OIL and Mantinence

diesel · 09-11-2007, 01:41 PM

Bought a D-Max. got around 39,000 miles. Just wondering what kind of oil yall recommend. Also any other mantinence that needs to be done. And any tips. Thanks

**ob_1jr** · 09-11-2007, 01:49 PM

for oil, either amsoil or delvac 1 (mobil turbo diesel oil). If you don't have documentation when the last time the fuel filter was changed, I would change it along with the allison spin-on if you have an allison.

diesel · 09-11-2007, 06:20 PM

yep. its got the allison. weve had it for around 4 months. weve put around 6k on it. so it due for the regular mantinence. will i loose any fluid when i change the spin on on the tranny? if so where to i add it back in at

**ob_1jr** · 09-12-2007, 10:02 AM

the loss of fluid will be minimal. I usually just fill the new filter with tranny fluid before installing it. Also, there should be a magnet on top of that filter that needs to be transfered over. Looks like a big washer and sometimes stays on the tranny itself.

diesel · 09-12-2007, 08:32 PM

Ok sounds pretty straightforward. After we get the tranny and oil filters changed I may attempet the fuel filter. Any tips on that? And can you get Delvac 1 oil at Wal Mart or Autozone? Thanks for all the info

**ob_1jr** · 09-13-2007, 10:06 AM

At walmart it would be called mobil turbo diesel oil...it will be a 5w40 oil. Up here it costs about $25 a gallon. As far as the fuel filter, the only thing that I recommend is to use a ziploc or similar bag to drop the fuel filter in after you get it unscrewed so you don't dump fuel everywhere. I don't pull out the fenderliner to do mine, just go from the top with a strap wrench. You can drain the fuel filter before removing, but I would rather just use the bag and not mess with the drain on the filter. (filter would have to be a little loose anyway before opening the water drain on the filter)

RoadRage · 09-13-2007, 10:21 AM

Don't forget to check your air filter too. It probably needs to be changed too. I bought my truck with 91K miles, and I doubt the air filter had been changed since 50K.

Also, you may want to change the rear differential fluid while you are at it. It's easy to do, but often neglected. Me? Guilty as charged. I am changing my oil today, so I am doing my diff today as well.

I am a firm believer that these trucks will last a long, long time IF we invest the $$ and time in doing the preventative maintenance.

ffden · 09-13-2007, 09:46 PM

If your going to change your trans filter, you should also drain the trans fluid in the pan via the drain plug. Once the new filter (dont forget the magnet) and plug are reinstalled, you can add 7 quarts to the trans through the dip stick tube. Use a funnel. After the trans fluid is added, start the truck and check for leaks. Let the trans warm up and check fluid level on dipstick. You may have to add half a quart more. MAKE SURE YOU USE DEXRON VI TRANSMISSION FLUID. The 06 Ali 6 speed comes with DEXRON VI from the factory. DEXRON III will work and some dealerships don't no the difference and are mixing fluids. DEXRON VI is slightly more acidic than DEXRON III. 05 and older Allisons use DEXRON III but I wouldn't risk it, especially if you make a warranty claim and they use that as their arguement.
I run 15W/40 Dino oil in the summer and 0W/40 synthetic in the winter. When my DIC indicates 50% fuel filter and or oil filter life, I change them. I also just changed front and rear diff oils and used 75W90 Synthetic. Both are easy to change...front diff has a drain plug on the lower (drivers) side of the diff and a larger filler plug above it. Use a syphon pump to fill. The rear diff has a drain plug at the bottom 3/8 ratchet will remove it, fill from the side level plug.

ffden · 09-13-2007, 10:02 PM

I've changed the fuel filter over-the-fender method but find it easier to remove the pass side front wheel ( I remove all the tires and rotate them at this time anyway).Remove the inner fender liner ( use a wedged shaped fork to pop out the plastic retainers) and the fuel filter is easily accessed. Unplug the water sensor and remove it from the bottom of the filter (I use the specialty tool but water pump pliers will work) while holding a small container to catch the fuel that will drain out. I then use my fuel filter wrench to loosen the filter and spin it off. Make sure you account for the old gasket (o-ring) that may stick to the engine. Install new gaskets (o-ring) to new filter before installing on engine. Reinstall the water sensor and plug the wires back together.

diesel · 09-15-2007, 09:24 PM

oops. we went to AutoZone and got the Mobile Delvac. But its 15w 40. Is that the wrong stuff? I think thats the only weight they had in the Delvac. Is Castrol any good?