Change Oil in a Semi Truck
Semi trucks are no different from any other vehicle. Proper maintenance is key. Knowing how to change the oil in a rig is a very important skill in maintaining its function. Regular maintenance will help you preserve function and save money in the long run.
Steps
- Purchase the correct oil. The first thing you will need to do is determine what kind of oil your engine requires. This can be found right on the engine block or the user manual.
- Purchase the proper oil filters. Next, find out which filters are required for the engine. In addition to the oil filters, it is recommended that you change the fuel filter at the same time. The information for both the oil and fuel filter can be found in the owner's manual.
- Obtain an drain pan. You will need to get a oil drain pan big enough to hold a minimum of {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of oil, an air powered jack, and preferably two 6+ ton jack stands.
- Prepare to lift the truck. Before lifting the truck, open the hood and remove the oil cap. Leave the hood open.
- Place the jack stands. Take the air powered jack and slide it underneath the front of the semi, in between the sub-frame that runs across the front wheels. Lift the truck to the desired height. Place jack stands under the frame as close to the front tires as possible, then lower the truck on the jack stands and remove the air jack from underneath the truck.
- Remove the drain plug. Get underneath the truck with a creeper (a platform with wheels used by mechanics to get under vehicles) and find the desired size ratchet to remove the oil drain plug. Most engines just use a 1/2 ratchet with no socket to get the drain plug out.
- After you have gotten the right sized ratchet, get back under the truck with the oil drain pan underneath the plug to get the oil out of the engine.
- Before loosening the plug make sure you are a safe distance away so nothing will slash and get in your eyes or mouth. The begin loosening the plug. When the plug is loose enough, you can use your hand to unscrew it the rest of the way.
- Prepare to remove the filters. After the plug is removed, get out from underneath and find the tools needed to remove the oil filters.
- Tools needed to remove oil filters range from oil filter bands, pliers, or cups. Use which ever one you are more comfortable with.
- Allow filters to drain. Before removing the filters, take a screw driver and poke a hole in the filters to start the draining process. This way it will not cause a mess when taking them off completely. Allow them to drain as well.
- Remove the oil filters. When the filters are drained as much as possible, you can remove them and leave them in the oil drain pan as well.
- Remove the fuel filter. While you are removing the oil filters, you can remove the fuel filter as well. Depending on the type of engine you have, it will either be located under the engine, near the oil filters, on the opposite side of the oil filters, or underneath the steering shaft on the left side of the engine.
- Replace the drain plug. Once the oil is completely drained, replace the drain plug. Once it is tight and snug, give it another half turn to be sure it is tight.
- Replace the oil filters. Fill the filters with oil prior to putting them in place, to avoid the engine from stalling when you go to start it up. Once the filters are replaced tight and sung, give them another quarter turn to secure them in place.
- Fill the fuel filter with diesel. If you also changed the fuel filter, you need to fill the housing of the filter with diesel or the filter itself, to prevent stalling.
- Fill engine with oil. Once the drain plug, oil filters, and fuel filters are all in place, add the oil.
- Check for leakage. After the fluid is added check for any leaks underneath the truck. If there are no leaks then move on. If there is a leak, go under the truck again and ensure everything is securely fastened.
- Start the engine. Fire the truck up and let it run for five to ten minutes. At this time, check the oil dip stick and see what it reads. If it needs more oil then gradually add more, until the oil is at the proper level. If there is a little bit more oil then recommended, that is okay, it will do no harm to the engine. Turn the truck off.
- Remove the jack stands. Get the air powered jack lift and place it in the same area as before. Lift the truck above the jack stands, so that there is enough room to pull the jacks from underneath the truck. Once they are pulled out, you may gently lower the semi to the ground.
- Dispose of the oil and filters. After you are done with the truck, place the old oil in appropriate containers. Take the old oil and the used filters to the appropriate recycling area, if you have one, or to the local recycling depot.
Tips
- Try and save the oil containers from the new oil that you bought. You can used oil in it for disposal.
- Place some type of cover on the ground or surface where you are changing the oil, to avoid stains on concrete.
Warnings
- Severe burns can result from oil if engine is still hot when you start the oil change.
- There is the possibility of eye damage from oil spills, if proper protective equipment not used.
- Severe injury can occur if jack stands are not properly placed and secured.
- You will receive a fine if you are caught not properly disposing of used oil and containers.
