Newbie Oil Change

[Larry Lonero]

I've had my 2005 420DA for about 6 months. Needs a fluid/filter change (engine/transmission). I do not have any manuals on how the oil pump out system works. Here are my questions:

1. Where can I find manuals on the operation of the oil pump out system?
2. Should I try to find a mechanic who will do my first oil/trans fluid change with me and show the "ins and outs"?
3. Best brands of oil and transmission fluids? (Texas Gulf Coast) 15W40?
4. Any other hints/guidance is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Larry Lonero
2005 420DA Cummins

 

[Joel_MD]

My Sea Ray probably has the same oil change pump as yours, and I'm also curious how it works.

I know that Shell Rotella 15W-40 is a favorite of many mechanics for the Cummins C-Series engines. It's what I use in mine. You can get it for $13/gallon at Walmart or slightly less at Sam's Club in six gallon quantities. In the Cummins maintenance manual for mine it suggest Cummins Premium Blue, but I think they meant Valvoline Premium Blue. There's nothing special about the Valvoline; it's just a good, conventional heavy duty 15W-40 like the Rotella. There are other good choices too, such as Mobil Super Delvac 1300 or Chevron Delo 400. A lot of people seem to overthink their oil selection, but any 15W-40 with CG-4 (or higher) API rating is good. If you want the "best" brand of oil look at Red Line synthetic 15W-40, but the stuff is around $50/gallon so an oil change on two Cummins C engines is going to be around $500 just for oil and filters.

 

[Larry Lonero]

Thanks Joel. MarineMax quoted me $2,400 for oil/filter/hyd fluid change. I was hoping to do it myself for about 1/3. I still haven't been able to locate any manuals on how the pump out system works.

 

[tc410]

Thanks Joel. MarineMax quoted me $2,400 for oil/filter/hyd fluid change. I was hoping to do it myself for about 1/3. I still haven't been able to locate any manuals on how the pump out system works.

First - $2,400 is ridiculous for this service. I used to use the Local Cummins franchise with my previous QSM-11's. It was nowhere near $2,400 which included engines/trans/gen and all primary and secondary fuel filters. Second - the oil pump is simple. Get three or four empty 5 gallon pails. With the drain pump hose in an empty bucket, open the valves one at a time located next to the pump and select the toggle switch to drain. When one stops draining, close the valve and open the next. Not sure if your 420 pump is equipped with 3 or 5 valves, but if 5, two are for the trans. Use the switch in the refill position to fill the engines/gen/(and possibly trans) with the correct quantity and oil type. You can easily do this yourself for far less than the MM quote.

 

[BlueYonder]

If your oil change system is made by Reverso, the information you need is on their website. Make sure the oil you choose meets Cummins standards for your motors (should be in your engine manual). Make sure to follow the engine manual instructions and fill the new filter with oil prior to installing (if called for).

More detail as to what specific motors and transmissions are installed would help.

$2400 sounds really high for this job. The oil change system makes this a relatively quick and easy job.

 

[gerryb]

Did the 2400 include winterization service as well. That is way too high for a basic engine oil change.

Is there someone you know at the marina that can show you how they change their oil before you do it on yours? It's not difficult, but watching someone else step through it and knowing what to expect at each step makes for less anxiety when you do it on your boat.

Some tips. Have plenty of oil absorbing pads and white paper towels nearby. Consider getting an oil analysis at blackstone labs (http://www.blackstone-labs.com/). Make sure the oil is warm (not hot) when you do the change.

 

[Larry Lonero]

If your oil change system is made by Reverso, the information you need is on their website. Make sure the oil you choose meets Cummins standards for your motors (should be in your engine manual). Make sure to follow the engine manual instructions and fill the new filter with oil prior to installing (if called for).

More detail as to what specific motors and transmissions are installed would help.

$2400 sounds really high for this job. The oil change system makes this a relatively quick and easy job.

cummins v100t/48ce

 

[Larry Lonero]

Did the 2400 include winterization service as well. That is way too high for a basic engine oil change.

Is there someone you know at the marina that can show you how they change their oil before you do it on yours? It's not difficult, but watching someone else step through it and knowing what to expect at each step makes for less anxiety when you do it on your boat.

Some tips. Have plenty of oil absorbing pads and white paper towels nearby. Consider getting an oil analysis at blackstone labs (http://www.blackstone-labs.com/). Make sure the oil is warm (not hot) when you do the change.

No winterization. I was hoping to find someone (or a mechanic) who would assist me the first time. Seems like it would keep me from turning a four job into a whole weekend project!