How to Change Oil? :(

[MatthewAlan8]

Okay, so I just joined this forum a few weeks ago. I am so inexperienced with everything that has to do with my truck..or anything mechanical. I have the capacity to learn but I am really afraid of messing something up. Is there anybody here that would be willing to give me a detailed explanation on how to change my oil? I know it probably seems ridiculous but I honestly don't know. I am absolutely looking forward to learning everything there is to know but I have to start at square one. If you could include pictures that would be amazing but I don't want to ask for too much.

I think if I can get this done, I would be more inclined to try out more stuff with my car. I have a 1997 Ford Explorer. I am about 5000 miles overdue for an oil change and I just do not want to take it to Jiffy Lube or something because I promised myself that I would do it myself this time. Thank you so much in advance and I apologize for being so uninformed.

 

[jimbo74]

remove drain plug, let drain, reinstall drain plug, remove old oil filter, replace with new filter, remove oil cap in engine bay, pour in about 4-5 quarts of oil, start the vehicle, check level of the fluid on the dipstick, top off if needed



get yourself a chilton or haynes manual, they are $20 and invaluable, they are setup for a beginner so it wont go over your head....

 

[Gadget X]

5000 miles overdue?!?!?! If you can't figure it out yourself, then you need to get it to the jiffylube or whatever now. The only things you need are 1) a new oil filter for your truck, 2) about 5 quarts or so of either 10W30 or 5W30 motor oil (I personally like the Castrol GTX 5W30) and 3) a drain pan to catch the old oil. To start with, find the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan (It just looks like about a 5/8" bolt in the bottom of the pan) when you find that, put the drain pan under it, and take out the drain plug so that the old oil drains out the hole into the pan. (be careful not to drop the plug into the pan, or you'll be fishing it out later) after the oil stops draining, about 5 minutes or so, put the plug back in, and make sure that it is tightened all the way. slide the drain pan under where the oil filter is, and unscrew the filter from it's mount. (you may need an oil filter wrench, which can be had at any auto parts store for a few dollars) after you get the old filter off, dip your finger in some clean, new motor oil and put a little bit on the rubber washer on the bottom of the new filter, then screw it on where the old one came off. (I think the procedure is usually hand tight plus a quarter-turn.) After that, pour about five quarts of new oil in the filler hole on top of the engine (the cap says oil, but sometimes it says 710) and replace the cap. once you've got the oil in, start the engine for a minute, and check to see if the pressure guage on the dash comes up and that there are no leaks under the truck anywhere. Turn off the engine, wait a minute, then check the oil dipstick to see if it is full. If it's not, add a little bit more until it reads full on the dipstick. You're done! now dispose of your old oil at a recycling center (most auto parts stores do this for free) and enjoy the feeling that doing your own work gives you.
And, yeah, definitely get the Haynes manual, they help a LOT!

 

[MatthewAlan8]

Thanks you two. I didn't expect such a quick response! I am going to be trying this today and I'll let you know how it goes. I'm also going to go pick up one of those manuals.

 

[Gadget X]

Good luck with it, it's not that difficult!

 

[MONMIX]

First time ?

Take your time. Dont rush. Think every step through.

Have pleanty of rags, kitty litter, and wear old cloths.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[MatthewAlan8]

Yup first time. I went and picked up a Haynes Manual, Oil Filter and Oil. Took me an hour to find a store around me that had my year in the Manual. Due to it now being dark outside, I will be attempting this tomorrow. Thanks for all the help. I'll read some more of this site and then start reading my Haynes Manual!

 

[Gadget X]

That's a good place to start. It will tell you everything you need to know to begin saving lots of $$$$ and feeling pride in being able to do your own basic mechanic work.

 

[IZwack]

Rock on MatthewAlan8 from Federal Way, Washington -- show that oil who's the boss

 

[MatthewAlan8]

Haha thanks I sure will try! It's funny because I can take my computer apart piece-by-piece, but when it comes to my car, I have just never tried anything other than changing brake lights and headlights. I know that I can do this stuff if I just put my mind to it.

 

[L4CX]

I've been told that you don't really need a Filter wrench. Try Untightening it with your hand. If it doesn't come loose keep applying as much preasure as possible. Usually it will start to come loose. It's a matter of the rubber seal expanding since the last oil change. It's a trick my friend who is a Diesel Technician with a masters told me. He's good with any engine. It works too.

If you can't get it off then go get the wrench. Also, make sure the engine oil is cool. It really stings to get hot oil all over you. Trust me, I've done it. Gloves are also a way to go. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

[Donner]

Kitty litter... 1988

First time ?

Take your time. Dont rush. Think every step through.

Have pleanty of rags, kitty litter, and wear old cloths.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

You nailed it! I tried the first time in 88 and tightened the oil filter crooked... it fell off, and all of the oil went everywhere, slowly... By the time it was noticeable, it had formed a huge puddle. I ran two blocks to the store and picked up bags of kitty litter (out of instinct I guess). Not enough, so I ran back to the store (didn't think to buy oil again when I bought the first bags of KL so I could drive back) Then walked back to the store to buy oil and a filter... panic. Why did I buy a new filter? I did the opposite of everything MONMIX said...

 

[JoeMahma]

Okay, so I just joined this forum a few weeks ago. I have so inexperienced with everything that has to do with my truck..or anything mechanical. I have the capacity to learn but I am really afraid of messing something up. Is there anybody here that would be willing to give me a detailed explanation on how to change my oil? I know it probably seems ridiculous but I honestly don't know. I am absolutely looking forward to learning everything there is to know but I have to start at square one. If you could include pictures that would be amazing but I don't want to ask for too much.

I think if I can get this done, I would be more inclined to try out more stuff with my car. I have a 1997 Ford Explorer. I am about 5000 miles overdue for an oil change and I just do not want to take it to Jiffy Lube or something because I promised myself that I would do it myself this time. Thank you so much in advance and I apologize for being so uninformed.

Give this video a watch. http://www.ehow.com/how_11_change-motor-oil.html
Glad to hear your gonna tackle your maintenance yourself. As has been said, TAKE YOUR TIME...and enjoy it. I find oil changes kinda relaxing. LOL!

 

[MatthewAlan8]

Reading through the Haynes Manual it suggests a Filter Wrench which I don't have. So like L4CX stated, I will try with my hands. If that doesn't work then the store is like 5 minutes away so I'll go and get one.

Also, you said to make sure the oil is cool. The Haynes Manual recommends running the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil because it makes oil and sludge drain better. Do you just mean don't drive for a long time then go right into changing it? Or should I really let it cool all the way down before changing? I have rubber gloves that Haynes recommends so getting burned shouldn't be that big of a deal.

22 steps to change oil in this manual haha. I really appreciate the advice to go get it as it has really broken it down into lei mans terms.

 

[MatthewAlan8]

JoeMahma - Thank you for the video. It's nice to have a visual aide to go along with the instructions everyone has given me and in the manual. The only ones available in the manual are small, black and white.

 

[L4CX]

Also, you said to make sure the oil is cool. The Haynes Manual recommends running the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil because it makes oil and sludge drain better. Do you just mean don't drive for a long time then go right into changing it?

Yeah, sorry I wasn't more clear. Get it warm, just not burn your skin warm. Good luck. It's interesting the first time. Don't forget Eye protection either.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

when you switch the filter take some old oil and spread it with your finger on the gasket for the new one, also you can pour a little oil into the new filter before you screw it in...as far as the filter wrench i use one...if it is that overdue you will probably need one. they are like 5 bucks form auto zone.

 

[ZBlackBeast]

I dont use a wrench, i just use rags/towels

 

[Gadget X]

By the way, if you can work on your computer, then you are really gonna wonder why you thought this might be hard later! It may seem intimidating if you have never done any automotive work before, but trust me, you will see that it really is no big deal.

 

[skoal_mint]

You might get lucky and not have to use a wrench, depends on who out it on and how tight.

Or, you might spend 2 hours stabing your filter and chiseling the base of it...and having to call a tow truck to put it in the shop, never know.. or the drain plug it to tight, striped head and vise grips will not work, then youd need to pull put the torches...or even worse, you might cross threat the filter and might damage the threads on the block...scared yet? lol

Some you might need to use a strap becasue of wear the filter is located and a 1/2 ratchet