Oil Change Question
 

I recently changed the oil on Boxster S and had one problem. I was unable to get the filter off. I used a generic, plastic oil filter tool that fit OK but it broke before the oil filter was loosened. Since I had already drained the oil, I had no choice but to put new oil in and leave the filter on.

I have ordered the Boxster specific metal tool.

My queston is do I have to drain the oil again to replace the filter or is the filter high enough above the sump to remove it without oil pouring out the oil filter orifice?

If memory serves, you can just do the filter.

Good luck.

:)

Yes that's right. You will get some drippage though, so have the oil pan handy!

Thanks for the responses.

That is why we are here!

along the same lines, i need to get a oil filter wrench -- do i need to order the fancy one from porsche or can i boogie on down to auto zone and get something that will work just as well?

There were oil change instructions on the Pelican website and I used the exact same plastic tool that was pictured there. While it broke, I don't know whether to blame the tool until I use the metal one I have on the way. The dealer who last changed the oil obviously tightened it too much or forgot to put oil on the gasket. I will let you know what happens when I get the bespoke oil filter tool.

Ironically, I just bought a Pep boys cheap-e oil filter wrench. I tried to by the Porsche one, but the dealer in San Diego, Pioneer Centres told me that I can't buy Porsche tools, only Porsche certified mechanics can - anyone ever heard that BS? I read on 986faq.com that as long as it is a 74mm 14 point wrench that you should be good to go.

I am going to change my oil tomorrow. We'll see how it goes!

I read on renntech.org that you are supposed to change the oil only when the engine has been brought up to operating temperature, so that means the oil will be hot - I personally can't see how it would make that much of a difference as long as you drain the old oil for a long time, like 20mins +.

Larez2

Our local group has done a lot of oil changes and I always bring my metal filter wrench. We have broken the plastic types because whomever put on the cannister put it on too tight. Some part places places do have a metal version.

You can and I have bought Porsche tools, from any Porsche dealer.

I have the one sold by Porsche and did not like it because I had to remember to bring a 27 mm socket. So I bought one made by Hazet because you can use a standard 3/8" dive extension. All the mechanics I know use Hazet.

It is 74 mm with 14 flats. This is a standard size used on other Porsches, VW, Audi, and even BMW cycles.

You can find the Hazet version on ebay for $20. I paid about $7 for the Porsche version years ago but one of the local guys told me Porsche jacked up the price to $26.

I will be over at Hoen Porsche later today and I find out if one can buy a oil filter wrench from Porsche. The Pioneer answer sounds fishy to me too!

Yes, it is better to drain the oil when hot. It will flow much faster and certain crap will come out that will not if the oil is cold. Makes sense.

It does not have to be MAD HOT to flow well. If the oil as at say 150, this would be fine.

BTW- I am going to be researching high efficiency oil filters for the Box. I will report back later on that too!

15K is a long time for a filter to work well.

Lastly, I have just bought a batch of Shell Rotella T fully synthetic oil 5W-40 at Wal Mart. Cost per quart is about $3.45. Not bad as the avg cost for Mobil 1 black cap is about $5.99.



:dance:

okay, cool -- i will look for the 74 mm with 14 flats. now how about the drain plug. if memory serves, i got it off last time but i did not use the correct wrench -- like it was torx and i used an allen or something like that. since I will be out buying tools and oil, i may as well pick up one of these babies as well.

do any of you know what auto/tool store (i.e. auto zone, napa, sears, etc) would most likely have the 74 mm / 14 flats? or am i stuck using the ebay option? i really wanted to change my oil this weekend as well, and I would hate to wait.

Thanks.

Ya, Ditto does anyone have a part number for the hazet wrench?

Thanks!

Hazet is 2169.

The drain plug is 8 mm allen.

Thanks! :cheers:
Here is a place that carries it..
http://www.toolss.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=HAZET2169&CTMP=1

The Penzoil adjustable wrench didn't work. So i purchased one from Napa for $3.99. It worked find even though is says it's 15 flute. I attached a picture of it with this post.

I don't know what other guys use to get under the car. I have a floor jack, but purchased some ramps because I thought it would be easier. The Boxster is so low to begin with even on the ramps it was a pain to get underneath the car. I've always had trucks and lifted vehicles so working underneath was easy and usually didn't require jacking. I could not be on my side under the Boxster so i had to do all the work one handed with my right hand. The exhaust is right by there, so be careful - it's hot.

Like tool pants said 8mm allen key/wrench for the drain plug. I purchased long handle allen key/wrench and I am glad i did because the plug was on tight. The oil filter was also on real tight. It was a pain to remove the drain plug because the oil was hot - i wore gloves, a definite must for this IMO. The oil gushes out real fast at first, it actually splashed off of my catch and a bit on me at first. It took a really long time to completely drain, i'd say about 20 mins.

The oil filter canister was on tight, but wasn't hard to get off, but the oil filter stuck to the car, so when I took the canister off a bunch of oil dripped everywhere. It didn't stick very hard, so i could pull it off, but is was pretty messy.

Putting everything back was easy, and filling was straight forward. I filled it with 8 1/2 quarts, and drove it around the block and let it sit for a bit and checked the stick, it looked good so i didn't add anymore.

Good Luck,
Larez2

plastic oil wrench
 

Hi, all. I bought a plastic wrench at WalMart when I bought the oil. The wrench flutes did slip initially on the filter. I just used a large diameter hose clamp (4") to tighten the fit and the wrench worked perfectly. FWIW...

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.

Nice tip, thanks for shaing that.

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

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.

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.

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. :)

$ 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...

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

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?

Outstanding pic. thanks toolpants!

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?

Hi,

Old thread, I was doing some idle catching up and found it. There are actually two reasons why you want to run the Car and warm it up before changing the Oil.

First, warming it up allows it to Flow easier and so you get more of the old Oil out.

Second, and more importantly, quite a bit of the dirt suspended in the Oil will settle out once the Oil is stagnant and cool. Warming up the engine allows the Oil to pick up this dirt once again so it is flushed from the Engine with the Oil. The Primary reason for changing the Oil at the Service Interval is to remove this dirt, not because the Oil's Lubricating Capacity has expired. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

As Jim said, change it when hot.

:cheers:

Changed the oil today. Quite easy, actually. Did it after brought up to normal operating temp.

The hardest part was getting her up on ramps. I made a more gradual incline with pieces of 2x8 with blocks nailed midway along the span, which I also use for my Jag.

Wearing thick rubber gloves from Home Depot, I shielded my face from possible splash when unscrewing the drain plug, but there was none. 7mm allen key (kinda small, IMHO). No prob.

New filter, O-ring, and she took 9qts EXACTLY of Mobil 1 0w40. One bar from the top showing on the dash, triple checked the dipstick, old-school style.

Finshed off by giving her a good cleaning, just in time to put her to sleep for a few long months. *SIGH*