Don't laugh at me, please. (Oil change)

[lazyitus]

I've never, ever, ever changed the oil in a car. EVER !

I'm not technically gifted when it comes to messing with mechanicals and I've always found myself paying a garage to do the job for me due to my low level of confidence leading to horrific thoughts of the car blowing up, ceasing or similar.



So, I thought to myself, why not try it myself - grow some balls. I've had a read about the procedure in the bible and it looks pretty straight forward in all honesty.

So armed with my oil, a screw driver and a new filter, I will be having a go in the next week or two.

Is it as easy as it appears for somebody with 5 thumbs ?

Hints and tips welcome.

[tegwin]

Its easy... provided you use common sence...


And dont forget to put the sump plug back in BEFORE you fill the engine with oil

[lazyitus]

tegwin said:

And dont forget to put the sump plug back in BEFORE you fill the engine with oil

You see, this is the type of thing I'd probably forget !

Cheers.

[Slikk]

Heh, lets not mention the possibility of having to prime the oil pump, eh?

[lazyitus]

Slikk said:

Heh, lets not mention the possibility of having to prime the oil pump, eh?

I intend on avoiding the need for this.

Which leads me to the most important question. The bible mentions changing the filter quickly to prevent the need for priming the pump.

I mean, how quick is quick. Do you have to do it within 10 seconds, pitstop style, or do you get a minute to work with ?

[Slikk]

Nah, i left mine overnight (Serp) and it was fine the next day. Put oil in the filter before fitting (its a bit messy but gets oil into the pump)

Edited by Slikk on Thursday 6th November 09:46

[lazyitus]

Slikk said:

Nah, i left mine overnight (Serp) and it was fine the next day.

Really ?

This is at odds with what the bible says. I hope you're right as I may be skilled just enough to complete the job within 5 hours.

[Slikk]

It was overnight, yeah. However, if you get the new filter ready and put it on as soon as you remove the old one, there shouldnt be a problem. Just relax and get the job done

[lazyitus]

Slikk said:

However, if you get the new filter ready and put it on as soon as you remove the old one

This is the bit I want to know how long you get to do. How soon after removing the old filter does the new one have to be in place ?

[Slikk]

Theres no reason why you cant have it next to you ready to go. Remove and put the old one down, pick up new one, screw on. Job done. Honest mate, its as simple as that. Pre-Serps are more likely to de-prime than Serps.

[lazyitus]

Slikk said:

Theres no reason why you cant have it next to you ready to go. Remove and put the old one down, pick up new one, screw on. Job done. Honest mate, its as simple as that. Pre-Serps are more likely to de-prime than Serps.

Good. I just wondered if I had a minute to make sure I didn't cross thread instead of going flat out trying and fking the job up.

I'm probably fretting with no good reason.

[Slikk]

lazyitus said:

I'm probably fretting with no good reason.

You are, old chap

[FUBAR]

With the entusiasm of youth, I once changed the oil on my 350i way back when. Several hours later, lots of swearing and 7 seriously grazed knuckles I swore I would NEVER do it again....

...and I havent

[Bluebottle]

If you have a pre-serp then priming the pump can be a real issue. A trick I learnt after spending 4 naffing days with a big jar of PJ only to find that the pump was sucking in air through a leaking pressure sender which is why i couldn't get it to prime...oops was entering rant mode for a moment there, anyway back to the trick...with a warm engine remove plug and drain, then replace plug with new washer and part fill the engine (just enough to ensure the pump pick up tube is submerged in the new oil) then remove filter and replace with a new filter which you have already filled up with new oil.
This method creates a vacuum stopping the old oil from pouring straight out of the pump when you remove the filter.

Edited by Bluebottle on Thursday 6th November 12:27

[Fex2005]

Dont do what I did and over tigten the sump plug. Stripped the threads and had to be rethreaded by an engineering company costing me £££s

[Gaffer]

I know from watching Ian, that once its finished draining the oil, he primes the new filter (dont forget to run some extra oil round the top to create a seal) and plugs it straight in.

Also hold the bucket right under the sump slightly to the side as it comes out at a funny angle till it gets into the flow (also can be quiet fierce). Its a 2 handed job so you need some coordination

One last thing, dont do what I did and drop the plug in the bucket of oil by mistake and have to go fishing for it...!!!

Claire

[rev-erend]

If you do it - then make sure you have a large container for the oil - this can be 5.5 ot 6 litres.. also plenty of rags and news paper to stop the oil going everywhere.. and make sure you use marigold gloves as used oil is carsogenic.. I believe and you really don't want it on your hands.

[poorpeet]

Warm the engine beforehand warm oil flows better and drains down faster. I take mine out for a really good run to burn off any moisture.
Make sure you let everything cool down a bit, until you can touch the engine with your bare hand.
Get some of those cheap latex golves or you'll have oil under your nails for days.
Don't overtighten the sump plug. I reuse the copper washer but put a few turns of ptfe tape around the base of the threads.

[lazyitus]

Thanks folks. I feel ready for the challenge !

[CLN1]

Jon YHM

Colin.