diesel_driver_3500
Active Member
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2021
- Messages
- 119
- Reaction score
- 118
I did the first oil change on my 2021 3500 HO 4x4 SB today, a little early at 11,364 miles. What I found was surprising. The oil was black, nothing like how clean the oil was in my 2004 HO at each change. I was happy that draining into a graduated container, I drained out an ounce or so over 2-3/4 gallons. Add in what was in the filter and it looks like no oil was burned during the break-in. I pulled a 5th wheel on a 1750 mile trip, including a 30 mile pull up into the Rockies to about 7400 feet, a couple weeks before this oil change.
Now for the surprising find; my oil drain plug appears to have a stress fracture, about 40% around the circumference of the flange. When I loosened it, it felt tight, no different than what would be expected. I purchased a new plug from the dealer, and it looks to be of a higher quality than what I removed.
I wanted to post this, and suggest everyone look closely at their plugs. It is very easy to see on mine. The metal looks very similar to what I have found on some Chinese machinery, who's parts failed with the metal actually crumbling almost like sand would.
Here are some pictures of the original plug and the one I picked up today. The new one is next to the torque wrench. Also, if anyone is curious, the torque specifications for the plug are molded into the plug. 35 lb ft is the number.
Now for the surprising find; my oil drain plug appears to have a stress fracture, about 40% around the circumference of the flange. When I loosened it, it felt tight, no different than what would be expected. I purchased a new plug from the dealer, and it looks to be of a higher quality than what I removed.
I wanted to post this, and suggest everyone look closely at their plugs. It is very easy to see on mine. The metal looks very similar to what I have found on some Chinese machinery, who's parts failed with the metal actually crumbling almost like sand would.
Here are some pictures of the original plug and the one I picked up today. The new one is next to the torque wrench. Also, if anyone is curious, the torque specifications for the plug are molded into the plug. 35 lb ft is the number.