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Speedjester · 06-11-2015, 06:53 AM

Well I know oil brand is a preference.. But bare in mind I'm new to the whole diesel thing.. Trying to figure out what's the best oil to use in my 2004 cummins isl400.. Also want to know how to fill the oil pan..I see there is a filler cap on top but it looks like it would be a serious pain to use...I did notice there is what looks like another oil fill in front of engine (kind of like an elbow).. Is tis intact another fill port?...

Oh..one last question.. What do you use to loosen the oil filter..

Any opinions, thoughts or advise would be appreciated..

Thank you

Twomed · 06-11-2015, 06:58 AM

Big metal strap wrench KD Tools Heavy Duty...wide band grips more of the filter.

Oil fill on timing cover case. Right side as you face the engine, big tab on top. It's plastic, be gentle.

dons2346 · 06-11-2015, 08:29 AM

Get one of these, only in larger size. It costs a little more but it will remove any stuck or overly tightened filter.

As far as correct oil, Rotella T is my brand of choice because you can get it anywhere

Speedjester · 06-11-2015, 10:37 AM

Does anyone know the size of fee oil filter? Or what size strap wrench..?

jacwjames · 06-12-2015, 07:15 AM

I bought a heavy strap wrench form the local Peterbilt shop, it will fit the air dryer, oil filter, and fuel filters.

After buying my coach I had it serviced at the local Cummins shop, they used Valvoline Blue for oil so I've stuck with this. Every year Autozone usually has a sale one it ~$15/gallon so I stock up.

Dutch Star Don · 06-12-2015, 11:27 AM

"Speedjester"......No need for synthetic in a diesel of this size. The two most popular oils used are the Chevron Delo, available at Costco and the Rotella D, available at Walmart in 2.5 gallon jugs. The oil filter for your engine has pretty much stayed unchanged for years (Fleetguard LF9009). Buy the filter and THEN find a strap to fit it. Unless a Gorilla installed the last one, you can usually twist them off with your hand. If not, use a strap as described above. Harbor Freight sells cheap straps, but the rubber goes bad in a couple of years.

If your coach is a side radiator, you can probably get to the engine oil fill. On my previous coach, I had a rear radiator with the filler tube that is probably similar to what you described. I took a funnel and added a 12" section of rubber hose that fit over the end of the funnel and into the filler tube. I would insert the rubber hose into the filler tube, bend it upward with the funnel installed and use a bungee to hold it in that position while I refilled the engine oil.

Speedjester · 06-12-2015, 05:48 PM

Thanks guys.. I ordered the filter and wrench.. Picking up oil tomorrow.. Advance has valvoline Blue on sale $13 a gallon.. Is this a good price?

jacwjames · 06-12-2015, 05:51 PM

Yes, $13/gallon for the Valvoline is a good price, I need to go buy some myself. How long is it on Sale?

Speedjester · 06-12-2015, 08:24 PM

Not sure.. Was talking to a guy today at the parts store who was buying 6 gallons.... I asked him the price and he stated they were on sale.... I will find out tomorrow and post..

sewmun · 06-13-2015, 05:14 PM

I've used Rotella & it is good oil,BUT I read on Bob the oil guy that the Traveller brand oil from TSC is good too,I've been using it I get 2-2.5 gallons f/$56.00 so I've been using that w/2-bottles of lucas break-in lube that has zinc in it to protect the cam.
In my ISC & B5.9 pickup,most any name brand is good though.

dons2346 · 06-13-2015, 09:44 PM

The killer of this is: If you use brand X or if you use brand Y , or Z, how can you tell the difference?

The the real answer is: you can't.

knotthead79 · 10-03-2015, 10:04 AM

While you are at it, install yourself a Fumoto Drain Valve on the oil pan. Your Engine manual should have the numbers of what you need as far as filters and recommended oil. If you don't have that, contact them, they will provide the information.