Ricky Beals Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 (edited) Well today was the first time I have ever changed the oil on a big rig and what I thought would take an hour took all day. I didn’t have anything to take the centrifugal filter housing off with. Drove 45 minutes one way to get a strap wrench and it wasn’t big enough. Drove back and got what looks like a big set of pliers and they wouldn’t work. Waited on a friend to get off work and borrowed his 25 year old snap on strap wrench that would take 3/8 or 1/2 ratchet. Finally after some torque and 1/2 breaker bar got it off. I put it back on hand tight but those big pliers seemed they would crush or dent it? I’m thinking of trying to find a metal strap wrench that will fit filter and metal canister? what filter wrench do you guys use? What filters do you guys run? I bought mack since I was at dealership but don’t want to drive down just to get them. May look for Wix filters that replace them. also didn’t see a crush washer on drain plug. Nothing but a bolt. Should there have been one? Edited March 9, 2022 by Ricky Beals Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 as a suggestion , if the filter(s) are over tight what ever you are using for removal ;; large pliers or proper filter wrench the closer you get to the base less chance of crushing. install without proper wrench ; i've used piece of scotch-brite or folded sandpaper they give a little bit better grip when tightening by hand. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491334 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onyx610 Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 No crush washer and I only use Mack filters. I never put a filter back on with a filter wrench. 1 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491338 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricky Beals Posted March 9, 2022 Author Share Posted March 9, 2022 Mechohaulic you stated proper filter wrench and I was wondering what you were referring to? Onyx610 what do you use to remove the metal canister? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491348 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onyx610 Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 All of the ones I deal with now have a bolt through them, for filters i use OFW4KT and then something like this when the others don’t cut it. https://www.truckid.com/k-tool-international/4-to-7-adjustable-spring-loaded-oil-filter-pliers-mpn-73621.html?view=677347&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgff6m_239gIV1f6zCh0R-wCXEAQYESABEgJNp_D_BwE Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491350 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onyx610 Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 Those pliers arnt easy on filters but they get them off! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491351 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Mack Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 (edited) heres an idea... go to NAPA have them pull a 1791 filter, so they can pick the correct wrench for it... i think its 4 and 1/8" -4 and 3/8" they can show you... I suggest getting the metal strap wrench that takes a 1/2" drive ratchet.. jojo Edited March 9, 2022 by Joey Mack More content needed Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491352 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 large spin on filters i had wide band filter wrenches set up for 1/2 in dr ratchets . as with EVERYTHING in the world of mechanics;;;; common sense factor plays a huge roll. certain applications your can't get the leverage needed to hand tighten. using a HD band filter wrench helps,. as earlier stated getting the wrench right close to base(threaded end) , NOT to put 500 lbs torque, tight enough not to loosen and leak. the large strap wrenches have a tendency to bend the filter. through the yrs my paycheck went for tools and toys. if a tool was made i had it, Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491353 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Mack Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 the strap wrenches I have are 3+inches wide and they dont crush the filter like the 1" wide wrenches.. K-D tools makes the ones I have.. NAPA sells them jojo Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491355 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Mack Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 I guess I should have been clearer... Im not talking about the ones that look like a belt... mine are steel,,, jojo Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491356 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 i had a 3/8 round bar that had one end pointed like a spear. couple different lengths. drain pail under filter would punch a hole in filter bottom. results a clean controled drain of the filter. a filter that just wouldn't remove i;ve pierced a large screw driver through the side ( another reason for drain hole in bottom) for removal leverage. there have been a few that " who the h-LL tighten this " . no reason that tight. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491357 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 2 minutes ago, Joey Mack said: I guess I should have been clearer... Im not talking about the ones that look like a belt... mine are steel,,, jojo never had much luck with the belt wrenches . had both. belts seem to slip more . your text was perfectly clear .didn't know they were that wide. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491358 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 20 minutes ago, Joey Mack said: heres an idea... go to NAPA have them pull a 1791 filter, so they can pick the correct wrench for it... i think its 4 and 1/8" -4 and 3/8" they can show you... I suggest getting the metal strap wrench that takes a 1/2" drive ratchet.. jojo don't forget your VIN number !!!😄😁 LOL 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491359 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mackpro Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 The filter wrench I use is the K-D 2320 , ive had it for about 34 years and is used almost daily, I believe the model number has changed to a newer number and have seen them on Amazon. On the side it says “ Fits 4 1/8” to 4 21/32” filters”. The band on mine is only 1 1/2” wide . The newer ones are around 2” wide and can cause clearance issues on some trucks Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491413 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 67RModel Posted March 9, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted March 9, 2022 15 hours ago, Ricky Beals said: What filters do you guys run? Filter discussions can sometimes become an explosive topic. I personally just go to Mack and purchase the filter kit. It has the two oil filters, two fuel filters, the oil spinner, and a coolant filter. The last time I bought the kit it was around $80 if I remember correctly. I can't imagine saving much or any money buy buying good quality (Wix or Baldwin) aftermarket filters. Plus my supplier would most likely not stock the spinner requiring two trips or preordering it. Plus I know the Mack filters are are made to the correct specifications and with quality materials. Probably the cheapest insurance you can buy all things considered. If you don't have a Mack dealer close then that would be a different story but I do and my use case only requires me to change my fluid and filters once per year. The air filter does not come in the engine filter kit and must be purchased separately..... 3 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491417 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricky Beals Posted March 9, 2022 Author Share Posted March 9, 2022 67RModel that’s sound advice. My RD686 does not have a coolant filter that I can find. Mackpro I ordered a belt wrench this morning that was used for those specs. one more question guys. I’m changing the fuel filters and was wondering if I need to fill them with something? Some say Lucas fuel injector cleaner, some say diesel and some say mystery oil. I have never changed a fuel filter on a truck. A little knowledge here would help. Like what do you guys add or not add. I’m trying to start out on the right foot and I’m a big believer in maintenance. Got her all greased up, oil changed and now going change fuel filters. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491428 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onyx610 Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 Don’t add anything. I don’t prefill but some people do. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491429 Share on other sites More sharing options...
67RModel Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 You can't go wrong prefilling them with diesel. It will help with reprimming the fuel system or from it loosing prime altogether. I cant imagine filling them with any of the other two fluids you mention as they would super concentrated going through the fuel system. I thought injector cleaner was to be diluted by dumping into the fuel tank. The mystery oil claim probably comes from guys wanting to add lubricity to their fuel since these new low sulfur fuels have very little lubricating properties compared to the fuel from decades past. Long story short just fill the filters with diesel fuel in my opinion. If you want to add an additive to lubricate/clean the fuel system then add it to the tank each time you fill up. I add a quart of non detergent SAE30 engine oil or conventional 2 stroke pre mix oil to my 94RD E7 about every 75-100 gallons of fuel I put in. The older trucks engines and fuel systems were designed around the old fuel blend that had much more lubrication properties than the new "less polluting" stuff they make now. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491430 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onyx610 Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 (edited) If you prefill do it through the little holes not the big one in the center. Edited March 9, 2022 by Onyx610 Spelling 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491432 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 a big importance with prefilling is the method used. have seen filters filled with the hose/nozzle from fleet fuel truck or storage tank etc-- definite NO NO. more dirt , sh-t falls in. prefill with a clean fuel only container. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491433 Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleclutchinweasel Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 We always pre-filled the fuel filters on our old trucks with CLEAN diesel. I think clean is important! On my 6.7L Cummins, I do NOT pre-fill the fuel filters. That is because the book says not to. I think they are concerned about getting dirty fuel in them past the element (I think that is what Onyx is referencing). I do pre-fill the oil filter, because the book says to do so. 1 Quote "Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491434 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 oil filters --always. truck, car , john deere . even the wife's subaru has the upside down spin on; fill much as possible =finger over center hole and flip fast to thread on. no mess either. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491436 Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleclutchinweasel Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 I think the key with pre-filling ANY filter is cleanliness. You want to be darned sure not to get any dirt, trash, or little slivers of the aluminum foil off the oil jugs in there. As long as the fluid is clean, I don't see an issue. I think the reason they say not to pre-fill the filters on that Cummins is how sensitive those new fuel systems are to contamination. Plus, it's not a big deal to purge them anyway. "When in doubt, read the instructions." 1 Quote "Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491437 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onyx610 Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 (edited) Plus they have an electric fuel pump that fills them anyway with a few cycles of the key Edited March 9, 2022 by Onyx610 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491438 Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleclutchinweasel Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 2 minutes ago, Onyx610 said: Plus they have an electric fuel pump that fills them anyway with a few cycles of the key Exactly. Quote "Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69347-changing-the-oil/#findComment-491439 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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