How many quarts of oil does a 5.9 Cummins diesel take?
A 5.9 Cummins diesel typically takes about 13 quarts of engine oil when you do a full drain and fill with a new filter, and about 12 quarts if you drain and refill without replacing the filter. Exact capacity can vary slightly by model year and configuration. The following provides more detail and context.
The 5.9-liter Cummins (the 6BT) has a largely consistent oil capacity across its popular variants, but small differences can occur due to filter size, oil cooler configurations, and the presence of additional accessories. Always confirm with the vehicle’s manual or by checking the dipstick after filling.
Oil capacity by configuration
The following describes the most common oil capacities you’ll encounter for a 5.9 Cummins. These figures assume a standard filter is used and a typical sump drain-fill procedure.
- 13 quarts (with the oil filter replaced during an oil change).
- 12 quarts (if you drain and refill without replacing the filter, or if the filter’s capacity isn’t added to the total).
For routine maintenance, plan to have about 13 quarts on hand to complete a full change with a new filter, and always verify the level with the dipstick after adding oil.
Year-by-year variations
Most 5.9 Cummins engines—from the early 1990s 6BT 12-valve to the later 24-valve/common-rail versions—share a similar capacity, with minor differences tied to specific configurations or aftermarket parts. The numbers below reflect typical factory specifications for common Dodge Ram applications.
- 6BT 12-valve (roughly 1991–1998): about 13 quarts with filter, roughly 12 quarts without.
- 5.9L 24-valve (roughly 1998.5–2007, including common-rail variants): about 13 quarts with filter, roughly 12 quarts without.
When in doubt, check your owner's manual or the engine oil capacity listed on the original specifications for your VIN and year, since some production changes and aftermarket parts can shift the exact capacity by a small amount.
Summary
The 5.9 Cummins generally requires around 13 quarts of oil for a complete change with a new filter, and about 12 quarts if the filter is not replaced. Variations are possible between different model years and configurations, so always verify with the manual and confirm the level on the dipstick after filling.
