Oil Change Stuff

Shmackey

Shmackey

Joined
May 5, 2000
Messages
1,478
I'm done paying Jiffy Lube to do a lousy job, and I want to know if there's any cool stuff that's been invented since I did this when I was a kid. I just did my Saturn a couple of days ago. I don't know why I ever stopped doing this myself.

By the way, whoever's responsible for the oil filter location on the Saturn needs a slap.
 
One of the best little gadgets I've found is a little valve that screws onto the top of the oil bottle. It allows you to tip the bottle upside down, and then open the valve. This way you don't pour motor oil all over your engine bay.

You can usually pick them up for less than a buck in the automotive section.

Another thing that works great is a plastic oil pan. The one I have is not open on the top - it's covered except for a little drain hole in the middle. That way when the oil hits the pan, it goes into the drain hole and inside the pan. You don't have to worry about spilling the oil.

Again, you can find these for a few bucks in the automotive section.
 
I bought a rubber 'holder' (about the size and shape of a beer mug with out the handle) that fits over the filter while you unscrew it by hand (after you loosened it with the wrench). The best part about it is it catches any oil that spils out of the filter while you remove it. The effectiveness may vary depending on the orientation of your filter (My filter screws in open side up). About $2 at Napa.

I don't envy you doing this on a Saturn. I did this once on my wifes Pontiac Sun Bird. the filter is down behind the wheel well. I am convinced you have to remove the engine to change the oil :). She goes to Jiffy now. My GMC S-15 on the other hand is a thing of beauty. the filter is away from the engine up near the headlight and easy to get to.
 
Hmm...it seems that my old friends at Jiffy Lube don't accept used oil for recycling. Are there any chains that do? I have a good feeling about Wal/K Marts.
 
You can also get filter-relocation kits for some cars. I know that for Toyota trucks (and 4Runners, Landcruisers) some of the engines have murderous oil filter locations. Downey Off-Road sells these kits that allow you to mount the oil filter up against the firewall where it's easy to reach.

Don't know if these are available for other makes however. I think they should be pretty easy to install, especially if you're reasonably mechanically inclined.
 
Call your local fire dept. They usually deal with used chemicals or at least know who does and what to do with it.
 
Here's a great oil filter removal wrench... if you grab the filter TOO hard with it, it'll perforate and leak all over your arm/head, etc, but generally I don't usually do this more than once every other year, and it's worth it for removal only...(don't use it to torque the new filter on... it deforms and can perforate!):

http://www.griotsgarage.com/search.jsp?searchtext=11910

I also use one of these oil change drain pan & carriers...holds a number of changes before you have to head out to recycle, which I appreciate very much.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?SKUupsell=44600

For putting the new filter on, I generally get good service out of the sort of socket-like, made-to-size metal caps that fit the flats on the filter. You use a regular ratchet with these tools to install. They are about $3 at most autoparts stores. You need the exact size for your filter, that is why they tend to work for putting new, clean filters on (but are not so good for removal...they tend to slip).

http://www.sts.sae.org/misc/guest.htm

Griot's Garage is a high end shop. Very high quality, very good service, prices are high, but you may find similar tools to these at autoparts store once you know what to look for visually.

For some reason, all the adjustable filter wrenches, universal wrenches, just don't work worth a damn, or I haven't found one that works for both on and off anyway. I've settled on the above tools as of about 6 years ago and have no reason to switch.

And for adding new oil? The trusty old cone filter is all you need... I have no need for geewhiz gewgaws here.
 
For you Toyota truck owners: with a 4 cylinder and A/C, it looks impossible UNTIL you look in the passenger wheel well. There are 4 bolts that hold half of that wheel well in place. Take them off, and the filter is right there!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top