Cost of Oil Change and Coolant Change to ELC

[Dick Simonis]

I'm thinking of having the local Cat dealer change the oil and coolant to ELC plus, perhaps program the "latch" mode for the compression brake.  Any idea of what a fair cost for these services should run??

Then a quick stop at Allison to change the default to 4th instead of the current 2nd.

After all this I should be set for quite some time.

[David T. Richelderfer]

I don't know what "latch mode" is.  But I was told I should have my transmission software altered such that when I turn on the Jake the transmission will not downshift to 4th.  A few times I have forgotten to slow by braking before turning on the Jake... and watched in horror while my engine RPMs went over 2200.  And the transmission doesn't shift from 6th to 5th and to 4th.  It just snaps from 6th to 4th.. without apparently thinking.

I hope someone answers your question regarding the cost of oil and coolant changes for the engine and include the transmission oil change in that question.

[Tim Bentley Co-Admin]

Oil changes run between $295 and $400 depending on where it is done and what they do, an oil change should include a lube and fluid level check. Cat filters also cost more at most places. Some providers will also service batteries, check tires, air cleaner and do an oil analysis.

Transmission fluid changed run around $ 500.00.  

I did my own coolant change for about $150.  Which included several galleons of distiller water for the final system flush.

If you'r on the road you can't beat Speedco, the are competively priced and do an excellent job usually in under 1 hour.

[Gerald Farris]

Dick,
I can not answer the question about pricing at the Cat dealer for servicing your coach since I service my own coach. However I would recommend that you have the Allison programed to shift to 5th or 6th when the Jake is activated. I have mine set to 5th, and I find that it makes the Jake much more versatile because it gives me the option of going down a long gradual incline, like the ones you find often in the west, at 70 MPH with the Jake on to control my speed. On steep inclines, you just slow down and manually down shift to the gear that is needed to control your speed.

Gerald  

[Tom and Pam Brown]

Oil changes and cooling flush can be performed at any truck dealer. The cost will range depending where you are in the country.
I like to use Freightloner dealers as they are used to working on the chassis.  Filters can be expensive if you require oem filters.  I use fleet guard for mine.  They make private label for cat, cummins and Detroit. Same filter just a logo change.
For the Allison I go to a Allison dealer.  Too complicated to trust anyone else. Like Gerald I would and can do myself, but would rather have someone see do it because of the disposal of the oil.

Just my opinion.  

[Dick Simonis]

One reason I was going to use Cat is for the ELC coolant and programming the latch mode but I guess anyone can do ELC.  I don't want to get involved in it as a DYI for disposal reasons as well...both oil and antifreeze are significant in quantity.  Although I could probably let the flush stuff go on the ground....still there is a lot of it and I really want it done right.

[Karl Welhart]

Just did an engine oil and filter change, engine air filter change, chassis grease job, all fuel filters (primary, secondary and 200 micron), Hydro-Hot service (filter, nozzle and burn tube cleaning, changed coolant to ELC, changed transmission filters and oil, genset oil, filter and fuel filter change (did not do the air filter).  The total cost doing it myself was $567.93.  Total time about 6.5 hours.  The old oil was no problem.  I put it into 5 gallon diesel fuel containers, then take it up to the parts store for disposal.  

[Jerry Carr]

I just have my rig service done at Quartzite, the Oil,(Cat Filters) Lube for a C13 was $310.00 The Allison with Transyn did run $500.00 including filters. The Service with filter on the 10Kw Onan $55.00. The fuel fliters $40. each.
The whole package was done in 4+ hours

[Joel Ashley]

Full chassis inspection and lube, oil change with both filters, coolant change to ELC, plus complete generator service - around $400 labor and parts at Freightliner in West Salt Lake, but I had CAT Club discount, and my Monterey C9 engine capacities may be less than others.  Transynd conversion in 2007 at a Coburg Oregon area Allison center was around $350-$400 as I recall.

Joel

[Jeremy Parrett]

I had  the C12 synthetic engine oil change , a complete brake and chassis lube and the differential synthetic oil change done by this guy.  Just to give you a good idea of very reasonable excellent service.  They   used the correct clay based grease on the brakes.  I had one caliper   nipple that was broken,that he replaced for free......made me wonder how long that caliper had not been greased.  Rver's at the Escapees park in Livingston.TX use this guy.  http://www.rvmobilelube.com/services_prices.php