"Left Over" Oil
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 3
From: Lake Orion Michigan
"Left Over" Oil
I read on the forum that forum members raise the front and rear of the car when doing an oil change to get the last bit of oil out of the drain pan with the car being level.
My question is if I raise just the front of the car to drop the oil and filter how much old oil is left in the pan and does it really matter since I am filling with 6.5 quarts of new oil?
My question is if I raise just the front of the car to drop the oil and filter how much old oil is left in the pan and does it really matter since I am filling with 6.5 quarts of new oil?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 8
From: Hopatcong New Jersey
~4-6oz....does it really matter? Personally I lift the rear because I'm **** about things like that, but realistically it probably doesn't make any difference.
This could turn into a huge debate thread. Anybody out there have a blackstone test where they didn't raise the rear of the car for the last few ounces of oil?
This could turn into a huge debate thread. Anybody out there have a blackstone test where they didn't raise the rear of the car for the last few ounces of oil?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
NO - IT IS A BIG DEAL, WHY BUY FRESH OIL IF YOUR JUST GOING TO DILUTE IT WITH CRAP?
kidding...
YES - It's no big deal, the mixture of remaining oil done at regular intervals will produce a consistency adequate for protecting the engine.
These are the two answers I guess we'll see but I do both depending on the time I have available to do the oil change. I am just a noob but my thoughts are that what little could be remaining wouldn't have any adverse effects long as your doing the oil changes consistently as required.
kidding...
YES - It's no big deal, the mixture of remaining oil done at regular intervals will produce a consistency adequate for protecting the engine.
These are the two answers I guess we'll see but I do both depending on the time I have available to do the oil change. I am just a noob but my thoughts are that what little could be remaining wouldn't have any adverse effects long as your doing the oil changes consistently as required.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 29
From: Chilliwack B.C.
IMO I can't see it being a big deal but I'll end up raising the back just because I can.
I wonder if the dealerships raise the rear or is 'level' on the lift all they do?
Last edited by Chilliwack vettes; Feb 25, 2013 at 09:54 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 835
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles CA
I will usually raise the front on jackstands and replace the filter and drain as much oil as I can. Then I lift the rear with just a jack without supporting it on jackstands and let the remained drain out. I also usually flush an extra half quart of clean oil through it just to clean of any remaining residue. Before I climb under the car again I lower the rear so that the car is supported safely.
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I do not know how much old oil would still be in the car doing the change the way you suggest, but I take the extra time and raise the back end up a little higher than the front just to get as much oil out as possible. Doesn't take much extra effort.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,725
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From: marietta, GA
I jack the front, open the drain plug and let most of the oil flow into the pan, then I remove the jack stands and lower the car to let the rest drain out. The pan I use has a low profile so it won't get crushed .
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Horseshoe Bend ID
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From: Manassas Park VA
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Waist of time,you will never get all he oil out because of the baffles...
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Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 272
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From: The Colony Tx
When I do mine, I put the front up on rhino ramps, remove drain plug, remove old filter, go to rear jack it up level for a cigarette time frame, lower rear, put plug back in along with new filter with oil in it, and then lower the front.
Why do I raise rear, who knows...probalby because at that point I need a smoke lol
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,572
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From: Jackson Tn
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Are you serious? That seems to be WAY too much trouble.
When I do mine, I put the front up on rhino ramps, remove drain plug, remove old filter, go to rear jack it up level for a cigarette time frame, lower rear, put plug back in along with new filter with oil in it, and then lower the front.
Why do I raise rear, who knows...probalby because at that point I need a smoke lol
When I do mine, I put the front up on rhino ramps, remove drain plug, remove old filter, go to rear jack it up level for a cigarette time frame, lower rear, put plug back in along with new filter with oil in it, and then lower the front.
Why do I raise rear, who knows...probalby because at that point I need a smoke lol
I'm not talking about everytime I change my oil there dip stick 
Pro
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 560
Likes: 8
From: Long Island NY
I lifted up just the front, drained the oil, refilled, started engine, let it sit, checked oil...dipstick looked like brand new oil. That is to say, whatever was left in the engine thoroughly dissipated into the new oil. Youll be fine.