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Oil change
- Thread starter djc119
- Start date
SD Rebel
Spends too much time on here
- Leave oil cap on tight during the initial drain. This will prevent the oil from spashing too much after you remove the drain plug. Use a deep 8-10 quart pan to catch the oil, then loosen oil cap after the oil is almost drained.
- Use "X2 Zip-Lock Bag" method when removing the oil filter. Crack loose filter, slip on 1st bag, loosen filter until it starts to drain. Stop and wait a minute until no more oil comes out. Remove bag and slip on 2nd bag. Continueing loosening filter until it comes off, then hold bag over mount for a few seconds as additional oil drains out of mount.
That's it, it can be a really clean affair with the tips above. I get my oil up to temp first, then wait 15-20 minutes before I start the oil change. My last two oil changes I didn't spill a drop.
Trippi
Ram Guru
And I just dropped mine off at the dealer for AC TSB and said better add an oil change while you're at it. LOL!
I don't know which is worse - 2nd Gen Ecodiesel fuel filter change or Hemi 4x4 oil filter change...turn up the volume and think about fuel or oil filter change. Stupid, stupid, let's take a bath...stupid, stupid.
ALT_F13
Active Member
Oil change in Pentastar is so much easier... No mess at all. Definitely a modern design, optimizing oil change efforts.
When I did an oil change at the dealer (once), they've returned the truck so messy. Then I fell that I'm not doing it bad, and they are professionals
but I will try a ziplock bag trick during the next oil change.
When I did an oil change at the dealer (once), they've returned the truck so messy. Then I fell that I'm not doing it bad, and they are professionals
but I will try a ziplock bag trick during the next oil change.Willwork4truck
Spends too much time on here
You may get in the mail the oil change coupons from Mopar/RAM whomever. 3@$70 or 4@$99 (US). Std oil only, but you gotta' trust the dealer to do it right.
At my age, I took the chance 3x and it was fine. Course I looked underneath to see that the filter (marked with an X) had been changed and there were no big leaks, and the level was correct. Other than a stray drip or two from the cross member on the garage floor, all was well.
I totally get it that owners want to do their own, just felt at those prices it was a win for me.
At my age, I took the chance 3x and it was fine. Course I looked underneath to see that the filter (marked with an X) had been changed and there were no big leaks, and the level was correct. Other than a stray drip or two from the cross member on the garage floor, all was well.
I totally get it that owners want to do their own, just felt at those prices it was a win for me.
ALT_F13
Active Member
The concept of "trust dealer to do it right" is actually opposite why people prefer to change oil themselves
I believe that I will do oil change, visual inspection and tire rotation way better then some technician at Dodge dealership with basic training. In my case, I tried several local dealers and it always takes 2-3 hours of waiting plus $100-120, with mineral oil. And they NEVER correct tire pressure after doing tire rotation (55 PSI front + 45 PSI in the rear on my Rebel).Trippi
Ram Guru
This right here on the tire pressure...I explicitly say Don't forget to reset the tire pressure...and they never reset the tire pressure.The concept of "trust dealer to do it right" is actually opposite why people prefer to change oil themselves
wallyuwl
Ram Guru
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- Apr 7, 2020
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Yeah, it is pretty bad. I changed mine for the first time last weekend. I used the zip-loc bag trick, but only used one bag. The drain plug is fine, that comes out easy and IMO clean (a very little bit gets on the sway bar, easily wiped off).
The oil filter, though, OMG. First I had to get a different oil filter wrench (https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-Automotive-Locking-Oil-Filter-Pliers/1003096256) because of the limited vertical space under the filter, which worked great. But the filter just kept dripping oil, and kept dripping, and kept dripping, for a really long time after taking the filter off. In fact, it was dripping a little bit for the whole time I had the filter off before putting the new filter on (at least 7-10 minutes).
The oil filter, though, OMG. First I had to get a different oil filter wrench (https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-Automotive-Locking-Oil-Filter-Pliers/1003096256) because of the limited vertical space under the filter, which worked great. But the filter just kept dripping oil, and kept dripping, and kept dripping, for a really long time after taking the filter off. In fact, it was dripping a little bit for the whole time I had the filter off before putting the new filter on (at least 7-10 minutes).
Wriggle an offset transmission funnel into place, route hose to drip pan.
Loosen filter with open jaw filter wrench; let drip a while.
Spin off filter and tip it into funnel; let it drip pointed down a while.
Remove filter while pointed up; wipe off the filter mount.
Stuff funnel with a couple paper towels, remove hose and then filter.
Then replace...
After a couple times, can be done with zero drips, runs, errors...
So far, so good. It takes an extra 0.5 qt (approx) of oil , as the volume of the can is almost twice as much as the 57060, MO-399, HP-1017, etc.
But no clearance issues, no leaks, oil pressure unchanged, and there are several places that sell it for $8 delivered!
Last edited:
Willwork4truck
Spends too much time on here
Guess I lucked out, never an issue and about 45 minutes. During the covid lockdown the entire service bay was empty. Never had a leak. But that's all a memory now.The concept of "trust dealer to do it right" is actually opposite why people prefer to change oil themselves
wvinson
Well-Known Member
Why go through all this trouble when you can easily find an independent shop it do it? My local tire shop does my oil change and tire rotation in under 30 minutes every time! I provide my own oil and filter and they charge me $15. What a waste of time and a mess unless you just enjoy changing oil!
SD Rebel
Spends too much time on here
Part of that is the enjoyment, but part of it is that I know exactly what is being done and that its being done properly. If you have an independent shop you trust, that you can watch what they do, then it's a good option.
If it's done right, it's not messy at all. I don't spill a drop of oil with my oil changes on my RAM. I do find it rather relaxing to be honest. The only thing I can't do is balance my tires, which is why I take it in for that. They still managed to nick one of my wheels in the process, which is what frustrates me about paying people to work on your car. I know I will do it better and with more care since it's actually my vehicle.
AlbertaClipper
Active Member
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It also seems like shops are so crazy busy these days...this is unfounded anecdotal stuff on my end, but I don't want them rushing through a simple job that doesn't make them much money, or that gives it to the person that doesn't care and is just collecting a paycheck. I know not everyone is like that, but in my world, my truck would definitely manage to be the one to find that guy. I've had the oil change that has come out dirty and two quarts too full. Rare for sure, but all it takes is once.
Not only that, a lot of the dealers or more reputable shops need appointments. I find it easier to go crack the drain bolt, let it drain, go have dinner, come back and do the filter and fill, and I'm good to go.
Klicht87
Well-Known Member
I'm the same way. My dealership is usually booked a week out and, not that I wait to the last minute, I'd rather just go and get it done. I also enjoy doing it myself putting better oil for a cheaper price. I take the used oil to advanced auto to recycle for free.
SD Rebel
Spends too much time on here
Not at all you, you are right, especially in regards to FCA/Stellantis dealerships. I don't think they expected so many RAM, Jeeps, Challengers & Chargers to be sold in the last few years and they were swamped.
I never once had a dealership try to dissuade me from an oil change, except an FCA dealer when I brought my truck in because they were too busy. This is a reason why FCA dealerships are last place in customer service surveys across the country. They are too busy and their customer service has gone down because of it. This is a big reason why I do my own oil changes.
This low level of customer service also turns what should be simple warranty fixes into big drawn out issues and pissed off customers. I still haven't had my floor mat recall handled because the dealerships in my area don't know what they are doing and are not willing to take the time to do it. I'm so glad my RAM has been so reliable, because I haven't had a reason to go back to the dealership yet in the last 2 years.
