Some oil change questions
 

So I think I'm going to attempt my first oil change tomorrow, as I've been unable to get to the indy for some time and I keep putting it off... i'm long overdue...

I have the filter and the oil, is there anything else i absolutely will need before I drain the car? special tools? small things?

Also, I think I'm gonna fill it back up with Mobil 1 Extended Performance as it's on sale at AutoZone right now. Do I need to do anything special since I'm switching from "regular" Mobil 1 synthetic? Any recommendations on oil weight for a central texas spring climate?

any other tips welcomed!

Make sure you've got a big flat drain pan. There's a lot of oil in those suckers!

You'll need a cup wrench to get the filter housing off and then tightened, although I've never found one that works for me, and use a strap wrench to get it off (protecting the side of the filter housing) and just tighten the new one by hand. :eek: Works for me; no leaks.

You need a new crush ring for under the drain plug. Do you have the proper 8mm Allen wrench for the drain plug? I replaced my stripped aluminum stock plug with the LN Eng magnetic plug.

Make sure you let it drain thoroughly. I jack my car up on one side to get access, but when it's draining I let it down.

There's a whole big debate on oil, and it has steered me away from Mobil1. I ran it for 4 years, but my last fill (after flushing) was with Castrol Syntec 5W-40. I would use Syntec 10W-40, but we can't get it in Canada. Apparently any 30W is too light.

Don't forget to cut open your old filter element and check for debris!!

Check out:

http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site_3/Change_the_Oil_%26_Filter.html

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/box_oil_change/box_oil_change.htm

They should cover most all your questions. Be ready when you pull the plug---it comes out REALLY hard and fast!

big big drain pan - and make sure you open the air hole on it. i didnt the first time :

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21667

i assume you have some ramps. also take a short drive to warm it up for a few minutes - ive found that helps a little, but your choice.

open the plug, let it drain a while (i give it an hour, but know thats overkill), change filter. put it back together then fill. i fill with 8 then check from there. almost always takes 9 and "a bit."