How do I go about performing an oil change

[Buddha123]

Hi I've had my car for a year and have done about 9,000 miles. I think it's about time I get it sorted. I know I need to find the sump plug to drain it but do I flush it out afterwards? And how do I go about the filter?

Cheers

 

[Stefan.]

I can't help but i would rather pay to get it done, then have any oil on the drive and getting rid of said oil...

 

[Coops Mk1]

do this on flat ground

pretty much all there is to it is warm engine slightly so oil flows out freely. remove sump plug over the oil catch pan/cut up old container and let the lot run out

as its coming out, remove the fuel rail guard to ease access and unscrew the oil filter from the front of the block. use a tool if needed as may be tight

clean up the mating face on the block if needed, get new filter and run a small amount of new engine oil on the rubber seal and screw into place. do up hand tight, do not overtighten it. leave fuel guard off for now.

refit sump plug with a new washer (if you like, or reuse old one).

remove oil cap from top of engine and slap about 4-5 litres in. wait for a minute for it to accumulate in the sump and check level with dipstick

top up to just under the top notch on the dipstick and refit oil cap.

car in neutral, turn on engine and let the oil run round for a while and check the new filter to ensure no leaks.

turn off, let settle and check level again

if happy refit the fuel guard and done

take old oil to the tip

 

[Buddha123]

Massive thanks awesome detail will get cracking

 

[Ianboom]

Have you got a friend or relative who could show you?

It's quite easy, but first time around could difficult!

 

[JamesBryan]

You'll need a socket for the sump plug too, 8mm square i think.

 

[Buddha123]

Nice I am going to get all the tools ready before I do it so it isn't a disaster lol are the oil filter strap grabber things any good or better with the pliers

 

[JamesBryan]

The proper filter strap tool would be better.

Filter is about 80mm in diameter, pliers wouldn't open that far i doubt.

 

[Buddha123]

Ah ok I meant the oil filter plier ones like these http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...dp:1o1|bku:1&gclid=CKDIwvy_7rsCFWnjwgodmzEAYA

 

[JamesBryan]

Ahh right, they'd probably work yeah.

 

[Coops Mk1]

yeah they should do the job. I usually opt for the stress relief option of hammer a screwdriver through it and bash it undone....however its not strictly recommended as if the end of the filter breaks away completely first, your in a bit of a pickle I wouldn't like to get a novice into lol!

 

[Buddha123]

Lol I guess that's a back up haha

 

[Ethan1996]

Lol I guess that's a back up haha

I use the rubber strap type tool myself, not had a go as it'll be my first oil change but it seems very strong, after the weekend I should be able to tell you my thoughts of it

Anyone know if you could do the oil filter through the wheel arch rather than take off the fuel guard? Also how would you raise the car up to get underneath it in the easiest way?

Thanks

 

[JamesBryan]

Also how would you raise the car up to get underneath it in the easiest way?

Thanks

Jack it up and put on 4 axle stands. Needs to level ideally.

 

[Budgie]

I use the rubber strap type tool myself, not had a go as it'll be my first oil change but it seems very strong, after the weekend I should be able to tell you my thoughts of it

Anyone know if you could do the oil filter through the wheel arch rather than take off the fuel guard? Also how would you raise the car up to get underneath it in the easiest way?

Thanks

No chance through the wheel arch liner. Aux setup is in the way.

From the top only.

 

[Buddha123]

One video I watched he was using paraffin to flush it ?

 

[JamesBryan]

One video I watched he was using paraffin to flush it ?

Don't need to flush it with anything mate, old oil out, filter on, new oil in.

 

[Dave..]

Don't need to flush it with anything mate, old oil out, filter on, new oil in.

A forte engine flush wouldn't go a miss, but there's no need for paraffin or water for that matter.

 

[JamesBryan]

A forte engine flush wouldn't go a miss, but there's no need for paraffin or water for that matter.

If the old oil came out fairly clean I personally wouldn't bother.

 

[Canary172]

No chance through the wheel arch liner. Aux setup is in the way.

From the top only.

Absolutely! Plus it's only two nuts to remove the fuel rail guard. As long as you have a deep socket (10mm I think....) or an extension bar, it'll be easy. And remember to remove the guard carefully if the nuts have been left loose inside.