DIY: Oil Change

[O.O]

.

[njerald]

You forgot about wiping the oil filter mount off with a clean cloth, putting clean oil on the new filter gasket, filling the new filter with oil, getting the new filter in placer, filter tightening procedure, replacing the oil fill cap, replacing the dipstick, checking the fluid level with the dipstick when complete and maybe some more.........

[O.O]

LOL you got me. Edited first post. Thanks.

[89molavi]

The most important part is; when you take the old filter off make sure the gasket came off with it, otherwise it is stuck and then you will have a nasty leak.

[ekpolk]

No feathers ruffled here. I've used essentially the same extractor (though Griot's branded), and they do work well. They're especially nice on models on which you can access the filter without needing to elevate the car.

I would add one caution, however. Depending upon the reach required, the suction tube can end up lying across the car's finish and marring the paint pretty badly. I'd recommend placing a shop towel (or similar soft thing) under it.

[somick]

Originally Posted by njerald

You forgot about wiping the oil filter mount off with a clean cloth, putting clean oil on the new filter gasket, filling the new filter with oil, getting the new filter in placer, filter tightening procedure, replacing the oil fill cap, replacing the dipstick, checking the fluid level with the dipstick when complete and maybe some more.........

Perfect....

[somick]

If you are under the car, how hard is it to open the drain plug? Hot oil will take out all the sediment with it, while with the suction tube you still need to guess whether you got to the very bottom or it still hangs somewhere in between.

Sam

[njerald]

Originally Posted by semyonlibman

If you are under the car, how hard is it to open the drain plug? Hot oil will take out all the sediment with it, while with the suction tube you still need to guess whether you got to the very bottom or it still hangs somewhere in between.

Sam

Not hard at all if you've got it raised a little to get to the oil filter.

You don't have to get under the car either way but you have to reach both the oil drain plug and the oil filter.

That's true...................

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted by semyonlibman

If you are under the car, how hard is it to open the drain plug? Hot oil will take out all the sediment with it, while with the suction tube you still need to guess whether you got to the very bottom or it still hangs somewhere in between.

Sam

Sam:

Yes and No. If you take a careful look at the unit, you'll see the rings along the side. Each ring corresponds to one quart. After you get handy at inserting the suction tube, you learn to feel when it's at the bottom of the oil pan. And even if you don't, you can plainly see exactly how much oil has come out. With an I-4 Camry, if you see the oil a couple inches above the four quart line, you know you're good. And if the oil is freshly hot, sediment should not be an issue -- it should all be in suspension, and all come out with the hot oil.

This said, I personally just pull the plug. All three of my cars now need to be elevated to get at the filter (well, if you want to do some struggling with the Prius and the Camry, I suppose you could do the filter with no lift...). I pull the plug because once the car is already up, quite frankly, it's easier than messing with the extractor.

[ekpolk]

Oh yeah, for anyone considering an extractor, which I think is certainly a valid option, I STRONGLY recommend getting one that's driven by suction from an air compressor. Hand pumping is viable, but a huge PITA. In order to suck out five quarts, you'll feel like you're pumping 'till the cows come home. Get your suction electrically -- your forearms will thank you later...

[workerant]

Originally Posted by ekpolk

I STRONGLY recommend getting one that's driven by suction from an air compressor.

Am I the only one think the old method is way way better?

Sure it's hard to jack up the car high enough to get under but it kill 2 birds with one stone. You have to remove the filter too anyway which for the Gen6 it is under there too. For my SE, I find it's hard to remove the filter without lifting up the car.

Just unscrew that drain nut and gravity take over. Why needing to hand pump or the extension cord? (someone said they even smell gas in their oil, which mean it should be kept farther away from any sparks that might come from the electric motor)

I agree it's a different way of doing it and I see it can work. But I also think it's going the extra mile without benefit. Just like that device to turn the pages for you when it doesn't even work well.

No feathers ruffle here, I'm open to new ideas but this one is not for me.

Side question, do you notice improvement in mpg using that fuel economy oil?

[GeorgiaHybrid]

In order to suck out five quarts, you'll feel like you're pumping 'till the cows come home. Get your suction electrically -- your forearms will thank you later...

Gene, am I the only one to think that there HAS to be a good joke in this somewhere???

[GeorgiaHybrid]

TTM77,

Some of us running hybrids are a little anal about mileage and keep very good records concerning gas and oil brands and types. Most have seen a small improvment in mileage running 0w-20 instead of 5w-20 on the order of 1/4 to 1 mpg. Those running shorter trips where the engine does not get up to temp will see an increase toward the upper end of that range as the thinner oil is easier for the engine to pump when cold. Those in warmer regions with longer trips will see minimal increases in mileage.


I just use 5w-20 as that weight is recomended and works with the 2 fords, 2 hondas, 1 lincoln and the camry that I am keeping up. It's simpler for me buy one grade and use it everywhere. If mine was the only car, I would probably use 0w-20.

Like you, I just run them up on the ramps, slide under and drain the pan while I am getting the filter off. Simple and fast...

[workerant]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaHybrid

TTM77,

Some of us running hybrids are a little anal about mileage and keep very good records concerning gas and oil brands and types.

I am anal too. Gas, I did keep watch on it but conclude that it doesn't make much dif between brand. So I only anal about oil brands and type. I do use Mobile1 too but the 15K type because I hate changing oil and it's freezing cold outside. But I did see this fuel economy and just wonder if it really work. If it's really only 1mpg than it's too little to notice. I can lighten up on my heavy foot and I'll see a notice different of about 5mpg. Once, my entire tank even got up to 31mpg.

So I guess the idea of switching to this fuel economy is out.

[desentrix]

for after the oil change:
kitty litter will help absorb any spilled oil-- then you can use a degreaser to remove whats left.