Do you change your own oil???

[DJP6371]

After watching the YouTube videos, I went out to my coach today and did an oil, oil filter, air filter and spark arrester service on my Onan Cummins generator.

I felt pretty good after doing it and started looking under the rear of the coach trying to figure out how easy, or difficult it would be to change the oil in my 340 Cummins.

I took these pictures and I am wondering if I am looking at the oil drain pan on the Cummins, and if so which of the plugs would be the drain – the bottom one?

Also wondering which filter is the oil filter.

I know there's a lot of oil in there and I want one of this stop cock valves put on it....good idea???


Sent from my iPhone 'cause I'm probably out in the RV!

[edgewant]

Bottom one. Oil Filter will have a part number that starts with LF. Might as well do the fuel and fuel water separator too. You will lose some diesel though. I haven't found a way to do it without losing about a gallon. I purchased a spare amber bowl for the fuel/water separator which makes changing that one a little easier.

[clutchd]

The drain plug in the bottom will drain the oil. The one on the side is for a oil heater for cold climates or for cold climates where that engine is used in different applications

[NV245]

The oil filter is on the other side of the engine from the filters you picture, higher up, but still accessible from underneath. The oil filter should be preloaded before installation (about one and a half to two quarts) to prevent running without lube. It depends on the oil pan what your total fill is, but expect to use the best part of five gallons.


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[Campin Cajun]

I do mine myself also. Easy Peasy, just way bigger than a car or truck. Get a large oil pan. I got one at Wally World I believe it's 22 quarts.

Above post are correct. It's the bottom plug.

[boowho]

Originally Posted by edgewant

Might as well do the fuel and fuel water separator too.

Are these two separate items?

Boowho??

[Oaklevel]

When I was younger I changed my own oil but now I do not as for $10 my mechanic will do it and take care of the mess. Not to mention my oil filter is a real PITA to get to. I just take the oil & the filter to him & 1/2 hr later I can be on my way.

[awellis3]

I worked as an automotive (gas and diesel) mechanic for 10 yrs. I was spoiled by having a lift, parts dept. and an EPA-approved disposal facility.
Do my own? Hell, no!

[tmmar]

Boo,
Yes, there is a fuel filter and a fuel/water separator. The fuel/water separator has a clear yellow bowl on the bottom of it and the fuel filter looks like an oil filter. They should be right next to each other on the passenger side. Just be aware, when you remove the old filter, fuel will continue to flow out until the new filter is installed. Ask me how I know this (LOL!!).

DJP,
I put a Fumoto valve on mine. Very easy to open to drain and close to shut it off. Makes changing the oil easier.

[mtnlvr]

Just be very careful that you put the correct filter in properly. I never blinked or even considered that an easy thing could be screwed up after having paid for 100's before. Wrong! My MBZ Sprinter Diesel engine was blown up and the starter ruined after it's very FIRST service. This RVdealership claimed their best tech did the work, scary.

[mtnlvr]

I meant ALL filters, not just engine.

[Blazer]

Yes do it myself it's not a money thing .im about 20 miles from a place to get it done and it's A hour or so. To Waite that turns into 2 or3 hours the hardest part of the job is not getting the oil out or the filter off its getting the 5 gallons of oil back in the filler tube is a night mare .what I do is put a 8 foot step ladder behind the coach it has a 3 inch hole top step got 3qt funnel and 36 inch of 1 1/2 in tubbing just make sure you put a clamp on tubbing to hold on funnel two things you don't want to happen lose the tubbing in the filler tube or spil the oil

[15berkxl]

Guess I'm lucky in sorts I have a mobile service that comes to my house services both coach and generator and lubes suspensions. True costs $200 but that includes parts and they take away old oil.


Wayne

[KennyGolub]

Originally Posted by 15berkxl

Guess I'm lucky in sorts I have a mobile service that comes to my house services both coach and generator and lubes suspensions. True costs $200 but that includes parts and they take away old oil.


Wayne

How did you locate this service ? Google search, word of mouth, etc ?

Thanks,
Ken

[5456Mich]

Should be lots of independent service guys around that work on equipment and trucks that would go out to service diesel engines. Not sure if their pricing would be the same though.

[15berkxl]

Originally Posted by KennyGolub

How did you locate this service ? Google search, word of mouth, etc ?



Thanks,

Ken

Ken the RV dealer in Elkhart used them for oil changes so rather than drive the 10 miles for service I called them and have been using them for 13 years now. If you are in the Elkhart area I can give you their number.
Check with your dealer most don't want the hassle of dealing with the old oil so I bet there are more of these than we realize. You can try google or social means to see what's out there.


Wayne

[boowho]

Originally Posted by tmmar

Boo,
Yes, there is a fuel filter and a fuel/water separator. The fuel/water separator has a clear yellow bowl on the bottom of it and the fuel filter looks like an oil filter. They should be right next to each other on the passenger side. Just be aware, when you remove the old filter, fuel will continue to flow out until the new filter is installed. Ask me how I know this (LOL!!).

DJP,
I put a Fumoto valve on mine. Very easy to open to drain and close to shut it off. Makes changing the oil easier.

Thanks, Tom.

Boowho??

[deebarjay]

I change my own....had the fumoto on last 3 diesels....I am anal about maintainance....this way I know its done with the right wt. oil and filter. peace of mind is whats its called....and not what I have when I've had a ford shop do stuff.

[15berkxl]

If you are changing your own be aware prior to 2013 FL chassis some had what is called a rock filter on the fuel line. This means you could have 3 fuel filters. If your chassis not coach was built prior to 2013 a simple call to FL with your vin # will determine if yours has it. They eliminated that filter in chassis model year 2013 so newer you will just have the 2 mentioned.


Wayne

[tmmar]

Wayne,
I had an '08 Berkshire and that only had 2 filters - 1 fuel and 1 fuel/water separator(plus the oil filter). Never heard of one with 3 fuel filters.