Oil Change Cost Shock

[wfrone]

Ca. Oil Shock

I took our 2019 F350 Diesel in for its annual oil change. An change in fuel filter also happened. The cost came to over $600 with almost $300 being the fuel filter change. I have never paid this much before. Was this fair?
Regards and Thanks
Bill

[Flyer15015]

Shop rates today are through the roof everywhere.
Makes a good case for DIY oil changes and grease jobs.
Fuel filters are beyond some folks, but the hardy (cheap) guys do it all the time. Question is, "what is YOUR time worth?". I do it for therapy.

Mike in Colorado

[Walt Bennett]

Originally Posted by wfrone

Ca. Oil Shock

I took our 2019 F350 Diesel in for its annual oil change. An change in fuel filter also happened. The cost came to over $600 with almost $300 being the fuel filter change. I have never paid this much before. Was this fair?
Regards and Thanks
Bill

Don't know about a '19, but mine has two fuel filters. One's on top and is easy-pezy. The other is on the frame and a major PITA to do. I had a local garage just change that one (and I had the filter) and it cost me something like $125. Don't forget that an oil change includes a whole lot more oil than a car too.

[Camp CA]

Recent synthetic oil/oil filter/fuel filter change at Jiffy Lube in Heber City, UT was $85 oil + $5 oil filter charge + $113 labor + $130 fuel filter + $4/labor for a total with sales tax of $369.

[John.W]

I typically pay $125 for oil and filter change, tire rotation for my 2018 PSD. I change my own fuel filters and air filter which I buy online for $120. Check out pricing at Diesel Filters Online.

[Traveler2162]

Originally Posted by wfrone

Ca. Oil Shock

I took our 2019 F350 Diesel in for its annual oil change. An change in fuel filter also happened. The cost came to over $600 with almost $300 being the fuel filter change. I have never paid this much before. Was this fair?
Regards and Thanks
Bill

it is a complete rip. In fact everything about a diesel truck is a rip. I have a 22 Tundra as my daily driver and it has an extended warranty that prohibits diy oil changes. Everything else I change the oil. We dispose of the oil on environmental day.

You need to know that the dealer charges a flat rate for all service. It is likely 2.5 hrs to do the fuel filter by the book and it likely takes 15 mins. I have my own hoist. I can do the brakes on my wifes car in 2 hrs. Shop labour is $1100 if we take it to the dealer.

I know they need to make money but they don't need to make it all on one call.

[Bamaman]

Originally Posted by wfrone

Ca. Oil Shock

I took our 2019 F350 Diesel in for its annual oil change. An change in fuel filter also happened. The cost came to over $600 with almost $300 being the fuel filter change. I have never paid this much before. Was this fair?
Regards and Thanks
Bill

Filter kit is $55 and the engine filter is $20.
$77 for 3 jugs of Motorcraft diesel oil.

I hope you never grace the doors of the shop you took your vehicle to because they are not your friend.

I often buy my parts at Walmart or RockAuto.com and do the filter changes myself. Because the SuperDuty's are so tall, they're easy to run up a ramp and to maintenance on myself.

[petrel]

Shop rates aside, these days they are using the least experienced, and often least conscientious, personnel to do routine maintenance. Well, I am inexperienced but very conscientious, so I’ve taken over all periodic maintenance on our diesels and the Jeep. Yes, you can also always save money DIY. Yes, what your shop charged seemed steep, but how much is an afternoon of your time worth? I’m retired so is uh…

For the record. The fuel filter/water separator arrangement on the 6.7 is just plain stupid. I really would like to meet the person(s) who designed that Mickey Mouse ridiculous setup! Every time I change the filters I see all the space on that big darned truck, and those filters crammed in with their stupid connectors, and I feel as though someone somewhere is just tickled with themselves for devising such a jack*** arrangement! Rant over… sorry.

[B-Man]

Originally Posted by petrel

For the record. The fuel filter/water separator arrangement on the 6.7 is just plain stupid. I really would like to meet the person(s) who designed that Mickey Mouse ridiculous setup! Every time I change the filters I see all the space on that big darned truck, and those filters crammed in with their stupid connectors, and I feel as though someone somewhere is just tickled with themselves for devising such a jack*** arrangement! Rant over… sorry.

What year and model are you referring to? I have a 2019 F-350. The water separator/ filter at the tank is super easy to get to. I open the separator / filter drain and while it drains I change the under-hood filter. It drains about a pint of fuel. Unscrew 5 - 8mm bolts, disconnect the water in fuel sensor quick connect, pop the cover and filter assembly straight down, replace separator / filter element, replace cover seal, push back up and tighten the 5 bolts, plug in the water in fuel sensor connector. 10 minutes max, including the filter drain time.

The under-hood filter is crazy simple on mine. There are 3 lines with quick connect fittings. Pop out the locks, pull the lines off the filter, twist the filter 90 degrees and pull straight up to remove. 5 minutes max.

My truck is a 4x4 and is tall enough that I use a creeper to roll under it as it sits in the driveway. To be fair I do have to use a step stool to reach the under-hood filter. I'm 6' 2" tall and can just look around under the hood of my truck. It is a stretch to reach the dipsticks for the oil and tranny.

[thegats1]

If one is in good health and can crawl around under these coaches, unless monetary donations to mechanic shops is desired, I would do all of the prescribed routine maintenance myself. I buy the oil at Wal Mart (Shell T4). I buy the filters online. Some shop towels, rubber gloves, and a little cleanup here and there and it's done. However, anything major, I will not do (i.e. brakes). But for those that aren't physically able or just flat out don't want to do this stuff, yes, it is expensive. Some day that will be me, but for now, I'd rather do it myself. I know it is done right and it is a lot cheaper. Also, kind of enjoy it honestly.

EDIT: just realized this is for a truck, but same applies in my opinion.

[Jubalr]

Originally Posted by Traveler2162

it is a complete rip. In fact everything about a diesel truck is a rip. I have a 22 Tundra as my daily driver and it has an extended warranty that prohibits diy oil changes. Everything else I change the oil. We dispose of the oil on environmental day.

You need to know that the dealer charges a flat rate for all service. It is likely 2.5 hrs to do the fuel filter by the book and it likely takes 15 mins. I have my own hoist. I can do the brakes on my wifes car in 2 hrs. Shop labour is $1100 if we take it to the dealer.

I know they need to make money but they don't need to make it all on one call.

You do know that it is illegal for warranty companies to prohibit DIY oil changes, right? You just need to keep receipts to show that the parts/oil used met manufacturer specs.

[kenn6752]

Originally Posted by Jubalr

You do know that it is illegal for warranty companies to prohibit DIY oil changes, right? You just need to keep receipts to show that the parts/oil used met manufacturer specs.

Was going to say the same.
DIY or non-dealer/OEM work is protected by the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act

[Sports Guy]

2019 Ford SuperDuty F250 Diesel owner here:

I take the truck to Ford to change the oil + filter every 5,000 miles, most all other regular maintenance I do myself, i just go slowly and watch 10 youtube videos about how to do whatever. I don't have a container big enough for 12 quarts of oil to catch the used oil. I also have them do their FREE inspection, but they try to over sell you repairs. Have heard many fraud stories about dealers from a very trustworthy indi mechanic.

Yeah its between $150 and $200 which is mostly labor, but they want to resell your truck in great condition where they make more profit than a new truck. . so its a time / ability / quality maintenance issue for me.

I also don't cheap out on oil and filters, as those the regular maintenance items which will prolong life and prevent early failures within an engine. Same with tires and brakes, as those two are the contact between the engine and the road, both ways.

YMMV

[John.W]

Originally Posted by John.W

I typically pay $125 for oil and filter change, tire rotation for my 2018 PSD. I change my own fuel filters and air filter which I buy online for $120. Check out pricing at Diesel Filters Online.

I do the same except I pay about $140 for the diesel works package that includes tire rotation. I order air and fuel filters online and change those myself. To me, not having to dispose of 3 1/2 gallons of oil is worth the $140.