I've read the tech page on oil changes but I still have a few questions and I'll admit I've never changed oil on such a large engine ( or diesel) so it's new material to me. The truck has Rotella 5W-40 synthetic oil currently in it. Would running 5W-40 oil year round be a smart thing to do? Where is the best place to find oil filters at and which part number is it for the 6.0? Whats the best way to drain all of the oil into? What torque does the drain plug need to be at? I've read that I should change the filter out before putting new oil in as it can drain back down. I plan to change mine every 4,000 miles as I think that's a good number from my research. Any "tricks" to changing the oil?
Thanks

 

Drive the truck get it up to operating temp then shut the truck down, loosen the oil filter cap enough so you can lift the filter but leave the filter and cap just sitting in the oil filter housing so all of the oil will drain out, then make sure you have at least a 15 qt catch pan ( you can buy them at Walmart for a few bucks and they have a handy pour spout so you can re bottle the old oil for disposal) Then remove the drain plug from the oil pan and let it drain, while it is draining remove the oil filter and follow the instructions included with the new oil filter for installing the new filter. Make sure you are using OEM filters and have an OEM oil filter cap. Then reinstall the oil pan drain plug and add 14 quarts of oil, then start the truck and let it run for a bit to circulate the oil then shut it down let it sit for a bit for the oil to settle and check the oil level. And I run Rotella 5W40 year round here in Utah and our temps are in the -10 to 100* range throughout the year.

 

Drive the truck get it up to operating temp then shut the truck down, loosen the oil filter cap enough so you can lift the filter but leave the filter and cap just sitting in the oil filter housing so all of the oil will drain out, then make sure you have at least a 15 qt catch pan ( you can buy them at Walmart for a few bucks and they have a handy pour spout so you can re bottle the old oil for disposal) Then remove the drain plug from the oil pan and let it drain, while it is draining remove the oil filter and follow the instructions included with the new oil filter for installing the new filter. Make sure you are using OEM filters and have an OEM oil filter cap. Then reinstall the oil pan drain plug and add 14 quarts of oil, then start the truck and let it run for a bit to circulate the oil then shut it down let it sit for a bit for the oil to settle and check the oil level. And I run Rotella 5W40 year round here in Utah and our temps are in the -10 to 100* range throughout the year.
Here is a video showing the differences between OEM and aftermarket filters,

 

Thanks for the help, do you know the part number for the Motorcraft filter? I think the Motorcrafts are sold at walmart.

Edit: I found them at dieselfilters.com so I no longer need the number.

 

Get one of these:

I use them in everything I drive, makes it a cinch. You can start and stop the oil draining, pull a sample easier, or use a hose and run the oil straight to old bottles so you don't have to transfer oil around if you want. I just use a 5 gal bucket personally, but the valve is great.

 

Only other thing I would add is a question. Do you have an oem oil filter cap??

 

That valve looks like something I would get but I think I'll hold off till next oil change to put one on. The truck is at a shop getting the power steering flushed but I am 90% sure it has an OEM filter cap on it. I'd like to buy everything I need ahead of time so I'm not stranded without a truck and can't finish. Will I need to replace the oil drain plug o-ring?

 

The drane plug oring is copper dont need to change it. 90% sure could leave you stranded. You cant use oem filter with aftermarket cap. Se

 

Better just order a new cap then for good measure. Thanks for the help

 

OEM:


Aftermarket on left, OEM on right: