oil change
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
oil change
I am getting ready to perform an oil change for the first time on my 1980 corvette. I wanted to ask a few questions:
1.) Does anyone have any tips or tricks for changing the oil to make it easier and less messy?
2.) What is the good option for replacing the oil? (synthetic vs not) (brand choice)
Thanks.
1.) Does anyone have any tips or tricks for changing the oil to make it easier and less messy?
2.) What is the good option for replacing the oil? (synthetic vs not) (brand choice)
Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 22
From: Crystal Lake IL
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
a. stay away from jiffy lube or any quick oil change facilities.
b. if you have a flat tappet engine, read the sticky in the c3 perf/tech section for recommended oils.
c. warm up engine.
d. drive it up ramps.
e. put cardboard down.
b. if you have a flat tappet engine, read the sticky in the c3 perf/tech section for recommended oils.
c. warm up engine.
d. drive it up ramps.
e. put cardboard down.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I've used Jiffy Lube for years. No problems. The oil change outfits are required to safely gather and dispose of waste oil. Check your local laws and you may find that you, as a private citizen, cannot put waste oil in the trash.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Dec 24, 2011 at 10:45 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta Ga
There is nothing really wrong with going to those places...it just has to be the right place. If you find a place that you go to regularly, they know you, they know your car, and they do good work...you shouldn't have a problem. Some places, and some employees just don't give a crap...but there are some places and employees that make sure they do a good job everytime....unless the customer is an A-hole...then you never know what you are going to end up with.
Never be an A-hole to someone serving you food...or working on your car...PERIOD. At least no until they are in your possession.
Never be an A-hole to someone serving you food...or working on your car...PERIOD. At least no until they are in your possession.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
True, but anyone can empty the drain pan into a discarded plastic 1 gallon milk jug and take to one of the national chain auto parts stores for disposal, free of charge. The filter is steel and can be recycled too.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Being that this is my first oil chance for the car I wanted to do it myself. Kind of like an honorary thing. So that is why I wanted to see if any people with experience in doing it had any advice to eliminate new-be pitfalls.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Northern New Jersey
Get a nice big pan so you can drain the pan and filter at the same time. Don't tighten the drain plug to much, fill the filter and lube the filter seal, then tighten to the specs on the filter. Also make sure the old filters gasket came off with the filter and is not stuck on the flange.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
I did hundreds when I worked for GM. Tip? Fill the filter with oil before you put it on.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Streator Illinois
When installing the new filter, tighten it only as per instructions - usually 2/3 to 3/4 turns after the gasket contacts the sealing surface. Usually hand tightening will suffice. Overtightening the filter can cause it to be VERY difficult to remove next time and can cause the gasket to deform and leak.
Before reinstalling the drain plug, check to make sure the plug gasket is not cracked or broken. You can get a new one at any parts store.
Terry
Before reinstalling the drain plug, check to make sure the plug gasket is not cracked or broken. You can get a new one at any parts store.
Terry
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 10
From: Brooklet Ga.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
When installing the new filter, tighten it only as per instructions - usually 2/3 to 3/4 turns after the gasket contacts the sealing surface. Usually hand tightening will suffice. Overtightening the filter can cause it to be VERY difficult to remove next time and can cause the gasket to deform and leak.
Before reinstalling the drain plug, check to make sure the plug gasket is not cracked or broken. You can get a new one at any parts store.
Terry
Before reinstalling the drain plug, check to make sure the plug gasket is not cracked or broken. You can get a new one at any parts store.
Terry
Scott
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 10
From: Brooklet Ga.