Okay to use ramps on V6 for oil change? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

philipdistefano · 01-16-2010, 01:08 PM

I'm a noob at changing my own oil, but I want to take care of my Camaro myself, so I'm about to perform my first oil change, and I have a question based on the V8 oil change guide that was front page'd a while back.

It looks like the V6 oil drain plug is on the side rather than on the back, so is it okay to put the front of the car up on ramps and change the oil (basically, the car would not be level - the front being higher than the back)? My dad is telling me that the entire car needs to be level for the oil to completely drain out properly.

Please advise!

Thanks!

pleigh · 01-30-2010, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philipdistefano

I'm a noob at changing my own oil, but I want to take care of my Camaro myself, so I'm about to perform my first oil change, and I have a question based on the V8 oil change guide that was front page'd a while back.

It looks like the V6 oil drain plug is on the side rather than on the back, so is it okay to put the front of the car up on ramps and change the oil (basically, the car would not be level - the front being higher than the back)? My dad is telling me that the entire car needs to be level for the oil to completely drain out properly.

Please advise!

Thanks!

Your Dad is correct, however I've always changed my oil this way.. no worries.. My logic has always been that even if I left behind a very small amount of the previous oil it will eventually cycle out.. If you are using quality filters and oil you shouldn't have any problems..

DEW · 01-30-2010, 01:16 PM

If it bothers you that the car is not level while on ramps, just jack up the rear end to level it out. Before you jack it up though, stick another clean oil pan underneath and see how much additional oil comes out.

RickyTheStorm · 01-31-2010, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEW

If it bothers you that the car is not level while on ramps, just jack up the rear end to level it out. Before you jack it up though, stick another clean oil pan underneath and see how much additional oil comes out.

Be very careful doing this on ramps... If you jack up the rear end and the front moves over the holders the entire car will slide down the ramps while you are behind it. The parking brake and transmission have no control to stop the front wheels from moving.

2Fast4U2010 · 01-31-2010, 04:06 PM

I use low profile ramps, the oil will drain out just fine no worries. I've been doing my own cars for over thirty years.

Now if your Dad pays the car bills, then it's his call.

01-16-2010, 01:08 PM	#1
philipdistefano Remember, Remember... Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited 6MT Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 688	Okay to use ramps on V6 for oil change? I'm a noob at changing my own oil, but I want to take care of my Camaro myself, so I'm about to perform my first oil change, and I have a question based on the V8 oil change guide that was front page'd a while back. It looks like the V6 oil drain plug is on the side rather than on the back, so is it okay to put the front of the car up on ramps and change the oil (basically, the car would not be level - the front being higher than the back)? My dad is telling me that the entire car needs to be level for the oil to completely drain out properly. Please advise! Thanks!

01-30-2010, 01:16 PM	#3
DEW Drives: Hoopdee Join Date: May 2009 Location: Detroit Posts: 263	If it bothers you that the car is not level while on ramps, just jack up the rear end to level it out. Before you jack it up though, stick another clean oil pan underneath and see how much additional oil comes out. __________________ 2LT - CYBER GRAY METALLIC - BLACK RALLY STRIPES - MANUAL TRANNY - POLISHED 19" WHEELS BUILD - 6/12/2009 Airaid V2, Flowmaster AT

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01-31-2010, 04:06 PM	#5
2Fast4U2010 Drives: Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Brunswick, GA Posts: 179 View My Garage	I use low profile ramps, the oil will drain out just fine no worries. I've been doing my own cars for over thirty years. Now if your Dad pays the car bills, then it's his call.