Cat Engine Oil Change

Shulamite · May 4, 2015

We have a Cat 400 hp engine that needs an oil change.

It's a 2005 Newmar Dutch Star. We are in Redding CA. and

got a $600. quote. Is that average? :blink:

Ranger Smith · May 4, 2015

For $600 I will change your oil. No that is not normal. I usually do my own but I believe for a RV it is usually $199

Jimalberta · May 4, 2015

Dont pay that its a rip off rate.

It means they really dont want to do it.

Shulamite · May 4, 2015

Thanks guys. It's Catapillar on Catapillar St. in Redding. I don't know if it's synthetic, that may be why it's so high.

MrSeas · May 4, 2015

Have you tried Speedco? You have a few close by!

sushidog · May 4, 2015

Wow that's high. I'd change the oil in this cat for $600!

Chip

JRP · May 4, 2015

for that size engine, Cat C9, it takes almost 10 gal of oil; so even at current Walmart prices for Rotella 15w40, that's almost $200 just for the oil material cost, plus a $20 filter, plus an hours labor and markup. I would say the avg cost for just the basic C9 oil & filter change is around $300 - $350 at a typical truck shop; more if you ask for other services added to the oil change. its not surprising that a Cat factory shop price would be significantly higher and they may have been quoting a service "package" that includes a few additional services.

aunut · May 4, 2015

for that size engine, Cat C9, it takes almost 10 gal of oil; so even at current Walmart prices for Rotella 15w40, that's almost $200 just for the oil material cost, plus a $20 filter, plus an hours labor and markup. I would say the avg cost for just the basic C9 oil & filter change is around $300 - $350 at a typical truck shop; more if you ask for other services added to the oil change. its not surprising that a Cat factory shop price would be significantly higher and they may have been quoting a service "package" that includes a few additional services.

10 gallons? Wow! I thought 8 quarts was a lot in my gasser.

GeorgiaHybrid · May 4, 2015

LOL, my Freightliner DD13 takes 43 quarts and a DD15 will soak up 47 quarts.... That's one of the reasons the oil change intervals are 35,000 to 50,000 miles depending on how you use the truck.

aunut · May 4, 2015

LOL, my Freightliner DD13 takes 43 quarts and a DD15 will soak up 47 quarts.... That's one of the reasons the oil change intervals are 35,000 to 50,000 miles depending on how you use the truck.

So, actually, you use less oil than I do, since mine is changed every 5,000. This makes more sense. I will use 20 gallons every 50,000.

jc2 · May 4, 2015

Schulamite,

What is the list of things that they would do for that price? When the Cummins-Onan service center does the pm service on our 370 ISL Cummins, which holds 24 qts, it runs in the $300-400 range. Cummins uses a good quality of regular dino oil for diesels, 15w-40, oil filter, (2) fuel filters, chassis lube, Onan diesel genie service(7.5kw), anti-freeze checked for proper additive level, etc. It will always be cheaper if you DIY but not always convenient. I also don't believe that synthetic oil is superior enough to warrant its price and to justify its use when somewhat frequent chances are done.

PeteSKP · May 4, 2015

Don't think of it as an "oil Change". Done correctly it is much more. My ISX service at 70mi was about $1400; Change engine oil (I use semi-synthetic @ 10,000 mile intrervals), Change Transmission with Allison Stnthetic fluid, chage air cleaner ($200+), Oil Filet, Fuel Filter,service air dryer, lube & check several chassis & brake parts.

Want to play? you gotta pay!

docj · May 4, 2015

for that size engine, Cat C9, it takes almost 10 gal of oil; so even at current Walmart prices for Rotella 15w40, that's almost $200 just for the oil material cost, plus a $20 filter, plus an hours labor and markup. I would say the avg cost for just the basic C9 oil & filter change is around $300 - $350 at a typical truck shop; more if you ask for other services added to the oil change. its not surprising that a Cat factory shop price would be significantly higher and they may have been quoting a service "package" that includes a few additional services.

My Cat C-12 takes 36 quarts of oil (9 gals). I seriously doubt that a C-9 uses 40 quarts. But I've never paid that much for an oil change.

Ranger Smith · May 4, 2015

My Cat C-12 takes 36 quarts of oil (9 gals). I seriously doubt that a C-9 uses 40 quarts. But I've never paid that much for an oil change.

A C-9 takes 34 quarts or 8.5 gallons

Raquel · May 8, 2015

I second going to Speedco. There's one down in Corning that we use.

Jimalberta · May 8, 2015

What does Speedco cost you?

Alie&Jim's Carrilite · May 8, 2015

Should be $250 plus local taxes for Speedco.

horizon36 · May 9, 2015

I usually get mine serviced at the FMCA rally in Indio every January by Jim Fulkerson service. My CAT 3126E takes 22 Qts of oil. Last service he did the engine oil, filter, fuel filter, transmission and filters, genset oil & filter and lubed the chassis. Costs $700 plus tax.

Medico · May 9, 2015

for that size engine, Cat C9, it takes almost 10 gal of oil; so even at current Walmart prices for Rotella 15w40, that's almost $200 just for the oil material cost, plus a $20 filter, plus an hours labor and markup. I would say the avg cost for just the basic C9 oil & filter change is around $300 - $350 at a typical truck shop; more if you ask for other services added to the oil change. its not surprising that a Cat factory shop price would be significantly higher and they may have been quoting a service "package" that includes a few additional services.

Excuse me but my C13 (525 HP Cat) only takes 34 qts (less than 9 gallons). That's how much the oil change was at Alliance coach.