2016 CTD 6.7 oil change questions

[Ron3rd]

Getting ready to do the first oil change on the new CTD. I've watched all the youtube videos regarding the PITA oil filter removal and spillage avoidance. Just wanted to get some feedback on how others are getting the filter out of the very small window provided in the fender well. Some use the Gino's cap off tool to seal the filter at the top, but that looks like a hassle. Others drop the filter into a zip lock bag or trash bag. What are you folks doing?

Also, Costco has a good deal on on 3 gallons of Chevron Delo 400 SDE oil ($28.99) and would like to know if others are using this oil.

I'll be using the Stratopore filter by the way.

TIA

[Ron3rd]

IdaD wrote:
I use 5w-40 Rotella T6 synthetic because it's required in my area due to winter temps, though I run it year round and plan to do so going forward. It runs about $18/gallon on Amazon subscribe and save. I also use the Stratopore fleeguard filter.

As far as changing the filter, I got the filter end wrench from Geno's that attaches to a ratchet and it works well. Once I get the filter loose I drop it into a freezer bag, seal it up and pull it through the hole. Then slide the new one through the hole, spin it on and good to go. It's not the most convenient location but it adds very little to the time or difficulty of the job.

Thanks, and your technique is the one I'm going to follow. You just confirmed what I have been seeing on youtube

[Ron3rd]

IdaD wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

IdaD wrote:
I use 5w-40 Rotella T6 synthetic because it's required in my area due to winter temps, though I run it year round and plan to do so going forward. It runs about $18/gallon on Amazon subscribe and save. I also use the Stratopore fleeguard filter.

As far as changing the filter, I got the filter end wrench from Geno's that attaches to a ratchet and it works well. Once I get the filter loose I drop it into a freezer bag, seal it up and pull it through the hole. Then slide the new one through the hole, spin it on and good to go. It's not the most convenient location but it adds very little to the time or difficulty of the job.

Do you pre fill as Cummins suggests?

Nope, never have. It's never caused any problems with any vehicle I've been around and I was actually taught early-on not to pre-fill due to the potential of adding contaminants on the back side of the filter. I did do some research on it after I bought this truck and found nothing that convinced me it was a good idea - if anything I found more that recommended not doing it. Truthfully I don't see it as a significant deal either way.

Good point, and on another topic, Dodge instructs NOT TO PREFILL your fuel filters when replacing.

[Ron3rd]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Ron3rd wrote:
Thanks for all the info folks, kinda confirmed what I have been seeing on youtube

Have you looked at the method Me Again listed?

Yes, and that is what the debate is about; out the top, or through the side in the wheel well. Pros and cons with both. And yes, I intend to prefill the filter too. Thanks for the feebabck

[rhagfo]

IdaD wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

IdaD wrote:
I use 5w-40 Rotella T6 synthetic because it's required in my area due to winter temps, though I run it year round and plan to do so going forward. It runs about $18/gallon on Amazon subscribe and save. I also use the Stratopore fleeguard filter.

As far as changing the filter, I got the filter end wrench from Geno's that attaches to a ratchet and it works well. Once I get the filter loose I drop it into a freezer bag, seal it up and pull it through the hole. Then slide the new one through the hole, spin it on and good to go. It's not the most convenient location but it adds very little to the time or difficulty of the job.

Do you pre fill as Cummins suggests?

Nope, never have. It's never caused any problems with any vehicle I've been around and I was actually taught early-on not to pre-fill due to the potential of adding contaminants on the back side of the filter. I did do some research on it after I bought this truck and found nothing that convinced me it was a good idea - if anything I founded more that recommended not doing it. Truthfully I don't see it as a significant deal either way.

I didn't pre fill before the Cummins, but the filter holds almost a full quart of oil, just too much fun time to fill dry.

[IdaD]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

IdaD wrote:
I use 5w-40 Rotella T6 synthetic because it's required in my area due to winter temps, though I run it year round and plan to do so going forward. It runs about $18/gallon on Amazon subscribe and save. I also use the Stratopore fleeguard filter.

As far as changing the filter, I got the filter end wrench from Geno's that attaches to a ratchet and it works well. Once I get the filter loose I drop it into a freezer bag, seal it up and pull it through the hole. Then slide the new one through the hole, spin it on and good to go. It's not the most convenient location but it adds very little to the time or difficulty of the job.

Do you pre fill as Cummins suggests?

Nope, never have. It's never caused any problems with any vehicle I've been around and I was actually taught early-on not to pre-fill due to the potential of adding contaminants on the back side of the filter. I did do some research on it after I bought this truck and found nothing that convinced me it was a good idea - if anything I found more that recommended not doing it. Truthfully I don't see it as a significant deal either way.

[cummins2014]

This topic should be fun 🙂

I use the Genos cap, and go thru the fender well, with no issues, tried it a couple times with ziplock bag to make sure going thru the fender worked okay before getting the Genos cap. I did it thru the top the first couple times,

IMO its a PITA going thru the top, just not having to take the intake off, but the whole process thru the top, and of course opinions vary :B


One thing you can bet, is that service centers or dealers do not mess with taking the turbo intake off. I'm sure there is some mess involved, but they surely drop it out thru the fender well.

[Cummins12V98]

Ron3rd wrote:
Thanks for all the info folks, kinda confirmed what I have been seeing on youtube

Have you looked at the method Me Again listed?

[otrfun]

Ron3rd wrote:
Getting ready to do the first oil change on the new CTD. I've watched all the youtube videos regarding the PITA oil filter removal and spillage avoidance. Just wanted to get some feedback on how others are getting the filter out of the very small window provided in the fender well. Some use the Gino's cap off tool to seal the filter at the top, but that looks like a hassle. Others drop the filter into a zip lock bag or trash bag. What are you folks doing. . . TIA

Lotta debate on wheel well vs. the come-in from the top method. For those who choose the wheel well method, the level of difficulty will be dependent on how close together the transmission lines are on your truck. On my truck, it's a tight fit, but doable. A couple of months ago I helped a friend of friend try to go through the wheel well. His transmission lines were about 1/4" - 3/8" closer together than my truck. Short of bending the transmission lines apart slightly, it was impossible to get the filter through. He gave up and went through the top.

[Cummins12V98]

IdaD wrote:
I use 5w-40 Rotella T6 synthetic because it's required in my area due to winter temps, though I run it year round and plan to do so going forward. It runs about $18/gallon on Amazon subscribe and save. I also use the Stratopore fleeguard filter.

As far as changing the filter, I got the filter end wrench from Geno's that attaches to a ratchet and it works well. Once I get the filter loose I drop it into a freezer bag, seal it up and pull it through the hole. Then slide the new one through the hole, spin it on and good to go. It's not the most convenient location but it adds very little to the time or difficulty of the job.

Do you pre fill as Cummins suggests?

[Ron3rd]

otrfun wrote:

Ron3rd wrote:
As to the filter, that's kinda what I intended to do too. Don't really feel the need to run the Rotella synthetic, so that's why I was asking about the Delo to see if anybody else is using it.

As long as the oil is API "CJ-4" rated 15w-40, you're good to go.

Everyone has their brand preference. Some folks like/use Shell (Rotella), Chevron (Delo), Mobil1, etc. Some folks don't.

I've used Delo before. As far as I know, my truck has suffered no ill effects from its use 🙂

That's my thinking too, the 28.99 for the 3 gal of Delo seemed like a good deal.

[Ron3rd]

Thanks for all the info folks, kinda confirmed what I have been seeing on youtube

[donn0128]

First time out I removed the RF tire, removed the inner panel and finally with my giant water pump plyers I was able to get the filter off. Since then I simply pry the inner panel up a bit and am able to remove the old filter.

[IdaD]

Ron3rd wrote:

IdaD wrote:
I use 5w-40 Rotella T6 synthetic because it's required in my area due to winter temps, though I run it year round and plan to do so going forward. It runs about $18/gallon on Amazon subscribe and save. I also use the Stratopore fleeguard filter.

As far as changing the filter, I got the filter end wrench from Geno's that attaches to a ratchet and it works well. Once I get the filter loose I drop it into a freezer bag, seal it up and pull it through the hole. Then slide the new one through the hole, spin it on and good to go. It's not the most convenient location but it adds very little to the time or difficulty of the job.

As to the filter, that's kinda what I intended to do too. Don't really feel the need to run the Rotella synthetic, so that's why I was asking about the Delo to see if anybody else is using it.

I might not bother with synthetic if I lived in a warm climate like you, but I don't really want to switch it back and forth seasonally. I've got no choice in the winter since my truck typically operates some in double digit negative temps (Fahrenheit) every winter.

[otrfun]

Ron3rd wrote:
As to the filter, that's kinda what I intended to do too. Don't really feel the need to run the Rotella synthetic, so that's why I was asking about the Delo to see if anybody else is using it.

As long as the oil is API "CJ-4" rated 15w-40, you're good to go.

Everyone has their brand preference. Some folks like/use Shell (Rotella), Chevron (Delo), Mobil1, etc. Some folks don't.

I've used Delo before. As far as I know, my truck has suffered no ill effects from its use 🙂

[Durb]

I bought a case of 3 gallons from Costco that had a $9.00 instant rebate. Couldn't pass it up for the price. I don't mind running a non synthetic oil as our winter temperatures are mild. Plus, I don't put many miles on the truck and change oil at about 4,000 miles. I drop my oil filter from underneath, real easy. They must have made it more difficult over the years.