How do you change the oil in a 2004 sterling dump truck?

Answer 1

I'm sorry, but I'd have to question the wisdom of you turning wrenches on a Class 8 truck if you have to ask this here.

But, I digress..

On the bottom of the oil pan, there's a drain plug... depending on the engine you have (Mercedes-Benz MBE, Detroit Diesel, Cummins, or Caterpillar), you'll either insert a 1/2" drive ratchet directly into it, or you'll need a 1-1/4" socket to loosen it... loosen it over a drain pan and take the plug off... if you do this when the engine is warm, you'll drain the oil out much faster.

Next, you have to identify the lube filter (oil filter). Where exactly it is again depends on your engine, but it's usually on the right side of the engine. Again, over a bucket or drain pan, punch a hole in the bottom of the oil filter with a pointed punch of some sort (such as a center punch), and let the oil drain out of that.

When you're done draining the oil out, make sure you put the drain plug back into the oil pan and tighten it... if using a torque wrench, I'd recommend you go at least 60 ft. lbs, but don't overdo it. Then, you remove the old oil filter. When putting the new oil filter on, it helps to fill the oil filter before you put it on.

When putting on the new oil filter, you'll hand tighten it as much as you can, then take your filter wrench and tighten it another 3/4 of a turn (I prefer to go a full turn for good measure, personally). Then you fill up your oil.

When doing an oil change, you'll want to change your fuel filters, as well. I would really need to know your engine in order to walk you through this, as there are a few different types of primary filters between various engine models.