jameseubank

Ok guys, this is my first diesel and no one in my family has ever owned one. I have a 2002 3/4, 5 speed long bed. I drive ALOT, aprx 525 miles a week. I have NEVER done matience or oil change on a diesel. Can someone please walk me through it or give me a great site to go to for instructions. I have owned it since April and had 1 oil change at the dealer. I really want to do it my self since I do all the other cars & trucks. Also, I have started running Biodiesel. Any comments on that ?
My son is looking at a 2000 3/4 and someone said it must be plugged in in the winters. At what temp does this need to happen?

hotdram

Welcome aboard man.
Congrats on the purchase. I live in McKinney too, I have only plugged it in once or twice in the 3 years that I have owned it. Some people plug it in around 40*F. I only plug mine in if it is going to be 25*F or less. Even then, you don't really need to plug it in. It will still start just fine, just takes a while to warm up.

~Rob

spunbearing

Doing an oil change on a diesel is exactly like doing an oil change on a gasser... just takes more oil.

jameseubank

How much oil aprx ? Same grease nipples? opinions on oil filters? How often on oil filter vs oil change?

graphitecumnz

takes 12 qts.... I use 3 gallons. you need to prefill the new oil filter before putting it on the truck.

as for filters, Fleetguard only on my truck.

hotdram

Go to genosgarage.com Click Here for Link
They have Fleetgaurd filter kits (the 4/2/1 type)
The kits includes:
4 - LF3894 - Stratapore Oil Filters
2 - FS19579 - Fleetguard Fuel Filter (new filter supersedes FS1268)
1 - AF25541 - Fleetguard Air Filter
This kit is supposed to last for a 30,000 maintenance period, cost is $75.50

Also check out their drain plugs/kits that replace the oil drain plug.
Click Here You won't have to remove the drain plug to change the oil.

~Rob

jameseubank

I am planning on changing tomorrow. Any place around here in McKinney I can pick all that up? Next time when I plan ahead a little more I can order off internet.
I was also reading to be sure and fill the small holes around the filter not the large on in the center, is this true?

wannadiesel

You can get the filters from a dealer, either Dodge or a heavy truck dealer, or a truck parts store.

Don't sweat trying to pour the oil down the little holes, just dump it in the big hole. That's how most everybody does it.

On your block heater question: It doesn't HAVE to be plugged in until the temp gets into the low teens. It will start easier and warm up faster if you plug it in when the temp gets below 40.

mainer

On a first get do you have to fill the filter up with oil?

Coop

wannadiesel

You ought to. Otherwise the system runs dry until the pump fills the filter. Really it's that way on most any engine, it's just that the filter on our trucks is huge compared to a little Honda. I prefill any filter that's mounted right side up.

rebal

never use fram oil filters and get a fuel pressure gage to watch your lift pump

mr T

there is no maintenance to do on these trucks u can run that motor on 1 quart but you shouldn't ofcourse ...u have alot of very simple questions so start with your owner's manual then you can visit faq's on this site and then u can visit www.dodgeram.org

enjoy the truck