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Q: Which oil filters should I use on my engine?    

• These part numbers keep changing. Cummins filter numbers are available HERE. Cummins filters can be purchased at the parts counter of any Cummins repair center. Fleetguard filters are available from Cummins, some NAPA parts stores, many ag suppliers, and many truck stops.
• See the Specs section for your engine recommendation

Q: Which oil should I use?  

• For most conditions use a high quality 15W-40 oil with a dual rating of CF4/SH (or better)
• For continuous operation below 10 degrees F, use 10W-30  CF4/SG (or better)
• Synthetic or synthetic blends perform better in the cold,  but check the ratings!

Q: Why multigrade?  from Cummins:

• Reduced deposit formation
• Improved cranking in low ambient temperatures
• Shortens time-to-block pressure in low ambient temperatures
• Improved lubrication during high temperature operation
• SG or better rating required for lubrication of sliding tappets

Q: Which brand of oil are people using?

• People on RTML, DiRT, and the Cummins list have reported using:
• Shell Rotella T XLA 15W40 - my favorite
• Shell Canada Rotella propaganda page
• Shell Lubricants Rotella propaganda page
• Cummins (Valvoline) Premium Blue 15W-40 - Cummins' favorite
• Chevron Delo 400 15w-40 - numerous people like Delo
• Castrol 15-40RX Super - Joe D's favorite
• Shell Rotella SB is a relatively new synthetic blend in 10W-30 and 15W-40 -
• Some use Cummins Premium Blue 2000 15W-40 - Walt K's favorite

Q: How often should the oil and filter be changed?

Opinions vary, but I use 3500-4500 miles which is usually 125 hours between oil changes.

94-98 12 Valve models - Chryslers recommendation is:

• "normal service"    6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 250 hours, whichever is first
• "Severe service"    5,000 miles (8,000 km)    or 200 hours, whichever is first

98-01 24 Valve models - Chryslers recommendation is:

• "normal service"    7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever is first
• "Severe service"    3,750 miles (6,000 km)

What is severe service?

• Service manual says: 
  • Frequent short driving less than 5 miles (8 km)
  • Frequent driving in dusty conditions
  • frequent trailer towing or operating under a heavy load
  • extensive idling
  • more than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C)
• add to that extensive 4X4 operation or city driving

Q: What is the oil capacity of my truck?    (includes 1 qt for filter)

• 1989 - 1993: 12 quarts
• 1994:  10 Quarts with the original dipstick (should be replaced)
• 11 quarts with new dipstick - Cummins p/n 3928740,    Dodge p/n 4796874
• 11 quarts by remarking original dipstick "full" to 1 3/16" above add mark.
• 1995 - 1998: 11 quarts
• 1998+ ISB: 11 quarts
• NOTE: there are ISB's with the wrong dipstick. See TSB 09-06-98

Q: What is the correct torque for the oil drain plug?

• The B and ISB used in 94+ Dodge trucks call for 44 ft-lbs of torque on the oil drain plug.
• Other B and ISB engines and 89-93 Dodge trucks call for 60 ft-lbs of torque on the oil drain plug.

        This difference exists because the non-Dodge engines use a "bolt" style plug were you put a socket over the plug, but the engines in Dodges use a "hex" style plug where you put the hex into the plug to turn it. (Note: it is actually a square drive on the Ram - Dave) --Josh B.

Q: What are the part numbers for a replacement oil plug and washer?

• 94-98 Rams:  Plug = Cummins 3924147,        Washer = Cummins 3920773
•  From Joe Donnelly: in US dimensions:  the oil pan drain plug has 0.865" diameter threads, 8 threads per 0.460", and a reduced diameter shoulder of 0.786" that the washer fits into.  The washer has 1.385"OD and seems to be made of plastic or resin impregnated fiber.

Q: Should the oil filter be pre-filled to reduce the time the engine runs with no oil pressure after an oil change?

• With the 12 valve engines, Cummins recommends that you pre-fill the oil filter with new oil and before starting the engine, disconnect the wire harness going to the fuel shutdown solenoid and crank until you get oil pressure (but not over 30 seconds, then give a 2 minute rest to cool the starter).  Then reconnect the harness and start the engine.
• 24 valve engines - ?

Q: How do I change my oil and filter?

• See the oil filter change page.

Q: The oil filter will not come off the engine. How do I remove it?

• The filter installed at the factory is almost always overtorqued. A strap wrench or Vise Grip filter pliers will remove the filter. See Murdock's oil change page for tips about the proper use of the strap wrench.

Q: After an oil change, I get a horible, heavy oil smell. What is the problem?

• From TSB 09-02-00: The odor condition is the result of certain diesel engine oil additives. These oil additives are blended with the base oil during the manufacture of the engine oil. Some diesel engine oils with the American Petroleum Institute quality rating of CH-4 or CH-4+ may be more prone to exhibiting the odor condition. The odor appears to reduce in intensity as the engine oil ages, usually after the first 300 to 500 miles following the oil change.

Last Update: November 1, 2001