2016 Peterbilt 579 Oil Capacity & Filter Reference

The 2016 Peterbilt 579 with the PACCAR MX-13 engine requires approximately 40 quarts (37.85 liters) of 15W-40 heavy-duty diesel engine oil.

Quick Answer

• Oil Capacity: 40 qts (37.85 L) with filter
• Recommended Oil Weight: 15W-40 or 5W-40 (synthetic)
• Oil Specification: API CK-4 or CJ-4
• Oil Filter (PACCAR MX-13):
  • OEM Part Number: PACCAR 1852006PE
  • Wix: 57792
  • Fram: PH11333
  • Mobil 1: Consult dealer

Capacity by Engine Option

While the Cummins ISX15 was also an option, the PACCAR MX-13 is the more common engine for this model year. Capacities are similar, but filter part numbers differ significantly.

Oil Change Interval

For a vehicle in heavy-duty commercial service, oil change intervals are critical for engine longevity and are often dictated by engine hours or fuel consumed rather than just mileage.

• Normal Duty: For operators who spend significant time at highway speeds with minimal idling or PTO (Power Take-Off) usage, an interval of up to 50,000 miles (80,000 km) may be possible with an appropriate oil analysis program.
• Severe Duty: This includes vocational applications, frequent idling, heavy loads in dusty conditions, or extensive PTO use. Under these conditions, the interval should be shortened considerably, often to 15,000-25,000 miles (24,000-40,000 km) or every 500-750 engine hours. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and use oil analysis to determine the optimal interval for your specific operation.

Drain Plug Torque

Proper torque on the drain plug is essential to prevent leaks or damage to the oil pan.

• Drain Plug Torque: 63 ft-lbs (85 Nm) for the PACCAR MX-13.
• Crush Washer: Always use a new crush washer or sealing ring with every oil change to ensure a proper seal.

How to Change the Oil

Changing the oil on a Class 8 truck is a more involved process than on a passenger car. This is a simplified overview.

1. Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil.
2. Shut off the engine and ensure the vehicle is on level ground with the parking brake set.
3. Place a large-capacity (at least 12-15 gallons) oil drain pan under the engine.
4. Remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain completely. This will take a significant amount of time.
5. While the oil is draining, locate and remove the oil filter. Ensure the old gasket comes off with the filter.
6. Clean the drain plug and the oil pan mating surface.
7. Install a new crush washer on the drain plug and reinstall it, torquing to specification.
8. Apply a thin layer of new oil to the gasket of the new filter and install it. Hand-tighten until the gasket makes contact, then tighten an additional 3/4 to one full turn.
9. Refill the engine with the specified amount of new oil.
10. Start the engine and let it run for a minute to circulate the new oil. Check for leaks.
11. Shut off the engine, wait 15-20 minutes for the oil to settle, and then check the dipstick, topping off as necessary.

Common Issues / Tips

• Oil Pan Material: The PACCAR MX-13 features a composite oil pan. It is lightweight but can be damaged if over-torqued or impacted. Use extreme care when tightening the drain plug.
• Filter Location: The oil filter is a cartridge-style filter located in a housing on the driver's side of the engine. A specific large socket or wrench is required to remove the housing cap.
• Oil Analysis: For any commercial operator, implementing a consistent oil analysis program (e.g., Blackstone Labs, a local CAT dealer) is the single best way to monitor engine health and safely extend drain intervals.
• Check the Dipstick: Given the massive capacity, being off by a quart is less critical than in a passenger car, but it's still best practice to check the oil level on the dipstick after an oil change, not just rely on the published capacity number.

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