Oil Change Question

[Adam]

Just an FYI for people new to the oil change thing. You don't need ramps or a lift to change the oil. I just use a regular hydrolic jack and lift up one side of the car by the jacking point. I get underneath with a creeper and do what needs to be done and then let the car back down slowly so the car is on an even plane. Then I wait about 20-30min for the oil to drain and then lift the car back up and button everthing back up. This is much easier than dealing with ramps.

[Brucelee]

Nice tip, thanks for shaing that.

Originally Posted by Adam

Just an FYI for people new to the oil change thing. You don't need ramps or a lift to change the oil. I just use a regular hydrolic jack and lift up one side of the car by the jacking point. I get underneath with a creeper and do what needs to be done and then let the car back down slowly so the car is on an even plane. Then I wait about 20-30min for the oil to drain and then lift the car back up and button everthing back up. This is much easier than dealing with ramps.

[Thumper]

I'd be a bit paranoid about crawing under any vehicle supported by just a floor jack. Jack stands are cheap insurance against getting squished.

[Adam]

Oh for sure! Never get under the car without a jackstand. I guess I just thought that would be a given but some people may forget or not own one.

[Tool Pants]

I never get under a car to change the oil without a beer. Got to do something for 20 minutes waiting fo the oil to drain.

[Richard Truss]

hey tool pants... your pic reminded me. I changed my oil, but in doing so, I had a problem that you seemed to have solved. I needed to jack it up on the jack point just in front of the rear tire, but then where do i put the jack stand while the car is in the air -- obviously i didn't think it would be good for the car OR my health to make a mistake here. I wound up jacking up the car somewhere else (which i KNOW i should not have) and using the jack point for the stands.

please let me know what you guys think is the ideal situation to jack AND use the stands.

[donv]

$ 4 got me a "6 Wrenches in 1" Oil Filter Socket (Wal-Mart) that has worked great for several years on the Boxster. A former post detailing the equipment and supplies is at http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5144#post5144 .

Learned from recent hard experience: make sure your oil drain pan has a screen that will prevent the Box's drain plug from blocking the drain. Mine fell straight on top of the hole and turned out to be the *perfect* size to plug it, causing a mini-superfund site in my garage. I didn't want to dig for it in the hot oil but ended up having to! Secure some "hardware cloth" or similar large screening over the opening to prevent a similar fun time for you...

[tommy986]

If you jack it up using the post, where do you put the jack stands?

[jerhofer]

Back when I used to do a lot of track events and concours, my wife basically made me get a hydraulic hoist as she felt so uncomfortable with me under the car so often with jack stands.

What could a guy do with such a directive? I have had a hoist ever since. She's happy and so am I?

[Tool Pants]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1851

[Brucelee]

Outstanding pic. thanks toolpants!

[Richard Truss]

Originally Posted by Tool Pants

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1851

hey Tool Pants -- what do you use to block the front wheels. I read your renntech post, but i dont think i completely understood if you actually jack up both sides of the car at the same time, etc. I was concerned about the car possibly falling/rolling off the jack stands -- is there something I should buy that will block the front wheels?