Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/14583
5 Reed next used a punch and hammer to punch a small hole in the bottom of the filter still on the engine. Draining the filter and oil galleries this way prevents you from getting burned by hot oil as the filter comes off the engine. 6 Since the oil filter is behind the frame rail, it must be removed from underneath. Raising the vehicle and supporting it securely makes this easier to do. 7 Reed next used a strap wrench on the end of a long socket extension to unscrew the filter. Once the gasket separates from the block, it can be turned by hand and removed. Grab the filter with a shop rag to protect your hands from the heat. 9 Reed next positioned the new filter straight up with its female threads touching the 8 Reed then coated the gasket on the new filter with oil. It must be lubricated so the filter can be turned tight without damaging it. K.L. Harring uses the Fleetguard filter recommended by Cummins as the factory replacement. Always use a quality filter that meets all manufacturer specs. male threads on the filter mount on the block. Turn the filter backward until you feel the threads engaging properly, then gently turn it forward. If the filter is not straight, it will become cross- threaded and will be hard to turn right away. If the threads are engaged properly, it will turn easily for several revolutions. Turn it gently by hand until the gasket touches the block. 10 Reed now reversed the socket drive and used the strap wrench to turn the filter a three-quarter-turn farther. Turning the right distance, as shown on the filter body, ensures a good seal. 12 Remove oil filler cap on the side of the block. The company buys their oil in bulk 11 Next, Reed removed the drain spout and replaced the cap on the oil pan fitting hand tight. Normally, the drain plug would be wiped clean and screwed back in straight, followed by torquing it to manufacturer specs with a socket and torque wrench. 26 TRUCKERS NEWS AUGUST 2010 and has a tank and air-powered pump. They use Valvoline Cummins Premium Blue 15W40, the CJ-4 oil recommended by Cummins. Make sure to use a high-quality oil that meets all the API and individual factory specifications recommended by the engine manufacturer. Reed used the pump to install 50 quarts of new oil into the pan, the stated capacity. 13 Replace the filler cap to prevent leaks, then check your work. Start the engine, wait until oil pressure builds up, then check below for any leaks. Finally, shut the engine down, allow oil to drain into the pan for a minute or two, then check the oil level on the dipstick to make sure it’s correct.