How to Add Engine Oil to a Diesel Cummins

Truck owners should check their truck's engine oil level frequently.

Dodge introduced the Cummins diesel engine in 1989 as an option for the 3/4- and 1-ton Ram trucks. Checking and adding oil to the Cummins diesel engine is required maintenance, according to the Dodge Cummins owner's manual. You'll need to check the oil level on a regular basis and add oil if needed; you can cause damage to the engine if you add too much---or too little---oil. Consult the owner's manual for your engine's oil capacity, as well as the correct grade and viscosity.

Things You'll Need

• Shop rag
• Diesel-grade engine oil
• Funnel
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Park the vehicle on level ground. Open the hood, and locate the dipstick on the driver's side of the engine compartment.

2. Remove the dipstick, and wipe the indication scale clean of oil with a shop rag. Insert the dipstick into the dipstick tube until it latches in place. Remove the dipstick, and make note of the oil level as represented by the extent of oil on the length of the dipstick in relation to the printed words "ADD" and "SAFE." Add oil if the indication is in the "ADD" range.

3. Remove the oil fill cap on the engine valve cover. Pour diesel-grade engine oil into the oil fill opening using a funnel, and wait several minutes for the oil to settle inside the engine.

4. Check the oil level again using the dipstick. Add more oil if the indication remains low. Reinstall the dipstick and the oil filler cap when the oil level reaches the "SAFE" range.

Tips & Warnings

• Ideally, check the oil level after you have parked the truck overnight. If the truck has been running, let it sit for 30 minutes before checking the level.

• To avoid burns, wear gloves if the engine is hot.

References

• "Dodge Ram Truck Diesel 2007 Owner's Manual"; DaimlerChrysler Corp.; 2006

Resources

• TurboDieselRegister: 6.7 Engine and Transmissions(2007.5+)-TDR Roundtable