A few questions from a new DIYer

[battlewagon]

Hey guys, n00b here. Just did my first oil change on my 07. I did not change the filter on this oil change. I added a 5.1 quart jug of Castrol Syntec. The levels appeared normal as I was going, when I concluded and after running the engine. Also normal after 40 minute commute home tonight. A co-worker question me when I said I used a 5.1 quart to fill it, saying it needed 6. I confirmed that in the OM, but I wanted to check with you guys since I did not change the filter. I trust what the dipstick is telling me, so please let me know what you think.

I also changed the fuel filter. The process was pretty straightforward, I followed the instructions in the Haynes manual and also watched a youtube video. The only thing I noticed while driving it the day after is that the miles to empty seems to be declining more rapidly than before. There is a definite performance boost, but should the new filter improve mileage?

Google was not very helpful with these and neither were my searches on this forum, so I apologize. I realize this is not really "threadworthy". Thanks in advance...

 

[fifthranger]

You should have changed the oil filter. What is the point of basically adding new oil to old and recirculating the dirt that the filter removed? A new filter would only cost $5 or $6.

As far as the fuel filter goes, I don't have an answer. Yes, you should get better miles per gallon or at the most the same but not less. How much less? Could be a coincidence? Different brand gas?

 

[Davidm53]

Something I need to do since changing my fuel filter is to disconnect the battery for a few mins, to reset the computer.
Might help, might not.
I have replaced the plugs, cleaned the intake with seafoam, fuel filter replaced. Engine is smoother at acceleration now.

 

[battlewagon]

You should have changed the oil filter. What is the point of basically adding new oil to old and recirculating the dirt that the filter removed? A new filter would only cost $5 or $6.

As far as the fuel filter goes, I don't have an answer. Yes, you should get better miles per gallon or at the most the same but not less. How much less? Could be a coincidence? Different brand gas?

I know I should have, but there were extenuating circumstances. The wrench I had didn't fit, so I went to the store and got a cap wrench and that couldn't grip and the filter wouldn't budge. I did not have the time unfortunately to go back to the store again (I had already made three trips), so I decided it would have to wait until next time. Like I said, I am new to this and will not repeat my mistakes...

For the gas, I haven't filled the tank yet, just did this yesterday, so it's the same. There hasn't been a whole lot of movement on the needle, but the miles to empty reading is dropping faster than it had. I did disconnect the neg terminal on the battery, but I don't think that impacted this.

 

[Old As Dirt]

Check to make sure there are no leaks around your fuel filter connections.

 

[vipersinu2]

you need a oil filter that is made for Syntec oil.