1st oil change

hkreck · 08-06-2012, 11:17 AM

I'm getting ready to do the first oil change on my Solera and was wondering if there's any input about the best synthetic oil to use and a good year round weight (10/40, 15/40)? I live in Iowa and we do get some pretty cold winter's so I was thinking of a 10/40 possibly.

papap · 08-06-2012, 11:52 AM

I used Mobil 1. There are not man out that meet the MB specs. If you change it yourself, be very careful changing oil filter. There is a small airline next to filter that i pulled loose while changing mine. engine light came on and I had to bring it to MB to figure it out.

papap · 08-06-2012, 12:20 PM

I ordered the oil off of Amazon. This is what I used. Amazon.com: Mobil 1 98HT81 Emission System Protection Formula M 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil - 1 Quart: Automotive

Freightliner · 08-07-2012, 09:57 AM

Please, Please be sure that what ever oil you use meets at least one of the following specs: MB 228.51, MB 229.31 or MB 229.51

The Mobil 1 ESP mentioned above does meet this requirement. However over $12 a quart is too much to pay for it. Your local NAPA should stock this Mobil 1 ESP 5w40 for around $8-$9 a quart. I believe most PepBoys store also stock this for around $10 a quart too.

I use Liqui Moly Longtime High Ten. It comes in 5 liter containers (our '10 chassis sprinter takes right under 13 liters to fill with filter) made in Germany. My local NAPA stocks it for $36 a container. Which is around $7 a quart or so. I feel its is superior to the MB 1 ESP. Your opinio

n may vary!

Also the OIl filter is a NAPA 7062. Should be around 10 bucks...

As for the oil change process. The oil pan drain bolt is a 12mm head that is located to the left of center below the front bumper. Its actually very easy to get to, with no jacking required. Be carefully not to lose the coppper gasket for the drain bolt, as the lenght of the bolt is a little longer then I expected.

Be sure your drain pan will hold at least 15 quarts of oil otherwise your gonna end up with a big mess....

The Oil filter housing is accessed from under the hood. Its located between the radiator and the engine on the drivers side. The correct size oil filter socket will save you some stress but I was able to get the cap off without one. There is a air inlet elbow tube running above the oil filter housing that once removed will make your job easier. Just grab the elbow and squeeze it on the engine side. There are two tabs that will pop out and you will be able to remove the elbow.

Once you remove the oil filter housing cap be sure to replace the two o-rings that came with your new filter.

Its actually a very easy oil change to do, easier then most cars. Hope this helps...

hkreck · 08-07-2012, 10:34 AM

Freigthliner

Thanks for the info on the oil change. I will put it to good use.

hkreck · 08-07-2012, 07:04 PM

Freightliner
I got my local NAPA store to order me in some of the Mobil 1 ESP formula M motor oil, cost $8.79 per QT. Thanks for the advise.

Freightliner · 08-10-2012, 10:44 AM

No problem glad I could help

papap · 04-12-2013, 10:12 AM

Not sure that oil is rated for MB.

CaptDan · 04-12-2013, 10:16 AM

Not Sure either-So I deleted!! Thanks.

2012WhiteSolera · 04-12-2013, 03:00 PM

Listen to Freightliner. If you use non MB spec oil in your Sprinter you will foul the particulate filter. Pretty expensive for not taking this seriously. Look under the hood, there should be a sticker telling you exactly what spec oil you need to use. Mobil 1 ESP meets that spec.

13larry · 04-12-2013, 08:49 PM

Just saw today at local Walmart. $26.83 gallon.

CHILL · 04-13-2013, 06:31 AM

Check out Amsoil.

AMSOIL European Car Formula 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil

2012WhiteSolera · 04-13-2013, 07:29 AM

Walmart DOES NOT carry the MB spec oil by Mobil. It is not the regular Mobil 1 that your Solera calls for. Please read Freightliners post, you will foul your particulate filter (very expensive) if you don't use spec oil.

13larry · 04-13-2013, 08:49 AM

I will post a photo the next time I go there. It is the same 1 gallon jug, not the 5 qt normal jug. Maybe all Walmart do not stock the same please beware and check. Yesterday was the first day I saw this.

CaptDan · 04-13-2013, 09:57 AM

Looks like I will be using Motor Oil - Liqui Moly - Longtime High Tech - 5W30 – 5 Liters @ NAPA-Thanks Freightliner for your post.
PS: What's the difference between the Liqui Moly - Longtime High Tech
vs Liqui Moly - Top Tec 4200? Called NAPA and they did not know!!!

2012WhiteSolera · 04-13-2013, 10:55 AM

Great 13larry. I'd love for Walmart to carry the Mobil 1 MB spec'd oil. Please do post, and if you don't mind, which state/store carries it. Thanks.

CaptDan · 04-23-2013, 05:42 PM

What type of Oil (SJ/SM) are you all using for the Onan Generator? I am coming up on my 20 hour change shortly and looking forward to your comments.

mshell56118 · 04-23-2013, 07:00 PM

Rec is onamax 15/40. But you could get away with any good quality 15/40 valvoline is who produces cummins premium blue oil

mshell56118 · 04-23-2013, 07:00 PM

And in case you did not know cummins owns onan

Taylorgso · 04-27-2013, 01:54 PM

By the way. Amazon has a special running right now on the Mobil 1 ESP M-spec oil. There's a $12.00 rebate for an order of 5 quarts, $24.00 for 10 quarts. I just ordered 2 cases of 6 quarts each - works out to $34.40/case or $5.75/quart. The rebate is $15 if you order a mobil 1 Filter, but I prefer to use the OEM spec filter.

If you're buying oil for the MB Diesel, this is the ONLY Mobil1 that meets he MB specification. Heck of a deal! Includes free shipping! Download the rebate form from the Amazon page.

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