Community Forums

jfran304 · 02-11-2014, 07:59 PM

Home driveway.

Installed a Fumoto drain valve with the nipple to attach a hose so the oil will drain wherever I put the end of the hose. The Fumoto valve does not let the oil drain as fast as removing a regular drain plug so while it is draining I grease the chassis.

Fumoto Valves - Top Fumoto Engine Oil Drain Valves by the Lubrication Specialist

Use a plastic 2 liter soda bottle with the top cut off to slip over the oil filter after you have loosened it so the oil doesn't run down your arm or onto the driveway.

Purchased an air powered grease gun from Harbor Freight. (I do raise the front wheels off of the ground when greasing the ball joints/king pins.)

Advance Auto or O'Reilly's will let you return used oil for recycling at no charge.

Jon

SuperGewl · 02-12-2014, 04:49 AM

On the street across the street from my house. It's just too darn easy, put the front jacks down and raise it up a bit. Get it draining and lube the front end. Then I do the generator after it has been thoroughly warmed up. Also change the fuel filter on the generator. The generator uses diesel oil. Yes its a gas generator but uses 15w 40 diesel oil. It lubes better. I use nothing but AMSOIL so yes it may cost a little more but I think it's worth it.

coolhand108 · 02-12-2014, 05:02 AM

I have a 370 cummins engine how do I know what size valve to buy, I see your in cicero not far from me

hanko · 02-12-2014, 05:25 AM

[QUOTE=KTM251ss;1923642]I recently bought a Milwaukee lithium ion 18v powered grease gun, it is so nice to do my own lube jobs. I can hold the hose in the zerk and press the button with the other hand. Recommended!

I have been changing my oil for a long time, once I learned how.[/QUOTE

Thats pretty cool. where can I get one? Where in Michigan do you live?

Bigd9 · 02-12-2014, 05:55 AM

DYI

The first time I greased the chassis on my previous coach, I found 6 grease or Zerk fittings that never had been greased before. Then I found that one out of two fuel filters had never been changed. The previous owner had always taken the coach to a well known shop for service because he "wanted it done right".

trode · 02-12-2014, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pocapt

Thanks, I think I will just change it myself.

Easiest oil change I have ever done in 40+ years of DIY oil changes. Can almost crawl under it on hands and knees. Now, the inboard boat engine....whole 'nother story, I am aging out of that one!!

Air Baron · 02-12-2014, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pocapt

Where do you get the oil changed in you motorhome?

Looks like either your driveway or Speedco.

If you are a full timer like me...that is a problem. I have no driveway and most, if not all, RV Parks or campgrounds do NOT allow oil changing. Closest Speedco to me this winter is 450 miles, therefore I am looking at truck shops...who don't particularly care to work on RVs.

The closest Spartan authorized dealer doesn't take appointments, so it could take all day...and has before. Heaven forbid if you need any parts. BTW, there are many more things to service than just changing the oil...in case you did not know that. Heck, the DW just thinks the only thing any vehicle needs is fuel and the key in the ignition. Best look in your chassis manual for recommended services.

Rich-n-Linda · 02-12-2014, 09:19 AM

I go to my local Cummins-Bridgeway shop. Excellent service at a reasonable price. I'm not much of a DIY person when it comes to this kind of work. Too many critical things I could miss.

HD4Mark · 02-12-2014, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolhand108

I have a 370 cummins engine how do I know what size valve to buy, I see your in cicero not far from me

Me? If so I would love to help but we are only in Cicero in the summer.

To find the one you need try here Fumoto Valve | Qwik Valve™ then pick your engine from the drop downs. Ours was a 104N for our 350 Cummins ISC. The N just means with the long nipple.

pocapt · 02-12-2014, 10:46 AM

I checked and the nearest Speedco is about 100 miles either way, so I will do it myself.

FormerBoater · 02-12-2014, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pocapt

I checked and the nearest Speedco is about 100 miles either way, so I will do it myself.

Driving the 100 miles will get everything nice and hot for a good drain.

Plus you will get a chassis lube, generator service and an oil analysis (extra fee but well worth it) that will let you know how the big engine is doing.

Your coolant will be checked and all fluids inspected (rear differential, front oil lubed bearings if applicable). SCA's will be checked etc.

You will not pay much more than your cost to buy the oil and filters involved and the Speedco business model lets you get as involved as you want to with all the processes.