Detroit Diesel — Engine Oil And Filter Change
Maintenance · engine oil and oil filter
From a Detroit Diesel service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
Applies to: Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine
Before you start
- Hot engine oil can cause serious burns. Wear coveralls with sleeves pulled down and gloves to protect hands.
- Do not use solvents to dilute the engine oil when draining.
- Overtightening may distort or crack the filter adapter.
- Do not overfill.
Parts for this job
- 279449 Oil filter Amazon eBay $20.00
Part numbers from the service-parts list for Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine. Verify against your serial number before ordering; some links are affiliate links.
Procedure
- With the vehicle on a flat and level surface and the parking brake applied, remove the engine drain plug on the oil pan and allow oil to drain.
- Reinstall the drain plug.
- Remove the spin-on filter cartridge using a 1/2" drive socket wrench and extension.
- Dispose of the used oil and filter in an environmentally responsible manner per state and/or federal (EPA) recommendations.
- Clean the filter adapter with a clean rag.
- Lightly coat the filter gasket (seal) with clean engine oil.
- Install the new filter on the adapter and tighten manually until the gasket touches the mounting adapter head; tighten full-flow filters an additional two-thirds of a turn, bypass filter one full turn
- Remove the engine-oil filler cap and pour oil in until it reaches the FULL mark on the dipstick.
- Start and run the engine for a short period and check for leaks; correct any leaks.
- Stop the engine long enough for oil to drain back to the crankcase (approximately 20 minutes); add oil as required to the safe range.
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Change oil and filter every 12,500 miles (20,000-km) or once a year, whichever comes first
- Tighten full-flow filters an additional two-thirds of a turn after gasket contact
- Manually tighten bypass filter one full turn
- Total Engine Oil Capacity with Filters 41 quarts/39 liters
Full service-parts list: Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine →
Source: Detroit Diesel service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.