[94legendsedan]

hey all as i said my dad used to change the oil on my ledge but now he's in asia for a couple months on business and honestly, i feel like a dumb a$$ saying this, but i don't know how to change my oil. can someone help me out on this? like how to read the dipstick, how much oil to put in, where it's at, etc etc. also, after how many miles does everyone recommend an oil change? any input is appreciated thanks! oh and i know sometimes the mileage on your car can determine which type of oil you use. i have about 90k, so if someone can recommend the best oil for my ledge it'd be good. thanks again

 

[Mckenzie93]

Unless you have the time or tools, its worth it just taking it to a shop. It will only cost you like $20 -$30. Should be every 3000-4000 miles depending on your driving styles and conditions. also the color of your oil is a very good indicator of when to change it. Black oil = no good; desperately needs an oil change.

I was working at a gas bar one night and a lady came up to me and asked me where the oil dipstick is.... she has never checked her oil... I was like harsh..... I feel sorry for the engine and the person buying the car next.

5w-30 should be used, unless you are confident that your car has been well maintained, then you could go to a semi-synthetic or even fully synthetic.

 

[bigdad]

to check the oil, park car on level surface...this can affect reading on dipstick if not level. On the front of the engine, behind the fan is the dipstick...has a colored ring (orange I think) on the top to grab...it fits into a 1/4" tube....pull out and wipe off the oil with a rag. Then reinsert and pull out and see where the oil level is...there are two marks at the bottom...full is at the top mark...a quart low is the bottom mark. Mfgr recommends 7500 mile interval on change...more frequent if hard use (dirt roads, lots of idle, stop and go, pulling trailer, etc). Drain plug for oil pan is under the car on right side, but difficult to reach and get a proper pan to collect underneath....then what are you going to do with oil? Can't just throw it away or pour it down a drain....very nasty to do that. take it to a change shop...use 5-30W (I like Valvoline Maxlife)....will cost about 20-25 bux.

 

[F1HolEShoT]

cant forget the filter!! fram has two sizes that will fit, one is short, one is tall. needless to say, the taller one will do a better job. before you start, start the car, and let it run for a minute, if its cold, then shut it down. Not too long or it will get too hot and you could burn yourself. the purpose of that is to get all the crud suspended in the oil. find the oil drain plug, it says oil on the pan, in front of the tranny, which has the plug on the other side. use a 17 mm socket and 1/2 inch ratchet, drain the oil into a catchpan for recycling. next remove the filter [OEM blue - fram orange] with a filter wrench [parts store, same for catchpan] useing caution, its filled with oil. Next, take the new filter, open a quart of new oil, dip your finger in it, and coat oil on top of the black rubber gasket. make sure the old gasket came off with the old filter. Screw the new filter on, stopping as soon as it contacts the block. once you feel it slightly touching the base, hand tighten it an additional 3/4 to one turn. clean the drain plug, put it on with 30-35 ft. lbs. torque. [tight, but not really tight] last, but not least dump 5 quarts of your favorite oil into the oil filler port on your valve cover. tighten cap two clicks.

wow, ever think an oil change could take up that much text?
I would hate to see me explain a tranny overhaul...
hehehe...
almost forgot the last step- exploring how much fun full throttle is with freshly changed oil...

 

[DaTimez420]

just take it to like jiffy lube, have them do signature service, it won't be more than $30 plus they do everything, make sure you got all the fluids, even vacuum and clean your windows.

plus just search the internet and you can always find at least a $5 off coupon, if not more, to print out and take.

 

[Kurizma]

Just a note. If you take it to a shop, MAKE SURE TO DOUBLE CHECK THE OIL LEVEL. A friend of mine went to one of those Quickie lube places and it turns out that the Oil "gun" they were using didn't put in enough oil (or any at all). He ended up with a busted motor. Took them a long time to settle.

 

[Spiff]

I do my own change, for the single fact, that these quicky places don't torque to spec for the drain plug and mostly over tighten the bolt.

If the treads get stripped, you're looking at a $1000+ fix. (That is unless you tap the pan)