Sorry for so many questions but I am new to DMax and am trying to get all my filter and oil choices made so I won't have to wonder each time I change fluids. Here is what I have so far: Oil Filter- Baldwin, Fuel Filter- Only OEM avail., Oil - Delvac-1. My questions now are the remaining filters - Tranny, Air and others I may not be aware of. Please give some info or reccomendations for the Tranny and Air filters if they exceed OEM quality and do I need a secondary fuel filter (if so, what is best one). If they are all the same then I will stay with OEM for warranty purposes. Also, I NEVER wait more than 3000 miles to change fluids. I don't trust the GM intervals. What is a good schedule (miles or hours) for changing the fluids and/or filters (rear end, tranny, engine oil, fuel filter etc). I know this is a lot of questions but the answers sure would help. Thanks for any info..this is a GREAT site. Edited by: Cajun

My only point is if you are using Delvac 1 you are wasting your money changing it every 3k miles.
This will explain my point even better.
http://bulktransporter.com/mag/transportation_exxonmobil_delvac_oil/

I'm not saying go 396,830 miles without ever draining the engine, BUT 3k is a tad bit early. Buy if you are going to change it every 3k send it to me and I will put it in mine and run it for a while http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif

Read the article. I see your point but what about the questions? Any answers from anyone?

Cajun have you found a source for Delavc-1, I'm in the Beaumont area and have had diffuculty finding it.


I'm on my third diesel and have not found a need for a secondary fuel filter, some will disagree. I use only OEM filters all around. I learned of a website. GMdieseltech.com/store2 (http://www.Gmdieseltech.com/store2) Their prices seem reasonable and they sell transynd synthetic transmisson oil., this is the synthetic oil recommended by Allison. In the differentials everyone runs synthetic most use their favorite brand that meets OEM specs.


Also supporters of this site sell quality products, a favorite is the Fumoto quick change engine oil valve. The quality of todays oils is so good a 3000 mile oil change seems premature, I will run 5000 miles minumum with Rotella 15w-40 Dino oil. Will probaly switch to synthetic at that point. Performed first engine oil change at 1000 miles.


It is common for the rearend oil to be low-check yours, mine took 1.75 quarts. I use BMW synthetic gear oil pricey but good.

I have Baldwin fuel oil and tranny filters installed at this point ( 6,400 ) miles. I have cut open to observe the performance and design characteristics on my oil filter, and tranny filters at this point.


I personally believe these are high quality filters ( I am not a salesman ), but with that said the only complaint I have is on the tranny filter design location of the small holes on the top side of the filter. They appear to be partially blocked due to the magnet, although there are more holes than the stock filter, and I have not had any issues at this point.


I had changed out the original Allison filter at 1,085 miles and changed out my first Baldwin tranny filter at 4,867 miles. I have cut open every filter off the truck to date and all the Baldwin filters contained much more filtering media ( pleated paper ), and seemed to be built of high quality.


I will be switching the tranny filter back to the original Allison type filter just for a piece of mind due to the hole opennings on the top side mentioned above, but the filtering media is much better in the Baldwin. I guess I will just have to change the Allison more often.


I will end up making my purchases in the future from dmaxallitech / Eric for my Allison filters. http://www.gmdieseltech.com/store2 He is the owner operator at the above link I believe.


Just my personal observations, good luck in your decesions, FranEdited by: 04wanabemax

Corsair

i'm in Palm springs and these guy will deliver to you

(562) 630-8995

I found out what the problem is - there are only 3 distributors in southern Ca. But this will amaze you the NEW suv oils mobil is putting out is the exact same oil as delvac 1 - i even talked to Mobil customer service to confirm

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil_1_Truck_SUV_5W-40.asp

also you can buy it here
http://store.avlube.com/automotive.html

Corsair...I can get Delvac-1 in Houston but after tlaking with a rep from Mobil I have decided to use the new "Mobil-1 Truck & SUV" oil. he rep said they were not at liberty to say if this was the same oil as Delvac-1 but they did put it this way.." Delvac-1 is a comercial oil and lets just say you will get the same results from the new truck and suv oil". WalMart carries the new oil.





04wanabemax..You stated that you use a Bladwin fuel filter. From what I have read on this forum there is no current fuel filter for the LLY right now other than the OEM. If you know of a part number for a Baldwin fuel filter for the LLY, please let me know so I can start using them. Thanks

Cajun,


The older original design fuel filter does work on the LLY, it's just shorter in length and everything else is the same, as you read in my above post I changed my OEM fuel filter allready and will keep with a 6,000 mile change interval.


The newer LLY filter won't work on the older trucks due to a clearance problem on the exhaust if I remember correctly. Here is the part number I have installed from Baldwin, BF 7727.


I puarchased it while I was picking up all the other filters at the same time, and I do get a good discount.


After the fuel filter change out I know how important in my mind a lift pump setup is, my filter wasn't more than a third full!!!, and the truck was run about an hour before repalcement.


I have yet to install my Nicktane setup. I am going to install a lift pump setup along with it and need to get all my ducks in a row.


The newer LLY filter won't work on the older trucks due to a clearance problem on the exhaust if I remember correctly. Here is the part number I have installed from Baldwin, BF 7727.


I puarchased it while I was picikng up all the other filters at the same time, and I do get a good discount.


P.S. all fuel filters are made by Raycor at this time and are rebadged for the different companies.


Good luck, Fran