oil again!!!! not a dino/syn debate
 

OK, since I dont have a place to change my oil I took it to Jiffy Lube. I know, bad call. However, the tech said that they used Pennzoil 15W-40 but he could not me whether it was for diesels or not. I really want to use Delo because of the smell, but can anyone tell me if run of the mill Pennzoil 15W-40 is OK or do I need to use the "Long Life" brand specifically for Diesel engines? I only have about 300 miles on the oil so I can change it right away. Thanks.

It needs to be CI4 or C4I or something like that rated I balive. Look in your owners manual and see what rating it calles for. Ask them at Jiffy if it meets that spec. If not I would get it out soon. Also you need to make shure the oil filter they used is on the aproved list from DC and Cummins. If not they can void your warrenty if something goes drasticly wrong with your engine. The lesser quality filters have been known to blow apart inside and fill the engine with filter media and likely destroy the engine. For a list of aproved filters do a search on this site.

Thanks bkrukow. Good info there. I know they put in the cheapo Fram filter. Maybe I should just do it myself and find a place to dump the used oil.

I go to a Chevron service station. I take a Fleetguard LF16035 filter with me. They use Delo 15W40 and prefill the filter. I watch them like a hawk.

I would try to find a Fleetguard filter or a Wix to replace the Fram. Just add some oil to the new filter and install it. No need to waste all that new oil.

MikeyB

WalMart carries the correct oil and they will change it for you, but be sure and take your own filter as all they carry is FRAM. They let you watch the truck being serviced and I would strongly reccomend that. I had my first change done at the dealer and the next at the Cummins shop along with the fuel filter. Cummins is my first choice but I would be comfortable with WalMart as long as I could watch and bring my own filter.

Vbert,
Most auto parts stores have dump tanks now. I buy my oil and parts at Advance Discount Auto Parts. I think Autozone also has dump tanks. I get my filters from the dealership or Geno's. I would look for any means to do it myself even if it meant going to a friend's house for a beer and oil change. I'm not a trusting soul when it comes to my truck and my Mrs.:D
I just did the first oil change in my Hemi. Bless their hearts... They put the filter and the drain plug in the same location the Cummins was in so I'd feel at home under there. The upright oil filter even lets oil run up (down) my arm when I get it loose. Looks like the freezer bag over the filter trick will have to continue.
The Fram filter has been redesigned and Fram quit using neoprene on the end caps so you're probably ok for now. I'd opt for better next change though. I assume Wix changed the filter media to a better quality after their filters destroyed some Cummins engines a few years back. Neither is on the approved list.

Here's a link to the approve oil filter list TSB.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2001/09-004-01.htm

local cummins shop had the blue valvoline for less than 7.50 a gal, pepboys has the rotella t for less than 7 a gallon for those lookin and don't have time to shop around.