Changing Oil for the first time any tips
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
I changed the oil on my vette myself for the first time a few months ago. With a lift, you are definitely way ahead. I was using raceramps on a lowered car and what a pain 
This is not a complete list, here are a few things I can recommend. I am sure some further qualified members will chime in:
1. Wear vinyl disposable gloves. That oil is nasty stuff and if it comes in contact with your skin, the smell lingers even after washing. If it does come on your skin, use pumice hand cleaner (available at any autoparts store) that should help.
2. A three prong oil wrench really helps in the event the oil filter is stuck on really tight. I got mine from amazon and they are not terribly expensive,
http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-10617-...m_auto_title_8
3. One thing that drives me crazy is when you take off the oil filter, it is inevitable you get a big glob of oil that comes out... gets on you and your clothes. One pointer I actually got on the forum is that if you poke a hole in the filter, you can drain it that way... I have not tried this yet but will do so on my next oil change.
This is not a complete list, here are a few things I can recommend. I am sure some further qualified members will chime in:
1. Wear vinyl disposable gloves. That oil is nasty stuff and if it comes in contact with your skin, the smell lingers even after washing. If it does come on your skin, use pumice hand cleaner (available at any autoparts store) that should help.
2. A three prong oil wrench really helps in the event the oil filter is stuck on really tight. I got mine from amazon and they are not terribly expensive,
http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-10617-...m_auto_title_8
3. One thing that drives me crazy is when you take off the oil filter, it is inevitable you get a big glob of oil that comes out... gets on you and your clothes. One pointer I actually got on the forum is that if you poke a hole in the filter, you can drain it that way... I have not tried this yet but will do so on my next oil change.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 184
From: Ohio
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 18
From: DFW Texas
If you have ever changed the oil on any other car, EVER... this is no different.
Some will 'tilt' it forward to get every single last drop out of the pan and dozens of other idiotic little pecularaties here and there.
Keep car level, remove oil plug, remove oil, remove filter - now reverse the procedure. Done.
Some will 'tilt' it forward to get every single last drop out of the pan and dozens of other idiotic little pecularaties here and there.
Keep car level, remove oil plug, remove oil, remove filter - now reverse the procedure. Done.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 20
From: guthrie oklahoma
I will tell on myself, last time I changed my oil in the vette I always use the drain pan with a pour nozzle on it and it has a plug that you pull out to let oil drain into the container, well it dont hold very much oil if you dont get that plug pulled all the way out, but the floor will hold about however much you want to put on it
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My 0.02c
Jack the rear up just a little higher than the front to get the last oil out
Recharge the filter with oil before putting it on
If you use the recommended 6.5 qts make sure you check the level after a short while. Some cars seem to need up to 7 qts.
Jack the rear up just a little higher than the front to get the last oil out
Recharge the filter with oil before putting it on
If you use the recommended 6.5 qts make sure you check the level after a short while. Some cars seem to need up to 7 qts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 11
From: las vegas nv.
When done dig a hole in the corner of your back yard--about 1 foot down-set your oil pan at a slight angle and slowley let the oil spill out towards the neighbors
Not really---Put it in a 2 gallon container and sell it at a swap meet if its under 5,000 miles,its good for another 5,000-ya think
Not really---Put it in a 2 gallon container and sell it at a swap meet if its under 5,000 miles,its good for another 5,000-ya think
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Macedon NY
Here's the ultimate filter wrench - have never needed any other type on th 60+ autos I've owned!
Also, at least keep the car level or slightly lower in the front. Vette has a front drain plug.
Also, at least keep the car level or slightly lower in the front. Vette has a front drain plug.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 16
From: Anchorage Alaska
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
First time I changed the Vette's oil, I crawled underneath the car (properly jacked and supported of course!), and was pleased to see the filter oriented such that I could unscrew it leisurely and not worry about oil spilling out of the filter because the opening was "upward".
Imagine my surprise when about two cups of oil suddenly sprang loose on me! wtf??? Apparently, the tube running TO the filter still retains oil after draining the oil pan. Soooo, poke a hole in the filter... let the filter drain AND the oil that's stored above it will follow out. THEN unscrew the filter. No mess! Hopefully.
Team Owner
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 22,830
Likes: 13
From: Columbus Ohio
CI 3-4, 8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10
The "poke a hole in the filter" is a great concept until you run into one that flat won't come off. 
You then wind up with a car that can't be driven until you finally figure out a way to remove the old filter.
Doesn't work out well if the only car available and you have to make a tool run.
I'd suggest breaking it loose first then poking a hole in it.
You then wind up with a car that can't be driven until you finally figure out a way to remove the old filter.
Doesn't work out well if the only car available and you have to make a tool run.
I'd suggest breaking it loose first then poking a hole in it.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Woodstock Ontario
First time I changed the Vette's oil, I crawled underneath the car (properly jacked and supported of course!), and was pleased to see the filter oriented such that I could unscrew it leisurely and not worry about oil spilling out of the filter because the opening was "upward".
Imagine my surprise when about two cups of oil suddenly sprang loose on me! wtf??? Apparently, the tube running TO the filter still retains oil after draining the oil pan. Soooo, poke a hole in the filter... let the filter drain AND the oil that's stored above it will follow out. THEN unscrew the filter. No mess! Hopefully.
Mrs Wheelboyo soon asked, "Errr what's the oil stain on the driveway?"
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock Texas
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Check out this thread, it may give you some ideas.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1906316
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1906316
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake VA
Use a floor jack and jack the car up about 6 inches on the driver side frame at the jacking puck location forward. That gives enough clearance to slide a drain pan under the drain plug. Remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain. Lower the car down to level with the jack to facilitate draining. After completely drained, raise it back up and reinstall the drain plug. Then move the pan over and remove the oil filter. You can do all this from the side without getting under the car, other than your arm, so not a safety issue. Simple job and takes about 15 minutes. Beats the heck out of ramps or jackstands.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 33
From: Morristown TN
I changed mine for the 1st time today.
It is so easy a Cave-person can do it.
It is one of the easiest cars I have ever changed oil in.
The 1st time I took it to the dealer to have it changed but after the sticker shock if that I decided to do it myself this time.
I did use Royal Purple instead of mobile One because it was on a Managers special at the local auto parts store for $4 a quart.
The real sad thing is I have had my C5 since march 20th and had to change the oil twice already.
It is so easy a Cave-person can do it.
It is one of the easiest cars I have ever changed oil in.
The 1st time I took it to the dealer to have it changed but after the sticker shock if that I decided to do it myself this time.
I did use Royal Purple instead of mobile One because it was on a Managers special at the local auto parts store for $4 a quart.
The real sad thing is I have had my C5 since march 20th and had to change the oil twice already.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
I use a three prong oil filter wrench by Hopkins and it works great... in fact, it is similar to what JIPpy-Lube uses. You can find them at amazon.com.