I'm looking at getting a new LML, but in the past I've done all my own service, but now I just don't have time to do it myself anymore (or any place to take my oil). I'd like to know what have you guys been paying to have your oil, oil filter, and fuel filters changed at a service?

And what about the trans - flush or complete change with internal filter (is there one in the Allison)? I didn't have my truck that long before it got wrecked.

If you provide your own filter and oil then most places charge like $20. Fuel filter at say dealer would be in the $75 dollar. They charge one hour labor. Again local mecahnic you trust I say be in the $40 and you provide the filter. As to the flush look up the Hoot method. Most post say no need to change the internal except during a rebuild or maybe 100,000 plus miles. Just change the Allison spin on filter and make sure the magnet is cleaned and put back on.

Brian

I do my own, but my buddy takes his in. About $75.

Allison does not recommend a flush. Be careful with this because there are mechanics that will do it. I just change my spin on filter every 10K and wipe the magnet. I think the book recommends a fluid change at 50K?

OM recommends allison fluid change every 25,000 miles if you tow.

Valvoline told me they can't change the oil in my lml.They said it takes a full synthetic,and their's isn't approved yet.Anyone else hear this?

diesels are not factory filled any type of synth. oil. the 2011 gas powered trucks and cars are filled with a new oil that must be used, its name is dexos. regular oil cannot be used in those.

service charges are not to bad, remember you are taking in one of the most advanced diesel engines in history for service, make sure they are up to date.

as far as taking a filter that you bought elsewhere to a repair shop....isnt that like taking your own eggs into dennys...seems tacky???....

diesels are not factory filled any type of synth. oil. the 2011 gas powered trucks and cars are filled with a new oil that must be used, its name is dexos. regular oil cannot be used in those.

service charges are not to bad, remember you are taking in one of the most advanced diesel engines in history for service, make sure they are up to date.

as far as taking a filter that you bought elsewhere to a repair shop....isnt that like taking your own eggs into dennys...seems tacky???....

Regular oil can be used in those. Hell, no one sells Dexos around me and the computer at every local store didn't even list it. Dealer said to use what I always have.

I heard about someone that went to Sears for tires and an oil change. They put light truck tires the kind you would put on half ton that were the right size but way under rated load wise for his dually. When someone pointed it out to him he went back to get the correct type of tires put on. They also figured out that they just put regular 10w30 motor oil in also not CJ rated for Diesels. You really have to watch what get's done anymore.

I heard about someone that went to Sears for tires and an oil change. They put light truck tires the kind you would put on half ton that were the right size but way under rated load wise for his dually. When someone pointed it out to him he went back to get the correct type of tires put on. They also figured out that they just put regular 10w30 motor oil in also not CJ rated for Diesels. You really have to watch what get's done anymore.
If you want it done right, do it yourself. :cool:

If you want it done right, do it yourself. :cool:

Very true. It is a shame that you can't find hardly anyone that knows what they are doing, much less gives a crap.

To find out what the rate for service is, you really have to check with your local shops. There is a huge range in the labor rate from geographical area to area. In my area (near Milwaukee) labor rate is anywhere from $75-110/hr at dealers. If you head down to Chicago the labor rate starts in the $100 range and goes up from there. That is a huge jump when it comes down to the final price.

Very true. It is a shame that you can't find hardly anyone that knows what they are doing, much less gives a crap.

+ 10,000

I change my own, but when my radiator went out at 20k I had them do it for convenience....was $90 for oil + filter + labor after CA took its cut...

you dont need time or space for the fuel filter, costs $20 at your local parts house and takes no more than 5mins from start to finish, if that even. dont pay $75 for the dealer to do it, its like having an electrician come change out a $1 light bulb and charge you a full hour to do so. oil changes are understandable if you have no way to dispose of it, i have a good friend who owns a shop so he disposes my oil for me or else i would probably pay to have it done, but i run amsoil which is a bout $100 a change to begin with and i dont mind doing it. dont forget these things hold 10quarts make sure whoever does it is well aware of that!

with employee discount oil is $60

Moved to Maintenance & Fluids.

I get my own Delo400 Oil and GM Filter and go to the Dealer for Oil Changes--their labor charge is reasonable and service is good. I also buy my own fuel filter (GM) and Trans Spin On filters and have them to replace them by the computer, with about 10 percent of the fuel and oil filter life left showing on it. I do not do much towing now.

as far as taking a filter that you bought elsewhere to a repair shop....isnt that like taking your own eggs into dennys...seems tacky???....

Not really when you can get filters for half the price if not more off than they do and know exactly what you have that is more than likely better filter. I guess maybe like comparing white eggs to brown eggs.

Brian

I do my own. The 6.5 used to be around 35-40 dollars at an oil change place, but they sold the company to a local franchiser and he upped the prices. They want $96.00 to change the oil in my F350!

SS Crew you have been given alot of info here some great and some may not apply to your question. Best I can say is if you are not going to be able to make the time to do your own shop around your area and find a good local machanic that will do your changes for you and knows whats up with diesels. Ask them all what they charge if you supply the oil and filter, Check the dealer as well sometimes you find a great dealer that is very resonable. Maybe you can talk your selling dealer into 3 free oil changes.

You should even be thinking about a flush for your trans. Change the factory fill at 10-15k and put in synthetic fluid and run it for 50k until the next fluid change. Change the differentials factory fill at no more than 10k and clean the magnetic drain plugs put synthetic in and don't worry about it for 50k. Feel free to pm me any questions you may have regarding your maint schedule on the new truck.

Last year, I went to Grease Monkey. For $101 they changed the oil with Rotella T 15w40, greased all the zerks they could reach, and replaced the air filter.

They charged me $31 for the air filter (included in the $101 total charge).

I brought my own Mobil-1 M1-303 oil filter.

Next time (a week ago), I changed my own oil for a fraction of the price. I even replaced the drain plug with a Fumoto valve. I haven't greased the zerks yet, but hope to get to it soon. I have the grease gun, the right-angle fittings and the Mobil-1 synthetic grease. Just need to get some time to do it.

A few months ago, I changed my own tranny fluid. I also changed the Allison spin-on filter. It's easy.

Last year, I went to Grease Monkey. For $101 they changed the oil with Rotella T 15w40, greased all the zerks they could reach, and replaced the air filter.

They charged me $31 for the air filter (included in the $101 total charge).

I brought my own Mobil-1 M1-303 oil filter.

Next time (a week ago), I changed my own oil for a fraction of the price. I even replaced the drain plug with a Fumoto valve. I haven't greased the zerks yet, but hope to get to it soon. I have the grease gun, the right-angle fittings and the Mobil-1 synthetic grease. Just need to get some time to do it.

A few months ago, I changed my own tranny fluid. I also changed the Allison spin-on filter. It's easy.

''greased all the zerks they could reach''???? Is'nt that comforting to know?:eek:A quicky oil change joint that probably doesn't have a 18'' flexible grease hose.

I do my own. Wallyworld has Mobile Delvac 1300 for $11.00 a galon. I try to take advantage of Mobile special purchases with coupons. I buy filters buy the case from one of our sponsors (Delco) for $8.95 each. Interesting I recently pulled my 5th wheel 4000 miles to Florida and back but talked to a semi fleet owner at a truck stop who was riding with a new driver. He said he uses Mobile Delvac 1300 in his tractors and goes 25000 miles between changes. He said Mobile oil company says he could go 30,000 miles but he won't. He said when you pull the dip stick and the oil feels slimmy it's good to go. Remember semi's hold a hell of a lot more oil than we do and I think they all have double filtering systems. When I go 5500 miles my DIC says I'm still 50% good but I change at 7000 regardless, especially pulling most of the time.

No diesel mechanics around this town, if there are any, they work directly for the coal trucking companies. Anyways, the dealership is the only one that really works on diesels, so I bring my oil and filter to them and they do the change for about 10 bucks...actually I think it's $9.50. Good deal for me.

So with the cost of the oil filter...$10.95, the oil - 2.5 gallon jug Rotella 15w-40 $25.00, and labor my oil change runs about 45 bucks and change.

Last year, I went to Grease Monkey. For $101 they changed the oil with Rotella T 15w40, greased all the zerks they could reach, and replaced the air filter.

They charged me $31 for the air filter (included in the $101 total charge).

I brought my own Mobil-1 M1-303 oil filter.

Next time (a week ago), I changed my own oil for a fraction of the price. I even replaced the drain plug with a Fumoto valve. I haven't greased the zerks yet, but hope to get to it soon. I have the grease gun, the right-angle fittings and the Mobil-1 synthetic grease. Just need to get some time to do it.

A few months ago, I changed my own tranny fluid. I also changed the Allison spin-on filter. It's easy.

If you are anything other than a midget Fillipino Fonzie, you will hate yourself for greasing the zerks. You need about 3 more elbows and boneless arms.

Cost me $30 at the dealer for LOF and an extra $10 to use synthetic.

Cost me $30 at the dealer for LOF and an extra $10 to use synthetic.

Wow, next time, I'm gonna check out the dealer!

When I change oil I grease too. I use two lengths of grease gun hose and just a straight jerk fitting but I take the splash pan off the front (plastic) and the skid plate (aluminum) off also. Saves a lot of oil drain mess and time trying to locate and hit the grease fittings.

Cost me $30 at the dealer for LOF and an extra $10 to use synthetic.
$30 !!!!!

Man that is hard to believe. The oil would cost more than that at a dealership! 10 quarts of oil and the filter is 10 bucks at places like Rural King. I can't believe a GM dealer would only charge 30 dollars for LOF + labor. I would definitely verify the type of oil and filter they are using. :confused:

Cost me $30 at the dealer for LOF and an extra $10 to use synthetic.

Must not be a diesel engine.

Miller Chev in Rogers MN. Duramax oil change $30 add $10 for synthetic. Can scan the receipt if you would like to see it. Everyday price.

Miller Chev in Rogers MN. Duramax oil change $30 add $10 for synthetic. Can scan the receipt if you would like to see it. Everyday price.

$70 for dino and $150 for syn here in west michigan at Berger Chev.
must be a local special or something,
like toyota here in portage, mi does oil changes for $14 while the one at redlands, CA charges $48.

$30 !!!!!

Man that is hard to believe. The oil would cost more than that at a dealership! 10 quarts of oil and the filter is 10 bucks at places like Rural King. I can't believe a GM dealer would only charge 30 dollars for LOF + labor. I would definitely verify the type of oil and filter they are using. :confused:

Ya, that's a crazy price. Only costs $30 for gassers around here but they want $90 for diesels. Stick with that dealer for sure!

It's one of the FEW times a diesel costs more than a gasser, though reading the internet you'd think diesel trucks had platinum lined brake discs and sipped Dom Perignon.

Cost me $30 at the dealer for LOF and an extra $10 to use synthetic.
$30 !!!!!

Man that is hard to believe. The oil would cost more than that at a dealership! 10 quarts of oil and the filter is 10 bucks at places like Rural King. I can't believe a GM dealer would only charge 30 dollars for LOF + labor. I would definitely verify the type of oil and filter they are using.


Must not be a diesel engine.
Yeah, that's gotta be it.

Miller Chev in Rogers MN. Duramax oil change $30 add $10 for synthetic. Can scan the receipt if you would like to see it. Everyday price.
So you're saying 10 quarts of oil, AC Delco filter, lube the chasis, and labor all for 30 bucks?

If this is really true, I would definitely verify what exactly they are putting in your truck. If it checks out then you have one helluva dealer!!!

They are putting in Delvac for $30 and Mobil 1 Syn for the synthetic. Would you guys like the number to verify that I am not on crack. I have been in the automotive industry for almost 20 years and I know about an oil change. I called around before I went in there and most everywhere else was $60+. I know it is a smoking deal. Why would I change my own oil when I can get it done for that price.

For all that are doubting the price there is a picture of the service write up in my garage.

Thanks to all the people that think that I am complete idiot. You guys are all great.

For all that are doubting the price there is a picture of the service write up in my garage.

Thanks to all the people that think that I am complete idiot. You guys are all great.
Nobody thinks you're an idiot...because if we did, or at least if I did, I would've said so.

Anyways, I looked at the invoice and it says parts and labor $58.98, $4.99 for PLUG (?), minus $24.00 Misc Discount, and a buck 50 tax.....total $38.40

Using 10 quarts of Mobil Delvac Oil, no mention of filter type, and check fluid levels. While it's not $30 and I couldn't read anything about lubing the chasis, it's still definitely a helluva deal. I see it, but still hard to believe.

I type corrected. :hole:

If you read the part numbers on the invoice it is a PF2232 AC Delco filter. In the top it says Oil and Filter change, Lube & insp front suspension, drive line, steering, hinges & contact points. The $38 is with tax and a new drain plug and Uncle Sam is still going to get his share. They had to replace the drain plug as the last person to do the oil change screwed up the other one.

Some of the dealers down here are having "price wars" on oil changes. They're trying to get you in their garage so they can sell you something to make up for the cheap oil changes. The Dodge dealer is advertising "Any car oil change, only $19.95". I'm thinking about taking my CTS V down there and see if they'll do a Mobil 1 oil change on it for that price. It's usually $80.00 at the Super Lube.

Hay, good idea. I'll think of that next time my Caddy STS needs an oil change. I normally put Mobil-1 in it so I'll see if what discount they'll give me.