How To Perform A Professional Cat Diesel Engine Service. Cat Engine Oil Change.

Learn how to perform a complete Diesel Engine Service the right way with this Diesel Engine maintenance video. This Diesel Mechanic goes over the details of how to change the oil and filters on your Cat Diesel Engine the right way. The Mechanic also shows how to get clean fuel for fuel filters and whether filters should be primed or not. Did this video help you save time or money? @AdeptApe on Venmo or [e-mail] on PayPal for donations, thank you so much for supporting the channel!

[@gotlotsodirt9968]

Excellent video. Nice to have a very professional mechanic walk through the basic service. Cat 3406 B forever.

[@JohnFieldingUSA]

Just bought my first Cat (c15) motor and I’m finding your vids very helpful. Thank you.

[@jimforsyth2.]

I like that you explained in the terms of service recommendation. But we all have recommendation in service . So it shows you do your work with care and integrity. Love it

[@jaimelopez3991]

Thanks for your instructions!! My RV comes with a C-9 CAT engine and I'll do this time the oil and filter service myself following your video. Thanks again!

[@stevendegliangeli7640]

You are awesome thanks so much for choosing this field. I can't get enough of your videos.Also you are a great man with a big heart. I can tell.

[@AdeptApe]

+Steven Degli Angeli Thanks for the kind words. I'm not sure about being a "great man" I try to be honest and nice most of the time though.

[@jerrydelacruz5119]

About to do an oil change on my 1997 Cat 3126 engine. I would have overtightened the drain plug and pre-filled the filter. Glad I watched this video first.

[@Erik_Bowser92]

New to the trucking business, so I'm trying to do whatever service I can myself to save a little. Your video was well done and extremely helpful! Thank you definitely subscribing!

[@AdeptApe]

+Erik Santamaria Thank you.

[@MrEclay2]

Great step by step video. Simple to follow and to the point 👍🏾

[@industrialrepairer4028]

great video! I really liked how you commented on how and why you do the service that way.

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you, it is a simple service, but I think there is a lot of complex concepts even in doing a service.

[@royeravila6332]

Great video! Thankyou! More preventive maintenance videos please!!👍🏽😁 God bless you!

[@johnclarke2814]

great instructions. I especially like punching the hole in the oil filter to drain I've always made a mess of it. Thanks again.

[@AdeptApe]

+John Clarke Thank you.

[@Thomas-qh3vj]

thanks for explaining why not to pre fill the oil filter and the proper way to fill fuel filters great video

[@AdeptApe]

+dale intimidator Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@carlsalatino9105]

I think your videos are great. I watched this service and the complete coolant service. All things I will be going to my motorhome as soon as it is out of Winter storage. I am also going to change belts and hoses. I am considering the tensioner also. It is a 2002,3126e,that just turned 19,000 miles.

[@eddiemartinez2193]

I like the idea that you make a hole in the oil filter to drain the oil I would not have thought of that that's a good idea keep up the good work & videos I like to see your videos

[@AdeptApe]

Thanks for the comment. Yeah I've done the drain hole in the oil filter for years and it really makes it easier. Don't do it with the fuel filters though or else it might syphon out the fuel tank, I've seen that.

[@masonharris2995]

You can also put grease in the bottom of the filter where you poked the hole when you go to remove the filter to make it a cleaner process so theres no oil draining while you remove it

[@ericdee6802]

@@masonharris2995 I'll use a bugger instead of grease.

[@Kostyantsen]

I love how careful and proper mechanic you are. Very professional. ! I don't see guy like you cutting corners. Great videos. I am a mining mechanic and find a lot of your videos helpful

[@AdeptApe]

+Kostya Yantsen Thank you for the kind words. I am thorough, maybe a little too so, it slows me down a little, but I really like doing the job right. What kind of mine do you work at?

[@Kostyantsen]

Google NARM GIllette, WY. Biggest private coal mine. They really have their stuff together here. they have like 40 D11s, 20 D10s, 20 some 24H and 24M blade. Its impressive how much of the same problems we see( same as you i imagine). But there is a little bit of troubleshooting but a lot of it comes down to component changeouts due to downtime. a lot of times they try to run somewhat of a decent maintenance program and be proactive. add me on Fb kostik yantsen. keep up great educational videos.You are the kind of lead man i would want to work for because "good enough" is not in your vocabulary. i mainly work with 3516, 3512, coupled 3512, c32, c27, c15, 3406, 3508 ect ect.

[@AdeptApe]

I don't have a Facebook, but I work with a guy that used to work up in Gillette on a coal mine, he didn't know your name though he was a field maintenance guy up there last year.

[@Kostyantsen]

there is a dozen coal mines. 2 of them have over 1500 people working lol lol

[@brookstruckingllc2587]

Thanks for your videos they have helped me tremendously. I would love one of your hats..

[@shanesmaineshop]

Thank you so much, i am learning all i can as we bought a bus to convert to an rv.

[@mauriciolopez2464]

Thanks for your awesome step by step explanation...

[@Springfield530]

Subscribed! excellent source of knowledge, for my shop. Keep on Truckin.

[@tb3687]

I love changing the fuel filters on the old scrapers with one above the other. In-tank hydraulic filters are the best though. Thank you for the videos. People ALWAYS are over torquing filters and the drain plugs 🤦‍♂️

[@guacamoleweiner69]

fuck 657 scraper filter changes. those things are messy

[@patlamgoudjow137]

@@guacamoleweiner69 rrdwttttt55w5

[@patlamgoudjow137]

@@guacamoleweiner69 5wzrrdddddsssdsddd

[@FadeToBlackLLC]

Nice video, this is what I need to get my oil changed out soon.

[@Rocksteady176]

Very informative video. Thank you. After having plugs stripped, old oil not drained properly, overtightened filters and bad attitudes with service techs at various shops, I have pretty much decided to do all my service now. I dont know whats going on but these new age techs are a dime a dozen and can not follow easy instructions on how to service. After price raises, I found that it is now cheaper to do it myself as well. Not to mention the fact of seeing issues that are not caught on Pre trip and Post trip inspections. Keep up the good work my friend. Your a very rare find these days.

[@bigcat2679]

Can you explain in detail what a oil filder is??... I’ve looked everywhere for it. Just kidding brotha. I had too. Love all your videos. Very informative. Thank you very much for taking the time out of your day to do this. Ppl don’t realize how long a short video actually takes to make. Appreciate it. Stay safe out their bro. Watching from Canada.

[@JTBlair-nw6gb]

Nice vid! I find your voice incredibly easy to listen to. You should be a professional instructor.

[@SmallMartingale]

I don't own a diesel and I'm not sure how I got here but I'm glad that I did. Cool video chief, very interesting. Thumbs up

[@AdeptApe]

+MrDastram Thank you.

[@bruceford4510]

Adept Ape hi how do iturn up the gonver on my cat 3118 motor for more highway speed

[@customerservice5088]

Price: $44.00 per (5 GAL SYN 15W40) www.walmart.com/ip/15W40-Synthetic-Diesel-Engine-Oil-5-Gallon-Pail/534351567

[@richardploeser4267]

Thanks for the RIGHT ON list of how it should be done. Having worked fro Cat, you too have the yellow blood!

[@asokanarajun1859]

How can rest

[@lestheindependentunlesslik6882]

Oh thanks for the video you are the best in my book

[@Me-fj8sb]

Nice clean floors, great video

[@alanack67]

Good video. I pre fill oil filters and never pre fill fuel filters. Bigger trucks I'll fill it through the clean side, but I will admit I get lazy sometimes and fill through the center..

[@Jeffrey8792]

Excellent explanations. Thank you

[@metaspencer]

awesome tips, man ... big thanks!

[@stevenmchenry9276]

Greatly explained

[@antoniodillon722]

Thanks man!!! Very informal!!!

[@levijones1874]

Drink every time he says “fildter”

[@Second.Nature.Lawn.Michigan]

Fiwder

[@tashasmith7737]

Lol 😂

[@guacamoleweiner69]

F I L D E R

[@jacksonkrause867]

Your going to be drunk as hell

[@mofozi571]

Awesome video thank you 🙏

[@gayaniresh7327]

Thank you very much sir. I'm very interested

[@serhammalot01]

I always loosen the oil filter first so that way my filter wrench doesn't get coated in oil.

[@royalcrowntowing2464]

I fitted a ball vilve slow drain plug on the furthest most rear right side drain plug on the oil pan on my c15 this works well if you dont have the luxury of heavy shop equipment or a 15 gallon or more low profile heavy duty drain pan to catch all the oil and handle the flow rate of oil comming out of one of the bigger rear drain holes while it's hot. With a slow drain ball valve plug I use X2 24 Qt wall mart drain pans ( the large square ones at only 12 bucks each) they can be sealed up by putting the 2 caps back in the center then you can pull them out and carry them like suit cases with out spilling oil all over but if i did not use a slow drain ball valve plug the flow rate of the old oil eventually overwhelmed the drain holes on the catch pan one down side is i need to slide the 2nd oil catch pan over when the first one gets almost full but i keep them side by side so the switch over of each pan is quick as they only hold 24qt each. but they are the largest oil catch pans i can find with out spending 100s on a heavy duty one plus they store with out taking up to much space. But for a DIY oil change for an OO whos an ex car mechanic, i use both catch pans combind with the ball valve and it works well for a qiuck stealth parking lot oil change with no mess also the hole in the filter is a good tip I must say Personaly i add half a gallon of diesel fuel in the in engine just after the fan kicks in when the engine is hot and let it run for another 60 seconds to help remove the last of the old oil and soot that sticks to the walls of the engine.i use to do this on diesel cars in the UK but would use only half a liter or less when I worked as a mechanic alot of uk diesel cars had long life diesel oil and long drain intervals where the oil sooted up bad and was black as hell

[@brianbaltzly4482]

Glad to I'm not the only one that poke holes in filters and not bust my kunkles taking out the drain plug

[@Rotzak73]

thx for your movie its helps me a lot

[@leightonwalters8099]

Good info.

[@nicholasmurano9539]

Good info on the drain plug torque ..and filter prime methods . First timers need to know a 12 gallon drain pan wagon..., on wheels, might be the way to go ...and prevent a big mess... I then used a drill pump to put the waste oil from the drain pan into covered buckets , drum , etc . Any thoughts ?

[@airforcelogistics3301]

Thank you.

[@chandong5409]

Thank you

[@captainclogger4138]

love your videos!

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you Captain.

[@captainclogger4138]

+Adept Ape if you live in southern California and want to make 34.30 an hour and have union benes hit me up. we could use good techs like you

[@AdeptApe]

+Captain Clogger That is a great wage, but I'm in a good place where I'm at. Thanks for the offer though, sounds like a good job.

[@olegkleisten3882]

Hello, Excellent video. I just purchased a 2005 Sterling 22' box truck with a C7 and Allison trans. First diesel! I wanted to know if there is anything different regarding the Oil changes/Fuel filter changes on this specific engine compared to your video of the C15. It has 294k, runs great, and I will be using it for personal use only. It looks like it was kept up to date mechanically by Ryder with the stickers in the cab. I do not know the backround of the truck but I want to treat it correctly!

[@deweyharmon2869]

thank you for all the useful information!! i own a lb7 duramax smoking bluish grey smoke think another set of injectors failing again (2nd set in 50,000 miles)any advice on how to prolong life its a pretty big job for me as im not a mechanic! 3 days 😨 again thank you for the knowledge Dewey

[@martinlang9615]

I like your style…rather methods, reasoning and that you actually torque to specs. I used to always prefill the oil filter and even do this a day earlier leaving a clean rag over it…but this is for diesel vehicles (sedan, 4x4, suv etc). I would do it early so every bit of air is purged out and it is at maximum capacity. However I’m now thinking this is a waste of effort as the air is easy to purge out with the oil pump with new oil so I won’t bother pre filling the oil filter, however I will of course use a little oil on the oil filter gasket. I actually think that by prefilling, you make it harder for the oil pump as it must pressure oil to force the air through the oil filled filter, where as if it is just air, the pump has less fluid resistance to overcome and therefore will prime quicker which of course is always better for the engine.

[@michaelvrooman5681]

I use a homemade punch to put a hole in the bottom of oil filters and let them drain before i remove them. Takes a little more time but it sure saves a lot of messes. Cat drain plugs can be awefully tight. Filter pliers are a Nope in my book. A Snap On dual drive cloth strap wrench is the cats meow for overtightened filters.

[@johnmartin2079]

I would never doubt your information but with my 39yrs I do break the oil filter free before the hole. Got ate alive by a Cummings coolant conditioner tore the body off the non off point housing had to make tool to remove base off block while dripping whole time. Called for special goggles so I could stare into the face of the problem.

[@veg1run]

I was recently hired by an independent Diesel repair shop (Class 6, 7 and 8). My first day is Tuesday of next week. My new career begins with their Diesel Technician Apprentice Program, which includes studying and practicing for a Class A CDL. This video helps to answer lots of questions that I have regarding performing a service for a Diesel engine. Are there any other requirements during service, such as: greasing Zerk fittings, searching for broken or missing parts, adjusting Drive Belt tension, pressure testing the radiator, etc. Thanks for posting this video !

[@AdeptApe]

+Kit Carson There are tons of other things to check during a service, but this was just going over the engine. I should do one for greasing the chassis.

[@veg1run]

Thanks for responding. My goal is to hit the ground running. Previously, I had been working as a Forklift Mechanic....more than 10 years.

[@HWCism]

Thanks.

[@MegaScalawag]

First of all you did a great video. I have a 48 ft boat with two Cat 3208s that I change the oil and all filters once a year (approx. 98hrs). Some have suggested to me to change at 250 hrs. When I do change the oil is slightly dark honey color. I run at 1400 rpm on trips and up to 2100 rpm for the last 5 min or so to blow things out. Do you have any opinions on this?

[@BIGJOHNTRUCKER1022]

Nice tech video. I’m not a Cat mechanic but I’ve working on or around engines for most of my 56 years. Like you said the injectors don’t like to run dry I always prime my oil filter, does CAT say why not to?

[@timcroft2836]

Probably should mention for newbies that there is oil draining down after start up and if you add oil to quickly afterwards it is gonna be overfull

[@Profane283]

Sometimes if u loosen oil filter b4 u drain oil hand tight. Drain oil the take filter off slow the vacuum will take the oil out of filter housing so theres no spillage. It dont always work.

[@drop7vogue]

Oh crap... What an idea to watch this AFTER doing the service on my 1988 3208 T... I refilled the oil filters, I followed the filter brand method) I just came here for the fuel filter, I was thinking about refill it too because these engines are hard to restart after a priming the system. Any thoughts? Thanks for your very helpful videos 👍

[@cardenasrc51]

Great videos!!! What oil do you recommend for a C9 diesel pusher? It’s a 2006 Fleetwood Revolution with 85k miles operating in Las Vegas, camping in Utah, Arizona, California. Higher elevations and flat towing a 4 door wrangler.

[@royalcrowntowing2464]

Would you recommend adding 1 gallon of diesel to the crank case oil of a 2003 c15 when hot Then run it at idle for 5 mins then drain the oil change the filter and add new oil to help keep the new oil stay cleaner longer ?

[@jacobramirez4586]

That was quick

[@LAFABIO20]

Had a quick question do they sell that tool you used to get clean diesel or did you make it yourself? Video is great btw!

[@shawncolemusic]

Great video.... I’d like to change my CAT powered RV over to synthetic oil. Any special advice or just as you showed?

[@rickl6697]

Josh, We have a 3126 e in our 2003 rv with 50k miles. We live on the east coast side of the U.S. and took it to the Freightliner service center for a M3 service 9 months ago where the chassis was lubed and the oil was changed(along with a bunch of other things). When the year anniversary of the oil change rolls around we will probably have put around only 800-1000 miles on it. Would you recommend changing the oil and filters again, or wait longer maybe another year. We plan on using it more in the future. Thanks

[@izzy121377]

Hey bro Great vids. question.. what are the signs the oil pressure sensor is going bad on a 99 cat 3406e? thanks I appreciate your help.

[@golferguy140]

Would you consider using a Fumoto oil drain plug on a C9 in an RV? I don't have a pit and would like to keep the oil change as clean as possible.

[@ibayter]

Thanks for the oil change instructions, I just got an old Freightliner with a cat 3406B engine, I had never perform a tractor service before so what would you recommend for a newbie like me, I can't even find my serial plate from the engine to order my filters, what kind of oil does this 3406B takes? thanks again for your info

[@StickNclutch]

Can you make another updated version of this video but with a twin turbo cat? thanks Ape

[@bonbolino14]

Do you grease all other parts and or components?. I’ve seen some of them grease even drug link until rubber blow. It may seems weird but it’s true. Thanks

[@hmdtah]

Thanks for your favor man, but please I need to know what are the working hrs interval recommended by cat to do this service (oil change +oil and fuel filters replacement)

[@floridabudz1454]

Question I hot a C7 I wanna do fuel filter change like you did do I fill both filers with diesel and I saw another video someone else made and they used prime pump to pump fuel in manually after new filter was in, my question is if you fill it way you did you dobt need to pump it? Im new to diesel engines thanks

[@eianmerino190]

Now I have a c15 Acert on my truck. Is the oil fill location in the same spot as this particular motor?

[@StephenMorrison76]

Not sure if this is just a motorhome thing or not, was hoping you would of shown the location of the fan hub zert fitting.

[@royalcrowntowing2464]

What grade engine oil would you recommend for a 2003 cat c15 located in nevada ? With 1 million .330 miles but it was rebuilt at 800k and runs well

[@AaronBilger]

I always prefill oil filter regardless both my gas suv and my diesel 1 ton have a straight down oil filter so i fill it up and screw it on I used to have a truck that the engine was pretty worn out and it had to have a pre filled oil filter otherwise it would knock for the first 10 seconds yes it was the strong cannot kill ford 300 straight six it had problems yes but it happened shortly after i bought it started to run like crap but it was cheap so i just drove it.

[@brett5]

Great video! Thank you for the awesome tips. About to do an oil change on C9 that's pushing my 43' RV. Any comments or concerns on upgrading to T6 Rotella Synthetic5w40 instead of Cat recommended 15w40. I do most of my traveling in HOT southern states and live in Vegas. Thanks again!1

[@AdeptApe]

+Tyler Trenton I really like synthetic oil and switching to it isn't a bad idea. The viscosity difference is a little outside of Cat specifications for the medium duty Cat engines, Cat recommends either a 10w30 or a 15w40. The difference being ambient temperature, so the hotter climate would get the thicker oil, since you are in Vegas I would say try to get a 15w40 synthetic oil. A 5W40 is a little thin with the 5 cold wait. Now would it run okay, probably, but I just am letting you know the Cat recommendation.

[@brett5]

Thank you VERY much!

[@BAASAVLOGG]

Do you have service shop and where? Plz I have c 15 and I Like the you explain cat engine thanks

[@thomasstoeltingii8294]

Hi where can a compucheck fitting be purchased to hook up to the secondary filter?

[@SvoBrianRobles]

Which of the oil pan drain plugs should be used for oil change c-15 bsx acert to get the oil out

[@truebengalsfan]

At what mile interval do you change the oil and filters on this engine ?

[@dakotamay6230]

Kay I operate a 908m cat wheeled loader an now have to start Doin my own oil changes an which I don't mind but never worked on one...you should totally do a video on the engine service for it

[@dakotamay6230]

you video definitely helped but not fully haha just a newbie I am an really don't wanna mess up my loader Doin the wrong thing...my manuals help but not fully just need to see it done an I'll have no problems

[@AdeptApe]

+Dakota May I don't get to work on earthmoving equipment in my shop, just trucks, busses, and RVs. The engine itself will be the same as far as a truck engine service, but you still have do the hydraulic system, grease fittings, etc. If I move into the earthmoving shop I'll do some equipment videos, but right now I'm sticking with engines.

[@dakotamay6230]

thanks dude...I just said screw it I'm gonna just figure it out an well I successfully did what I set out to do an that was change my oil on my cat....just a newbie so was just a hair intimidating but I was successful thank you again

[@AdeptApe]

The engine is the biggest maintenance item, if you can do the engine you can do everything else.

[@jessiahhurlburt803]

Did you close any valves prior to removing fuel filters?

[@coffeyscarburetors6437]

1:41 can anyone else hear the truck trying to start in the backround. Also i love how it says he got the fuel before draining the oil and taking the filter off when the old oil filter is laying right next to him. Not trying to hate just pointing that out.

[@nickday9498]

Hi Josh, loved your video. Being a new owner of a 3126E CAT in my motorhome I have had some difficulty finding reliable information on it. I've heard that the Micron rating for the fuel filter has to be 2 microns or less and t he oil filter 5 microns or less. From my reading none of the filters available for my engine meets these specifications. The best I could find was a Donaldson fuel filter at 3 microns and a CAT oil filter at 13 microns. How rigid are these requirements by CAT? Can you recommend a specific filter set for me?

[@Second.Nature.Lawn.Michigan]

I believe wix filters for that would be 2 microns.

[@ishatpreetnagra671]

I would appreciate it if u could please provide the list of parts along with the part number to make COMPUCHECK quick coupler

[@michaelferguson6011]

Hi ,I find your videos very informative, How much does it cost for a oil and filter change on a cat engine?

[@ij3773]

Hi Josh. I watching your videos and they very helpful. Thanks for posting them. I was looking to buy that setup for getting clean diesel from secondary fuel filter base. I can't find. Can you give me advise where I can buy that setup. Thanks

[@serhammalot01]

Why can't you just bring a can already filled with you?

[@orlandoruiz8658]

ex celent vídeos helpme a lot

[@figifister]

I've watched nearly every one of your videos and id like to say your a bad ass mechanic. I'm not sure if your aware of the plethora of shitty mechanics that roam the T/A and loves "service" shops. Thanks for your attention to detail.

[@AdeptApe]

+figifister Thank you. I've run across some of the "fine" work others have done before and it is a shame they charge customers for the work quality certain shops put out.

[@mrsmith2475]

My dad ran 2 cat motors over a million miles each and never filed to the high oil mark on the dip stick when cold. 1/8 below.

[@kainhall]

the cuummins 6.7 fouund in 1 ton trucks is 13 quarts IIRC....... which brings the oil level to the middle of the hash marks i even called dodge and asked about that...... and they said thats what they want..... middle of hash marks now.... i prefer to fill to the top of the hash marks......i know the oil will expand when hot but i also know that some of the oil will be "trapped" in the head when its running..... is it enough to off set the expansion...... probably and is running it a BIT overfull going to damage the motor and/or add wind-age losses, or put air into the oil? i dont think so but so far, i have filled to the spec..... however.... ive had customers come in and yell at me for not filling to the top so i tell them that mopar/cummins recommends a "center fill"...... even called the dealership on speaker phone ..... and asked "hey, i put 13 quarts in..... but its only half way on the hashes... is this correct? "yup, thats what we want" yet the customer still bitches...... so they get an extra quart or 2 for free what is your thoughts on this.....conundrum???

[@jesseperez7253]

Hey adept ape, do you recomend rotella diesel oil for my 3126?, t4? T6?

[@gabrielmartinez1320]

Can I add Lucas at the same time while pouring new oil. Even if the oil filter is empty ??

[@lionsdejudah]

Hello Adept Ape 🦧, can you share any Knowledge regarding a Centrifuge Oil Filter for a CAT engine?

[@caliboyz8314]

Good night ..thanks for ur time and info.. DO WE PREFILL THE WATER SEPARATOR ALSO WITH FUEL FILTER??

[@guacamoleweiner69]

Where I work we do prefill the fuel filters and water seps on trucks but on equipment we don't really have to prefill water seps. Do prefill fuel filters on both

[@sohij]

What size socket did you use on that particular drain plug

[@OhVonte]

What type of oil brand you recommend ?

[@mikeberry9584]

Do you believe in using Lucas oil treatment

[@salvadorreyna620]

Hi there sir hey I got a question I am planning to put a primary fuel filter my engine did not came with the primary one. I’m installing the housing and everything so my question is do I prime the fuel pump after I install the housing and the filter to remove air?

[@Mikkeyboyy]

i have a 3126e where the oil is going into fuel tanks truck runs great no leaks no smoke but oil is disappearing rapidly

[@nyofacezproductionz]

where did you get that hose to pre-fill the fuel filter