM
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I always just dump the oil and let it drain while I change the filter. Fill the filter abought 3/4 full to alow some tipping of it if nesasary. put drain plug back in and dump the remaining oil fromt the 3 gallon jugs into engine, check the dipstick for no good reason and close hood. 3 gallons is 12 quarts and thats what it gets not 11 or 13. 10 minutes and its all done.
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Old May 24, 2006 | 07:47 PM
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Ok now i haven't changed my oil yet (free ones from dealer) but im going to start changing my own on my next oil change. What do you guys use or do to reach the oil filter? Whats the easiest way to get it off?
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Old May 24, 2006 | 07:49 PM
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Like the man said, 12 quarts. If the truck is sitting on any kind of a slope, it affects the dipstick reading. Did I mention that it takes 12 quarts?
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Old May 24, 2006 | 11:58 PM
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Yea, like the other guy said: 12 quarts. sometimes it's a hair under full, sometimes a hair over full. probably depends on how thoroughly you drain out the old oil. close enough. not exactly rocket science. it's easier for me to change the filter by removing that big air tube and taking it out from the top. other people prefer to take it out from the bottom.
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