Vehicle Oil Changes: Are you a DIY'er?

[thool]

I bought a car that uses synthetic, from a dealer, and they include free oil changes, so I'll have them do it for me.

The other 3 cars, I'll do myself. I use a floor jack and jack stands and crawl under. Good time to inspect the underside and look for things that may need attention.

 

[CarCrazyRDM]

I don't think I've ever let anyone change the oil in one of my personal vehicles.

 

[thool]

DIY Er here, money is not the reason, peace of mind is. My wife had a oil change place leave an old filter gasket on the block double gasketing the vehicle. Needless to say engine was replaced by their insurance, I've done it ever since. At least the shop was honest and admitted the mistake and stood tall on the engine. .

I've been changing oil for 35 years, and have never had this happen, and have yet to figure out how this is even possible. Maybe someone installed without wiping oil on the gasket and cranked it down so hard that the gasket bonded?

When you take the filter off, don't we all inspect the filter and notice that the gasket is there? And when you wipe clean the machined mating surface of the block, wouldn't you notice a ring stuck there? The only way this could be possible is if you replace the filter by unscrewing it and installing a new one with your eyes shut.

 

[Dragfluid]

I've been changing oil for 35 years, and have never had this happen, and have yet to figure out how this is even possible. Maybe someone installed without wiping oil on the gasket and cranked it down so hard that the gasket bonded?

When you take the filter off, don't we all inspect the filter and notice that the gasket is there? And when you wipe clean the machined mating surface of the block, wouldn't you notice a ring stuck there? The only way this could be possible is if you replace the filter by unscrewing it and installing a new one with your eyes shut.

Yes, it happens. I did it on my daughter's car about 1 1/2 years ago. Trying to do multiple things in a limited amount of time, and it got overlooked. Of course this usually results in an immediate leak, which I noticed while backing it out of the stall.

So yes, it can happen to the best of us, and we won't burn in hell or lose our driver's license because of it.

 

[thool]

Yes, it happens. I did it on my daughter's car about 1 1/2 years ago. Trying to do multiple things in a limited amount of time, and it got overlooked. Of course this usually results in an immediate leak, which I noticed while backing it out of the stall.

Then I see how this is completely possible/probable in an operation where they try to push as many customers through as quickly as possible!

 

[LumpyMusic]

Then I see how this is completely possible/probable in an operation where they try to push as many customers through as quickly as possible!

I suspect that the overwhelming majority of problematic repairs of any kind, at any shop, are due to that concept.

Changing oil isn't difficult. Any monkey can do it. But ask that monkey to do it 30 times in an hour and he's bound to make a mistake.

Thus the DIY concept. Us monkeys don't have to feel pushed by the clock.

That's also why successful DIY people get jobs done while anxious people get worried about having to start or having to finish.

Stay relaxed, look at the big picture, work on small parts at a time = success.


Sgt Lumpy

 

[Saleen4971]

Twice in my life have i had adouble gasket. Both times I realized as I was installing the new filter. You can ALWAYS feel the difference.

 

[The0retical]

I've reached the point after too many incidents at both the dealer, quickie lube places, and independents that I just do the oil myself now.

I've had two incidents where the tech has rounded the head off the plug and just put in back.
One incident where they forgot to put the drain plug gasket in.
One incident where they didn't tighten the filter all the way.
And lastly one unforgettable incident where they broke the two studs off on my wheels then RTV'd them back in place.

I work on aircraft for a living so that type of stuff is really unforgivable in my book. It doesn't take too long to do every five to ten thousand miles and I'd rather not run into a safety issue again.

 

[Dragfluid]

Twice in my life have i had adouble gasket. Both times I realized as I was installing the new filter. You can ALWAYS feel the difference.

NO, you can't.

I wish that I hadn't clicked on this damn thread in the first place. I knew that I was going to get frustrated by all the oil change "experts". Just couldn't help myself, I guess.

 

[INSP380]

Just had mine changed yesterday. Tire rotation also, it was included when I bought the tires. They sent me a coupon for Christmas and my total bill was $9.95 . No way I can do it myself that cheap, went next door and had breakfest while I waited. Fast, easy and I trust the professionals that work there. When you find a place that treats you like you would treat others, and does not try to upsell you on anything, it's a blessing.

Steve

 

[lakeroadster]

And lastly one unforgettable incident where they broke the two studs off on my wheels then RTV'd them back in place.

That's criminal.. did you go back and get management involved on this?

 

[soj]

Wow, 13 pages, 251 posts in 9 days, including lots of... shall we say "spirited" discussion.

What I glean from it is that, like in most things, everybody is different. We used to say, "different strokes, for different folks."

One day, when all we can buy are electric cars, I guess we will be discussing whether it is best to change out your own battery, or let Elon Musk do it.

Merry Filters and Happy New Oil to all, however you get 'em!
jp

 

[dsprint2000]

On the gas vehicles, I do it myself. I hate having anyone touch my cars. BUT, the diesel I have done as my diesel guy is just too cheap.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I've been changing oil for 35 years, and have never had this happen, and have yet to figure out how this is even possible. Maybe someone installed without wiping oil on the gasket and cranked it down so hard that the gasket bonded?

When you take the filter off, don't we all inspect the filter and notice that the gasket is there? And when you wipe clean the machined mating surface of the block, wouldn't you notice a ring stuck there? The only way this could be possible is if you replace the filter by unscrewing it and installing a new one with your eyes shut.

I agree. It is impossible for me to double gasket one. I look at the old filter coming off, then take a clean paper towel and carefully wipe down the gasket surface on the engine, feel it, inspect it, and then screw a new filter on. I use Dow 4 on the gaskets, not engine oil.

Charles

 

[thool]

3- people, having low paid oil techs in and out of my cars is no longer appealing, ever since my "back in black" cassette went missing

Somewhere, some unemployed 50-something grease monkey is brooding in his mother's basement, drinking Mad Dog and wearing out your cassette listening to Big Balls right now.

 

[thool]

I agree. It is impossible for me to double gasket one. I look at the old filter coming off, then take a clean paper towel and carefully wipe down the gasket surface on the engine, feel it, inspect it, and then screw a new filter on. I use Dow 4 on the gaskets, not engine oil.

Charles

That's exactly how my dad taught me. Carefully inspect the old gasket for cracks or other signs of trouble, and check the block surface for issues. Also, two things you never rush on: working on cars or women!

 

[ochristofferson]

I do my own and have always done my own (along with car washes!).
Lately done on the 2 post lift (what a joy) where previously it was on wheel ramps. Since I also take a sample for oil analysis, there is no other option.
When up on the lift, I can also do a good visual check on any potential underbody issues as well as inspect wheels, suspension, brake lines and such.

 

[corrie]

Did my first oil change on my wife's Optima today, for the first 30k mi, or 6 changes at the dealers 5k mi interval they did it. I wasn't very happy to find the factory crush washer still painted to the drain plug.

 

[2000-cvpi]

I do it myself. Jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks. 20 minutes if I'm in a hurry....2 hours if I need a break away from the kids.

I'm not sure it's any less expensive doing it yourself, but it's sure less stressful.

I do the same thing, 90 minute oil changes to get away. There's a few good spots to put a smartphone on the underside of a Crown Vic that help me watch about an hour of HBO during oil changes in my garage.

 

[Whitworth]

I used to do oil changes myself, started out with my first car being a new car and wanting to follow maintainence schedule to the letter. As years went by I eventually gave up and have it done for me. Too much rigmarole if you don't have a lift - getting under the vehicle, getting at the filter, draining the oil without a mess everywhere, etc.

I personally don't trust auto shops, large or small, dealer or independent. Too many instances of shoddy work, but oil changes are easy to double check. The two problems to check are loose plugs and overfilling (very common), also check the filter looks new.

 

[bluestripe67]

My story is a real mixed bag. At age 68 I have done many oil changes on many different vehicles. Some on raw ground, some on gravel with cardboard and the car on ramps. Not until I bought my own home in '90 did I have a garage to work in. Even then it was a mixed bag. Some at home and some at the Mercedes Club tech sessions held at the dealer. Being on my 3rd MB, I have done some and so has my indy mech. The exception to all this is my '67 SB Vette. In 42 years of ownership, no one but me has done any of the work. Sometimes I do the oil changes at the Corvette Club shop night at the sponsoring dealer. I'll continue this pattern for both cars.

 

[84GT350Annv]

Definitely a DIY'er. Wrote on the garage wall what side to put the hydraulic jack on for which car and how much oil each one takes. Still skidding along on the driveway on my back. Building a shop this year with hydraulic lift plans. Finally lol.

 

[Dutch01]

DIY. Pull car on ramps and use creeper to access underside. The one and only time I had an oil change done by a dealership was back in 1978 on my 9 month old XT 500 Yamaha. Two days later on a trip the engine seized up due to lack of oil. The sump plug got loose and fell out. Dealer wouldn't accept responsibility claiming my bike was sabotaged.

 

[ikessky]

The filter on my minivan (2013 Grand Caravan) is accessed from the top of the engine, so it's very easy to change. I'm on and off the ramps in unde 30 minutes. I'm still young enough that crawling under a vehicle doesn't bother me too much. The filter on my truck (2000 F150 w/ 5.4) is a pain to get at, but it's still doable and I don't need ramps for the truck. I run synthetic in both rigs and abide by a 10k change interval.

 

[Bruce4310TX]

I have always done my oil changes, except one free one since i started driving in 75 and with my new 2 post i put in this summer no more ground work. Wife's new car has free oil changes but the dealer wont ever see it unless its warranty work.

 

[APEowner]

For me, it takes less time and is more convenient to change it myself than it would be to get the car or truck to someone.

 

[srr]

I do all my own oil changes(two post lift, nice weather and well lit) and for my side business also for the ones who ask. I did my son in laws Honda mini van and noticed the drain plug had a socket stuck on there from the last place that did the oil change. lol My niece took her car to a shop because she didn't want to bother me with it and while I was talking to her I noticed a wet spot forming under her oil pan...I reached under and noticed the plug was hand tight. Oops...I took our company car in for it's 3K oil change and just because, I checked the oil and first noticed they spilled some on top of the engine and didn't even bother to wipe it up AND it was a quart low 30 minutes after being changed???
For you guys that are sending in your oil for analysis...just buy a filter cutting tool from summitracing for $38.00 and see what it's catching. You'll also be able to see just how crappy a regular fram filter is. I refuse to put a shi**y oil filter on a $2500. engine. BTW I'm an ASE certified mechanic with 40 years experience. Your mileage may vary. ;-)

 

[The0retical]

That's criminal.. did you go back and get management involved on this?

I actually stopped back in and had it out with the management in front of a number of people after I put the lugs back in myself. That pretty much put a stop to me allowing anyone to do any work to my cars unless it's something really major and the shop is willing to warranty the work (or print me out a copy of the alignment after I check all the tire pressures myself.)

I'm one of those people that'll double check the wheels before I leave now or at least insist that I see them torqued by the mechanic.

 

[A29]

Since I got my 4 post lift I almost look forward to changing my own oil

 

[soj]

Since I got my 4 post lift I almost look forward to changing my own oil

^^^^^^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^^^

Didn't imagine anyone else felt the same.... might be our location.

 

[LumpyMusic]

...I wish that I hadn't clicked on this damn thread in the first place. I knew that I was going to get frustrated by all the oil change "experts". Just couldn't help myself, I guess.

Oil change "experts"? I think if you've changed your oil about twice you're an expert.

I know it's frightening, to some, to think that someone can seek and/or achieve expert levels of performance. Particularly in something so technically and intellectually challenging as an oil change.


Sgt Lumpy

 

[Dragfluid]

Oil change "experts"? I think if you've changed your oil about twice you're an expert.

I know it's frightening, to some, to think that someone can seek and/or achieve expert levels of performance. Particularly in something so technically and intellectually challenging as an oil change.


Sgt Lumpy

OK...

 

[Falcon67]

I change it in the race cars, let the dealer do it in the daily drivers. Too much PITA to deal with the filters and oil disposal. We have no disposal locally so I have to haul anything about 20 miles. Not about DIY, I value my time at more than the difference in savings - IF there is any savings. Plus if there is any issue, Ford has a complete service record. The F150 makes a huge mess because the filter is over a cross member and I don't even know where the filter is on the Hybrid - and don't care.

 

[lakeroadster]

Too much PITA to deal with the filters and oil disposal.

And that's a shame. Everyplace here in our little mountain town that sells oil (Napa, CarQuest) takes the used oil. There should be a law that if you don't also offer recycling of a commodity, like oil, you can't sell it.

Same thing for TV's, computer's, batteries, etc.

But then that would make too much sense.

As for the filters... I just drain them, then throw them in the trash.... it's no different than disposing of empty oil plastic containers.

The F150 makes a huge mess because the filter is over a cross member...

Same deal on my wife's Jeep Wrangler. So I took a plastic jug and cut the top of it, loosen the filter, slide the jug in place, drop the filter in the jug, let the oil drain in the jug, then remove the jug and dump it. If there is a will.... there's a way.

 

[Dragfluid]

And that's a shame. Everyplace here in our little mountain town that sells oil (Napa, CarQuest) takes the used oil. There should be a law that if you don't also offer recycling of a commodity, like oil, you can't sell it.

Same thing for TV's, computer's, batteries, etc.

But then that would make too much sense.

As for the filters... I just drain them, then throw them in the trash.... it's no different than disposing of empty oil plastic containers.



Same deal on my wife's Jeep Wrangler. So I took a plastic jug and cut the top of it, loosen the filter, slide the jug in place, drop the filter in the jug, let the oil drain in the jug, then remove the jug and dump it. If there is a will.... there's a way.

And if we in the business try to do that, we'd get our peepee wacked off in a heartbeat!

 

[Theruse]

With five cars our two, my classic and my two kid's car I have always done the oil changes. Buy oil when on sale and buy filters in bulk. I think DIY'ers do a better job. I let the oil drain to the last drop as many impurities come out at the end. I also use a magnetic drain plug, so I can check if there is any metal in the oil. I prime the filter housing with oil and lube all rubber gaskets. I had it down to a science using ramps and not spilling a drop. Just recently purchased as 4 poster lift and built a special drain pan that slides on the ramps. All that being said, I was disappointed when I bought a used one year old car yesterday and was told oil changes included!

 

[Regnar]

I am a DIY'er. When we bought our cars (New) I always negotiate a case of oil filters, 7 air filters and cabin filters. Sounds petty but I always have OEM filters and I am only out the cost of oil. With my old Nissan truck I was able to even get a service manual thrown in. My 2 Toyota's on the other hand treat that manual like gold and never let it go.

I have never been in a service department for less than an hour. Even with free oil changes if time does equal money and I pay myself my hourly wage I come out much better doing it myself.

 

[Jazz1]

I still do my oil changes and up until 10 years ago and heated garage with used motor oil. Switched to wood because we like to sit by the fire...

.

 

[srlbotanical]

I do it myself. Fortunately, I have a number of friends that heat with waste oil. I love the oil container that I use. I can just add a little air pressure to it and push the oil right out into 5 gallon buckets. I puncture and drain the filters and recycle them with my scrap metal.

I also look forward to starting a fire in the stove and spending time in the shop. So, oil changes are a relaxing way to spend some time in the Jeep Cave.

 

[mires]

Any of you guys use the quick drain valves by Femco or Fumoto? They make the DIY oil change so much easier. Just attach a hose, flip the switch and drain it right into an old 5 quart jug.