Auto Repair Advice by Professional Automotive Experts
How Do I Repair My Car?
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How Do I
Change My Engine Motor Oil and Filter?
How to Change Engine Oil and Filter
Normal oil and oil filter change service is mandatory for long engine life.
Today's engines have more power which makes it imperative that you change your
oil at regular intervals; every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
If your car uses synthetic motor oil you can extend mileage between changes up
to 2,000 additional miles. Always use your manufacturer's specific weight motor
oil. This information is in your owner's manual or a
car repair
manual.
Also use an OEM or better style of oil filter to maximize engine life.
Step 1 - Locate and Remove Oil Filter
To change your motor oil and filter, first locate the oil filter. It is usually
located around the oil pan of the engine. Remove the oil filter by turning it
counter clockwise with a large locking wrench or an oil filter removal wrench.
(Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when replacing.)
Step 2 - Drain Oil Filter and Inspect Sealing Gasket
After removing the oil filter, let it drain into the oil drain container.
Then clean oil filter seal surface on the mounting flange on block, make sure the
old oil filter's sealing rubber gasket is off the mounting surface for the oil filter
seat. On the new oil filter install a small amount of motor oil onto the rubber
gasket of the new oil filter. Then reinstall new oil filter by turning it clockwise
until tight. (Note: only tighten oil filter by "hand") (Gloves suggested)
Step 3 - Removing the Oil Pan Drain Plug
Next, remove the oil pan drain plug. Using a wrench turn the drain
plug counter clockwise. Be ready to grab the oil drain plug as it becomes dislodged.
(Gloves suggested) Note: Always use the boxed or completed end of the wrench to
avoid rounding of the drain plug hex. A socket wrench is also acceptable.
Step 4 -
Drain Engine
Oil
Once the drain plug is dislodged inspect the
sealing washer on the plug, if worn, broken
or the integrity of the seal cannot be
maintained replace the plug washer with new.
Let oil drain completely, reinstall oil
drain pug and wipe clean with shop or paper
towel. Note: drain plug just needs to be
"snug" - not too tight.
Step 5 -
Adding Engine
Oil
After the oil has been drained out of the
engine and new filter installed add motor
oil to the engine oil fill port, this is
usually located in the valve cover of the
engine and is marked "add engine oil" on the
cap. If the oil fill is in a difficult
position you can use a funnel to help guide
the oil. (The oil cap is upside down in this
picture to prevent oil drippings) Most car
and light trucks will take four to 5 quarts
to fill to capacity. First add four quarts
and reinstall the oil fill cap. Then start
the engine and let run for 1 minute then
shut off the engine and let stand for 2
minutes to assure all oil inside the engine
is in the oil pan for proper measurement.
Step 6 -
Checking
Engine Oil Level
After you have run your engine, let stand
for two minutes, then remove the oil dip stick
level indicator to inspect oil level (the
new oil in this photo has been darkened for
visual effect, clean oil is difficult to see
in photos) make sure the oil level is
between specified lines on the indicator,
add as needed to obtain proper oil level.
If you don't know when the last oil change
was done on your vehicle and would like to
determine where you stand remove the oil
level inductor and check the clarity of the
oil. If it is light color like Tea you are
ok, if it is dark like Coke it is time for
service. We recommend top quality oil
filters and motor oils for your car or truck.
In the course of driving 3,000 miles, an
inferior style oil filter will allow carbon partials to stay in your
engine, causing premature wear and possible
catastrophic engine failure.
How Do I Repair My Car?
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How Do I Change My Engine Motor Oil and
Filter?
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