How to Change the Oil in a 5.7 Hemi

The 5.7 liter Hemi motor is one of the most popular motors in the history of the Dodge line. The Hemi is used in their muscle car line-up and their truck line as well. The Hemi requires proper engine maintenance to operate at its peak. Changing the oil and the filter is very important. and needs to be done at 3,000 mile intervals. Doing this task yourself will save you time and money.

Things You'll Need

  • Crescent wrench
  • Empty pan
  • Oil filter wrench
  • 7 quarts of engine oil
  • New oil filter

Removing the Old Engine Oil

  • Locate the drain pan underneath the motor. The drain plug will be at the very bottom of the drain pan.

  • Place a pan underneath the motor to catch all the oil from the motor. The pan will need to be big enough to catch six quarts.

  • Open the drain plug with a crescent wrench. Take the plug out completely.

  • Allow the oil to drain into the pan. Locate the oil filter while the oil is draining.

  • Unscrew the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. Place the filter in the pan with the dirty oil.

  • Tighten the drain plug back onto the motor with the crescent wrench. Do not overtighten as this will strip the threads in the drain pan.

Adding the New Engine Oil

  • Rub motor oil on the gasket of the new filter. This will lubricate the filter and make it easier to install and remove later on. Fill the oil filter with motor oil

  • Tighten the oil filter by hand to the oil filter housing. Do not tighten the oil filter with a wrench as this will strip the threads in the filter and the housing.

  • Open the hood to access the engine compartment. The oil cap is located on the crankcase. The oil cap will be the color yellow.

  • Unscrew the cap and pour in six quarts of oil. Check the oil level by pulling out the engine oil dipstick. The dipstick will be next to the crankcase.

  • Pour the oil in half quart increments until the level is full. Check the dipstick after pouring the oil into the crankcase.

  • Start the vehicle and allow it to run for a few minutes. This will circulate the oil. Turn the motor off and wait 10 minutes. Check the oil once again to ensure the proper level.