Oil change

[Andy B]

How many of you change your own oil and filter?
I ask because I'm 10 minutes into my first oil change in 30 odd years and fast regretting it.
I thought I'd do it myself because of the extra care I might give the task. Let's face it the price of an oil and filter has been driven down over the years who's got the time to be careful. Thoughts of it being driven onto a hoist that was not designed for low ground clearance or perhaps the type of hoist that has the arms, where are they going to place them on my Seven?
Then there's the fact my Seven does not have a regular drain plug but instead a pipe that supplies oil to the auxiliary electric pump that oils my precious twink before she fires. Will they ensure the swivel to the pipe properly seals?
Last night I put the car on stands, tough to jack a car when the only place to jack it is also where you want to place the stand.
Today after the oil had drained I removed the filter yuk should have moved the drain pan first and rolled up my sleeves. :mad:
Now I have the task of getting the filter started when I can't actually see where it's going. Also I don't see a washer on the drain plug and don't remember seeing one when I removed it. Actually it looks like a tapered pipe thread but surely that won't make a good seal?

I really need to find a good shop to do this work.:thumbup:

[WayneB]

I change the oil and filters on all of my cars myself.(and pretty much have done for 35 years), usually with the vehicle in my driveway.

Yes,It can be a dirty and not very glamourous job (depending on the weather, and the amount of grime underneath the vehicle).

On the odd occasion I haven't done it myself I have had problems, on one occasion an oil filter that wasnt tightened up enough came undone spraying oil all over the underneath of my car , luckily I saw the warning light come on and managed to shut it down before the engine was ruined. I managed to jack the car up by the side of the road and tighten the filter back up (ruining my clothes in the process) and ultimately the engine was OK ,another time they stripped out the threads on the drain bung, but I decided after that doing it yourself is really the only way to go (for piece of mind).

I have come to the conclusion that the fellows the quick oil change places employ are not the most intelegent guys you can get to work on your car (but they are cheap), I guess you get what you pay for ultimately.
http://www.submerged.co.uk/scilly%20torrey%20big.jpg

[clockwork]

Slick Wayne :lol: I do mine as well(or to be truthful not as well) Andy and yes tapered gas threaded plug was normal and will seal fine,hope it went well and at least you know whats in it.Clockwork :)

[Autocross7]

I always do my own and always have. I know it is done right and I know what oil goes in it. I can also inspect what comes out from time to time. I tighten the filter by hand and ONLY that tight! The drain plug I have figured out is properly torqued at hand tight plus an 8th. There is no washer on the esprit drain plug and mine has never leaked. I am OCD with changes as I never go more than 3K. The "what filter" argument seems played out and I say use what you are happy with... same for the actual oil you put in it! :thumbup:


Cameron

[Kylie]

Oil change, depends on how rich I am feeling as to who does it at the time ;)

Most often I do it, but for instance if the cars getting something done at the workshop, on the odd occasion ive asked them on the quiet to drop the oil out as well. Heck why not!