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How much oil in the 5.9, and whats the best type to use?

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Old 08-17-2011, 12:30 PM
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Default How much oil in the 5.9, and whats the best type to use?

Im embarased to say I have never changed the oil in my truck by myself, always had a quick lube place do it (im lazy).

Just got a sweet new 3-ton Jack for my birthday and wana DIY my next change.

Whats the best type to use? It has 250,000KM's (150,000 miles I think), and how much oil does it take? I was thinking Quakerstate high milage 10w30...Please advise if theres something better to use.

Thanks!

EDIT: also, it gets damn cold here in the winter, are there better oils to use in summer/winter?
 

Last edited by talthyren; 08-17-2011 at 12:34 PM.
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Old 08-17-2011, 12:33 PM
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5 qt's of regular 10w30 is fine.
 
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Old 08-17-2011, 02:59 PM
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10W30 is too thick, especially if you experience the good 'ol canadian winters. 5w30 is whats recommended...
 
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Old 08-17-2011, 03:05 PM
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10w30 is fine for summer.
 
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Old 08-17-2011, 03:07 PM
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I wasn't told there would be any math involved in this discussion.
 
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Old 08-17-2011, 03:13 PM
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That and the OP edited his post after I replied.
 
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Old 08-17-2011, 04:01 PM
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It usually takes about 5 quarts, but I add 4 and then start it up to let it run just for a few seconds to fill the oil filter and then I check it and add until I'm satisfied with the level. Most times it actually takes about 4 3/4 quarts, and not exactly 5.

I run 10w-30 in mine as that's what the manual calls for in my 01.

You may or may not need to actually jack the truck up to change the oil. Mine is slightly higher than stock as it has a 3" lift and 33" tires, but I have plenty of room to get under there and do it without jacking the truck up, and I don't think a few inches lower would make much of a difference. That being said, if you do have to jack it up, never get under a vehicle with it supported on the jack. Make sure that you are using jack stands to support the vehicle before getting under it. That's my public safety announcement for the day.
 
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Old 08-17-2011, 04:06 PM
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+1 on jacking it up. If you don't have to don't. More crap will come out if it's sitting level(plus the safety factor). Also warm the engine up a little before hand and let it drain a good half hour or so.


And if you have the cross member right there, take the oil filter out of the box and fold the box to guide the oil into your drain pan.
 

Last edited by zman17; 08-17-2011 at 04:10 PM.
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Old 08-17-2011, 04:34 PM
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OP don't worry i don't change my own oil either. hard to beat a sub $20 oil change around town
 
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Old 08-17-2011, 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by blackbeasst
OP don't worry i don't change my own oil either. hard to beat a sub $20 oil change around town
What a wimp What kind of oil and filter do you get for that 20 bucks?
 

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