Changed my oil today, a small scare and a oops

[John N]

Yesterday, I changed the oil.

Slid some cardboard under her and did my thing. When I retrieved the plug, there was small flecks on the magnetic part. Oh no!!, I'm thinking. After pulling the oil filter apart, cutting it up and fanning it out, nothing. very clean. I think I'll even reuse the oil in my rider mower. That's oh clean it is.

Then it dawned on me that the plug had rolled off the cardboard right to the edge and must have picked up a couple of those little magnetic flecks of rocks. To test my theory I cleaned up the plug and lighting touched the driveway and yup, it picked up some more tiny little stones. So all is good and she has a good bill of health from the IMS.


Tonight she will get a good washing and get put away for the long winter.

booo hisss . . . .

I was only able to do 3,800 miles this summer, I hope to do more next year.

[flouese]

Good thing winters here in N. Florida are only about 10 days long! Won't be putting mine away anytime this winter... I see a top down ride on 31 December. Might even have to wear a long sleeved t-shirt.

[John N]

Yes, I envy you guys in the south, but I think I get more enjoyment if I don't get a chance to drive it every day.

I spent a week in St. Pete and one thing I noticed is that it'll be a bright, warm, sunny day and then without any warning a shower will come down out of nowhere for about 1 or 2 minutes and then disappear. Not even enough time to pull over and put the top back up again.

Originally Posted by flouese

Good thing winters here in N. Florida are only about 10 days long! Won't be putting mine away anytime this winter... I see a top down ride on 31 December. Might even have to wear a long sleeved t-shirt.

[Jamesp]

Hmmm... West Michigan That could be Saint Jo to Traverse City. I moved to the south (currently enjoying tropical weather) from Saginaw / Kazoo to Houston. To completely alleviate concerns, remove the oil pan and look for additional metallic particles. Drain the oil. Remove a bunch of 10 mm bolts holding on the pan. Carefully pry off the pan. Check it for additional particles. Clean all sealing surfaces and seal with RTV for installation. If no particles, good to go otherwise more checking necessary. Now is a good time to do it.