RE: Doin' Shit Yourself #2: Oil and Filter Change
suggest that you run the car around the block first to warm, not hot, the oil, it will flow easier and you will tend to get the oil sitting on the head as well. If you have it to hot you won't the second time.
Having removed the oil plug have a look at it, some cars have a magnet inserted into the end of the plug to show any steel fragments in the oil, indicating a failure somewhere, and needing attention.
Likewise look at the oil in the catching pan, looking for metal suspended in the oil, again a big bill coming up.
When the filter spanner like yours won't work to remove the old filter, remember it is going to be thrown out anyway. Use the hammer and literally drive a screwdriver right through the filter, then you can use a hand on both sides of the filter,
This will make more mess of course, but if you have no other options it can save your neck.
I have seen a pipe placed on the screwdriver where it emerged from the filter and a FBH [Fairly Big Hammer] used to start things turning.
Also, for your car, put in 4 quarts of oil, start the engine and let it idle for a minute or so, stop it and then top up the sump to the correct level of oil. The level will have dropped because the new oil filter was empty, they can hold a lot of oil, let one roll down the driveway and see how much oil was in there. Leave the half quart in it's sealed container in the garage for top ups as the engine requires.
In some cars the conrods/piston skirts come in contact with the top of the oil if the engine is overfilled. This can create problems with frothing etc.
Remember, the design engineer spent a lot of years going through his training, and he will have spent a lot more years learning his trade. If he says '4 and a half quarts of oil, there is a good reason for it
Thanks so much h for the feedback @len.george. I had no idea about the magnet on the oil pan bolt.
I had considered knocking a screwdriver through the filter, but the problem I was having is that the wrench handle was catching on the engine and losing grip, so that's why I shortened the handle.
And for the warm up, I forgot as well, so thank you for mentioning it. I will remember this next time.
kudos for these added hints on what to pay attention for during this process!
I've also heard about sticking magnets to the oil filter was supposed to be a good idea... you mention something about some cars having magnets on the plug... what's your take on the idea of sticking one to the oil filter to collect metal dust and keeping the oil "cleaner"... just a myth or a reasonable idea?
the better idea is in the oil plug. It is not there to clean the oil, just to draw your attention to a big bill that is coming your way.[maybe time to sell the car quickly]
Make sure you are using a good brand oil filter, we were offered a cheaper line of filters once, the rep left one behind and I opened it up to see what they were using for a filter medium.
Nothing.
No wonder they were a lot cheaper.
what is your next DIY item? in case I can help.
thanks for elaborating! I just got my car through the safety inspection and I hope there won't be anything that needs diy-ing too soon!
following you though, in case something happens... maybe I will remember to reach out to your knowledge!
untrained, just what I have learned through a lot of stuff ups, and listening to the experts.
If I can help, give me a yell.
have followed you, if that helps keep track.