How to Change Your Vortec 8.1 / 8100 Engine Oil & Oil Filter on A Workhorse Chassis and Much More 

Btw....oil fill with cut off oil bottle: Genius!!! Can't count how many expletives have been spilled along with oil trying to get it in that fill spout.

Good video. I especially like the punctured oil filter trick. I use the 2qt Wix filter and fill it up before installation. I attached a big zip tie above the oil fill to hold a funnel when putting in new oil from the 5qt jugs. It just stays attached for use the next time.

Kevin, you are amazing! Thank you for this video (and your other videos)!

So helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!

Great tips. Especially about adding oil in the new filter before installing. Thanks you Kevin.

Great tips like the ideal of the hole in the filter,always have filled the filter with oil .

On the 4wd truck we have to run the short filter because of the front driveshaft. I use the WIX XP though, it says right on it that it's for 8.1 4wd applications! For what it's worth, I used to swear by Mobil 1. I always had oil pressure problems in an old 90s chevy with 360k miles running Mobil 1 high mileage 10w40. I switched to Redline 5w30 and the oil pressure is so consistent and perfect that I thought the gauge was broken and attached a mechanical gauge to double check. Redline oil is made in a completely different process and doesn't use viscosity modifiers to stay thick at high temps, it's just better oil. If that's too exotic for your taste, the hot stuff right now is the Shell Rotella Gas Truck. It blows Mobil 1 away in every test I've seen. Note also that these engines don't burn so much oil around the rings, they drink it though the PCV system. One day I'll modify my intake, but mine does not use oil very bad.

Hey Kevin. So many times I feel I owe you money for the time and aggravation you have saved me on my W24 RV. Hopefully, one day we'll cross RV paths and I can buy you dinner and a beer, at least. My two cents of feedback: I feel your pain watching you try to do so many things one handed and give us a good video. Time to fire up a go-fund-me page so all us grateful folks can donate to your head-camera fund so you'll have two free hands going forward.

I use a fumoto drain valve on my pan. Just slip a clear plastic tube on it and insert into my oil drain pan. Makes for a really clean job.

enjoy learning from your videos. just bought a 2004 33' class A on the P32 chassis last year and am learning quite a bit.

I've always used a Klein #1 Phillips screwdriver to punch a hole in the oil filter. I think that's what I han at the time, and have used one every time since. The center of the filer is where the bypass valve is located so it might not be as easy to put a hole at that point as it is closer to the edge.

Great video Kev!! You want to do another video on the Power Steering filter?!? Hahaha

We have some 8.1 in fleet...450+K and still strong. ~6500 miles per change. Wix Regular or Napa Gold (same filter,) and full synth.

Really should run DexOs branded 5w30 synthetic oil in this engine to prevent the dreaded lifter tick. You don't really benefit from using 10w30 as the oil passages in the lifters are tiny and it takes longer for the oil to fill the lifter. Retired GM Master tech 40 years in service bay.

Shouldn't use a 180 degree thermostat either. Running below 195 degrees causes the engine computer to add fuel trying to bring the engine up to temp. Run the 195 degree thermostat to ensure quick entry into closed fuel loop control. They recommend thinner oil 5w30 due to closer engine tolerances. The info you are quoting on oil viscosity is hopelessly out of date information.

Another great video, I always learn something new!

Ya take the old stuff out and put the new stuff in. Works every time.

I’m not a mechanic so your video was especially helpful to me. The parts store sold me a 1/2 quart filter 😖, glad to know what you use. Punching the hole to drain will make it much easier. I have a question maybe you’ll help with. I recently noticed my 2004 w-22 leans . I measured the rear and it’s several inches off side to side. The spring shop wants to add a leaf to the bottom - both sides. I’d rather replace the springs but I’m told they are not available. I opted against “blocking”? What would your suggestion be? By the way , my fault , I stored it full of gas and water 🙄. I didn’t know better but I do now. Many Thanks Jack&Molly

Thanks!

GM uses the 1/2 qt oil filter so the total fill is 7 qts instead of 7.5 with the larger filter. No real benefit from using the incorrect filter.

There is no Comparison to have here with regard to the 5/30 10/30 debate. Use 5w30 even if the model says 10w30. The oil moves quicker when it's cold. End of debate

Quality Filter. 21 microns compared to the XP at 30-35. (Moving target and constantly changing on most brands of extended mileage filters) That is how they make them last longer.

After watching this video, and reading thru the comments, I am wondering if you have decided on using motor oil that meets the dexos requirements? I, like you, change oil regularly, but in an effort to prolong the engine's life the dexos formula seems like it might be beneficial. I have learned so much from your videos, thanks again.

This is very good thank you

So is it better to use the 5w-30 that’s on the oil cap or this oil?

is that the Allison transmission on your motorhome? how long is your motorhome? i noticed it has a grade brake.

To reset the oil, with key on, just go to the percentage. Press and hold the arrow/reset till it flashes reset oil meter. Press again and done. That gas key gas key etc etc is not needed.

Great video Kevin. In fact all your videos are quite good. Do you know what size of thread is on the oil plug? I saw someone else who installed Fumoto Series Drain Valve with Short Nipple with Lever Clip. This allows for attaching a drain hose and directing the oil to a pan. I have the same engine on workhorse chassis. Thanks

I use the Ac oil filter that's what it came with from GM