How Much Oil Does a 5.9 Cummins Take? (Explained)

For over 50 years of service, Cummins engines have been providing us with the horsepower we need for day-to-day tasks. With some peaks and troughs throughout the years, they are indeed reliable. If you doubt the oil holding capacity of your Cummins engine, you’re in the right place.

How much oil does a 5.9 Cummins take?

A 5.9 Cummins engine holds about a maximum of 12 quarts of oil on average. There are different capacities of 5.9 Cummins engine, and different engines hold different quantities of oil. An old Dodger 5.9 Cummins can hold about 11 gallons of oil. Generally, synthetic oil is preferred.

Although there is a lot of debate regarding the efficiency of the engines, the real factors depend on various variables. The 5.9 Cummins are reliable and will give you a good lifetime value. Let’s see the oil holding capacity of different Cummins.

2001 5.9 Cummins:

2001 5.9 Cummins engine holds about 11 quarts of oil. 2001 Cummins engine generally needs Amsoil synthetic oil. These are the first-generation engine.

These engines are most suitable for pickup trucks.

These engines are about 160 horsepower, and they were very popular for the time being.

2003 5.9 Cummins:

A 2003 5.9 Cummins engine holds about 11.9 quarts of oil. They are mainly called third-generation engines. They were in the industry from 2003 to 2009. All types of diesel can be used in this type of engine.

These engines are mainly used in pickup trucks. These engines are also available and used today. Their capacity ranges from about 305 to 325 horsepower.

2004 5.9 Cummins:

A 2004 5.9 Cummins engine holds about 12 quarts of oil. This engine is mainly run on synthetic-based oil. But these 2004 5.9 Cummins engines have some problems like fuel lift pump failure, leaking of fuel injectors.

2005 5.9 Cummins:

A 2005 5.9 Cummins engine can hold about 12 quarts of oil. These engines are mainly used in pickup trucks. The oil that is used in this engine is synthetic oil-based. The oil should be checked regularly, following the viscosity chart.

2006 5.9 Cummins:

The oil capacity of the 2006 5.9 Cummins engine is about 12 quarts. The oil used in this engine is synthetic-based oil. The oil level should be checked after the refilling of the fuel level.

2007 5.9 Cummins:

A 2007 5.9 Cummins engine oil can hold about 12 quarts of oil. And after refilling the engine, the oil level should be checked. This Cummins engine mainly holds5w- 40 Ram Cummins diesel engine oil. 

The engine oil is to be changed after a certain level, and the viscosity chart should be followed for that.

How much oil does a dodge 5.9 Cummins take?

An older dodge 5.9 Cummins can hold about 11 gallons or 44 quarts of oil. But a dodge 2005 5.9 Cummins engine can hold about 12 quarts of oil. The Dodge Cummins is usually more powerful.

This type of engine is mainly used in pickup trucks. But currently, most of the dodge engines can hold 12 quarts of oil. A 2001 dodge Cummins engine can hold about 11 quarts of oil. A 2003 Cummins dodge engine can hold about 18.7 quarts of oil.

A 2004 Cummins dodge engine can hold about 12 quarts of oil. A 2005 Cummins dodge engine can also hold about 12 quarts of oil. A 2006 Cummins dodge engine can hold about 12 quarts with the filter change.

A 2007 dodge Cummins engine can hold about 12 quarts of oil too. So, the capacity of the dodge 5.9 Cummins engine to hold oil is almost the same as the normal 5.9 Cummins engine.

How many gallons of oil does a 5.9 Cummins take?

Generally, a 5.9 Cummins engine, on average, holds about 3 gallons or 12 quarts of oil. One liquid gallon is equal to 4 liquid quarts. So, a 5.9 Cummins engine can hold about 3 gallons of oil on average.

The oil capacity depends on the category of 5.9cummins engine. A 2001 5.9 Cummins engine generally holds about 2.75 gallons or 11 quarts of oil.

A 2003 5.9 Cummins engine can hold about 2.975 gallons or 11.9 quarts of oil. The rest of the fuel category can hold about 3 gallons or 12 quarts of oil.

After refilling the engine’s oil, the oil level should be checked. And in this type of 5.9 Cummins engine, the engine oil should be replaced as per the oil change, following the viscosity chart.

As recommended by professionals, the best oil for the Cummins engine is Valvoline premium blue, and this oil is generally a heavy-duty motor oil.

What oil does a 5.9 Cummins take?

Generally, 5.9cummins engine holds full synthetic oil. In some cases, they also hold conventional and synthetic oil too. Some of the oil that the 5.9 Cummins engine take is given below: 

Royal Purple Oil:

Royal Purple Oil is generally a synthetic oil.

Amazon Basics High Mileage Motor Oil:

Amazon Basics High Mileage Motor Oil is a full synthetic oil.

Castrol 06249 Edge Motor Oil:

Castrol 06249 Edge Motor Oil is a full synthetic oil. The viscosity of the oil is about 5w to 40.

Rotella Shell Rotella T6 Diesel Engine Oil:

Rotella Shell Rotella T6 Diesel Engine Oil is a full synthetic oil.

Valvoline Daily Conventional Motor Oil:

Valvoline Daily Conventional Motor Oil is a full synthetic oil with a viscosity of 10w to 30.

Rotella T6 Diesel Engine Oil:

Rotella T6 Diesel Engine Oil 15w – 20 is a full synthetic oil.

Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. Syn Shield:

Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. Syn Shield is a full synthetic oil.

Final Thoughts 

Different categories of Cummins engines have different capacities of holding oil. Most of the 5.9 Cummins engine holds 12 quarts of oil. These Cummins engines are mainly used in trucks. Different types of oil are required for the 5.9 Cummins engines, and they vary in viscosity.