Okay no laughing, but i'll admit it...I need some help changing the oil in my C6. I've only changed oil one time before, it was a truck, and I did more beer drinking than helping.

Can someone post a step-by-step idiots guide to changing oil in a C6. The more details the better. :o

 

With or without a lift?

 

Let's assume for the DIY'er it would be floor jack (and not a lift...)

1. Buy beer....
2. Drink some beers...
3. Aww... let's go watch the game, and change oil tomorrow.

 

OK, with or without a floor jack?

 

I don't have a jack, not sure if I would consider ramps, but do have access to lifts at a nearby shop...rent the lift by the hr.

 

Oh, if you can use a nearby shop, maybe they could guide you through the first one. Best to let a professional show you first.

They'll also have the tools you need, like a socket wrench, drain pan, and a shop rag.

Good luck.

 

That's probably the best idea...thanks, I'll give it a go.

 

Maybe you should practice on some elses car first. Be careful lifting the vette on the lift you may need pucks. You should check the manual for the correct lifting procedure.

Once you can get underneath the car look for a bolthead on the bottom of the oil pan(big silver aluminum thing below the engine) lefty loosey, righty tighty. Let it drain for at least 10 minutes and be sure the car is lifted flat and level to drain all the oil out. Re-install and torques the pan bolt tightly(remember this bolt is not under pressure and only holds the oil in the pan, so tight is probably close to 18 ft lbs). Do each step separately so you don't get confused and forget to tighten something down. Then move on to the filter and remove it and let it drain as well. Then wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine clean with a clean cloth being careful not to wipe the surounding dirt into the inner area. IMPORTANT: with new oil fill the filter, let absorb, fill filter again until full. with your finger, dip it into the fresh oil and smear on the new rubber gasket for lubrication. If you install it dry you'll have a heck of a time removing it later. screw it on until the gasket just touches the engine(slight friction)then turn it 3/4 of a turn more. I'll scribe a hash mark on the bottom of the filter at 3 o'clock and turn to 12 o'clock. Wipe it clean and you are done. This is a good chance to get oriented with the underside of the car for future reference. So when you see oil leaks from places that were normally dry before you can get it fixed in a timely fashion. For me, I lay under there looking for additional modding options.
Good luck

 

Will Rhino Ramps work?

 

Yes, Rhino ramps will work, but you also need to jack the other end.

Remember, the car needs to be near level.

Think about it.

If you have access to the lift, I'd use that.

 

couple of questions comes to mind.

What's the break-in period for the C6 Engine? 500 miles, 1,000 miles, etc.

When's the first recommended oil change? 3k miles, 5k miles, or 7k miles (like some sports cars).

What type of oil is recommended? 10W-30, etc.

Synthetic vs regular w/ first oil change?

And how much? 4 qts, 5 qts, 6 qts, etc.

Thanks in advance,

MU

 

I can tell you what the owner's manual says about some of those questions, and what I'm doing (same as owner's manual).

Break-in period is 500 miles. Manual doesn't say anything about first oil change, but the Master Technician at my dealer's, who works on corvettes, says no need to change before the DIC tells you to. That will be about 7000 miles from what my % oil life left message on the DIC tells me. I'll probably change mine at about 6K (6 months for me).

Manual says 5W-30 always, unless you're putting it on the track. Synthetic oil always. Book says 5.5 qts, but someone in the C6 General section put in that much and it still wasn't full. Not sure, but I think the filter takes extra, but you need to look at other posts for that info.

 

I'll share the method I once saw used in a WalMart parking lot. (This was done by an idiot.)

0. Go in WalMart and buy new oil filter and 6 quarts of oil.
1. Lie down near front passenger side of vehicle.
2. Reach under the car, grasp the oil filter and twist counter-clockwise to remove.
3. Enter the car, start it up and rev the engine to redline several (I recommend 3 ) times.
4. Remove your new oil filter from the bag.
Lie down next to passenger side of vehicle and repeat step 2 in reverse.
5. Open the hood.
6. Remove oil filler cap.
7. Pour in 6 quarts of Mobile 1.
8. Replace oil fill cap.
9. Drop your bag with empty oil bittles on the ground.
10. Get in your vehicle and get the h3ll out of there before the cops show up.

 

 

Access to a lift would be the best problem solver and make all maintenance so much easier. But until then before anything gets changed the Jacking/hockey pucks need to be installed. 2 Jack stands would be needed for the rear while car is on Rhino Ramps you say? Then again lots of people usually change the motor oil at about 1,000 to get out any metal shavings.

 

Thanks! That's what I was thinking, the one about ~7000 miles before the first oil change.
So my next question is (for Buster1), are you already at ~7000 miles for your first oild change? Or was this just a general question? OR are you planning to change your oil just because.?. I remember on my last car, the factory oil was recommend to remain in the engine because it was a special made oil that was supposed to soak into the engine (sort of).

MU