Few brief questions about DIY oil change

[Hlogan220]

1. Whats the point of using torque wrench?


2. Which brand oil filter should i buy?

3. This is my first DIY oil change, what can possibly go wrong?

[PoorMansCamaro]

1. i don't use a torque wrench. everything should be hand tight. been changing my own oil for 14 years, and never had any issues.

2. this is all subjective. like asking which CAI should you buy.

edit: sorry, drain bolt is not hand tight. lol i just use socket wrench and tighted to my satisfaction. guess it's just second nature to me now.

[90503]

Originally Posted by Hlogan220

1. Whats the point of using torque wrench?


2. Which brand oil filter should i buy?

3. This is my first DIY oil change, what can possibly go wrong?

Torque wrench...its over-kill to make sure you don't strip out the aluminum threads in the pan...

[Coyotekiller]

Is your car still under warranty? If so, just take it to the dealer. You can't beat their price and then you have a visible maintenance log kept for your car. Simple.

[1BADLS3]

1. Torque wrench is to tighten the drain plug using a safe amount of force. If you've been changing your oil long enough like some of us have, you probably don't need one. I would also caution against "hand tight"-- that's a different measurement for everyone and on a slick drain plug, it may not be enough to keep it in place. I'd use a socket wrench, and give it a turn like you're opening a bedroom door using the handle. (again, subjective...)

2. The usual suspect filters are Wix, Fram, Bosch. I've been a fan of Bosch filters, but anything will do, really.

3. What can go wrong-- a lot. You'll probably make a mess. Don't run the car without oil in it. don't fill with new oil until the drain plug is back in and tight. Replace the filter after you drain the oil, but before you fill with new oil. Support the car with jack stands if you're getting underneath it. You might not be able to get the factory oil filter off. Have someone around to check in on you.

[5cents]

Originally Posted by Hlogan220

1. Whats the point of using torque wrench?


2. Which brand oil filter should i buy?

3. This is my first DIY oil change, what can possibly go wrong?

1. Drain plug, too loose and it could work it's way out. Too tight and you could strip the threads.

2. I support GM, so I use AC-Delco oil filters. The use of any other brand, no matter how superior, could cause warranty problems if you have engine problems. I like to change my oil more often than the dealer recommends, so to avoid warranty problems, I let the dealer change my oil at recommended intervals, and I DIY inbetween those times. That way there's a record.

3. Go wrong? Anything is possible, worst case scenario, you forget to put the drain plug in or forget to add the oil, and start the engine.

[PQ]

Jiffy..... Lube.

Easy, quick and cheap. (just watch them closely hahaha)

I hate doing my own oil. You have to get rid of it or store it till you can. Just changed the diff fluid in Bonnies Vette and wishing I'd have just paid someone. I have to go get rid of the lube.

[PoorMansCamaro]

any autozone will take care of it for you.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by aSSian

any autozone will take care of it for you.

I know. But I have to take it to them. I'm one seriously lazy F'er.

[gelboy1015]

1. I usually use a regular wrench and have the drain plug hand tight. No need to tighten it with Hulk strength, lol

2. I use AC Delco PF48 filters (For V8s, dont know if V6 filters are the same.) Your owner's manual should say which filter to use.

3. Nothing can really go wrong unless you forget to fill the engine back up with oil (starves the bearings and causes knock, or locked up motor), forget to tighten drain plug (same result), or make a huge mess. Its a very basic job.

[Indy Bumble Bee]

1. Regular wrench not overly tight is fine

2. For the most part the filters are all the same... The more expensive ones may have a little upper hand on the cheaper ones but I would use most all of them interchangeably

3. Alot can go wrong, but if you do it right it is one of the easiest things you can do to your car. I changed mine last night. Here is a great link for you.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79739

[ORANGE U NV]

Not sure how the V6 filter is positioned , but I use a engine builders tip when changing the oil on my V8. I fill the new filter with oil before installing it. It reduces the time to prime the filter and starts lubricating the engine sooner. I'm sure it's just a couple of seconds... but thats a few seconds every time you change the oil.

[GlennP]

I like to spend the extra few bucks and get the wrench off K&N filter. Makes it super easy to remove/install. Yes, it shouldnt go on wrench tight but sometimes hand tight on is hard to remove 10 months later! Adjustable wrench, pow its off.

[CyberDan]

I'm just like pq... But I enjoy changing my own oil and doing regular maintenance myself... But ive got a lot of old lube just sitting in my garage in the old oil bottles, lazy dude, very lazy