Did my own oil change today!

[Seth]

For the first time in my life, I did my own oil change. Was a tad bit messy but hey perfection will take some time..

Anyways after posting my question
http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...ge=1#Post886732

Went ahead with it.. Drained old gtx and poured in mix of M1 SM and SL, T2K both 5w30 and added a pinch of GTX 5w20 to top off.

Engine didnt blow up... yet. (Thank #@$%!)

But it is not running quiet. Either that or I am paranoid. I am listening for any weird sound or smell or leak... Hopefully, I have over/under tightened drain plug/filter.

Ofcourse, part of the paranoia is because its my first DIY oil change .... It was a bit messy but was very satisfying. Got new napa gold 1356 filter in.

All I am left with now is M1 5w20 mixed with a pinch of gtx leftover. I will use it for winter or next Oil change. Probably it will be my last M1 use...

 

[Dad2leia]

Just have to ask...who did them before, and what oil did you have them install?

 

[Auto-Union]

Good show!

 

[ThirdeYe]

Some people have said that their engines run a bit noisier with Mobil 1, that could be part of it. Congrats on doing your first oil change! Feels good doesn't it? I just did mine a hair over 2 months ago

 

[gonesurfing]

Good job! Two years from now, you'll be puzzled by people who still go to oil change centers.

 

[GOPHER FREAK]

Congrats!

I might actually let someone else change my oil sometime just for the novelty of it. I've done every single oil change thats ever been done on any of my vehicles.

As for the engine noise, You are probably being paranoid. I noticed slighty more valvetrain noise with M1 HM than with Trop Artic blend, But it was barely noticeable. But the truck is sooooo much smoother now.

 

[i_r_teh_noobz]

I'm always paranoid for the first day or two after changing the oil. You'll get used to it.

 

[Vilan]

Just keep an eye on the dipstick over the next week or two to make sure nothing is leaking out somewhere. I agree with gone, after you do it a few times you'll wonder why you didn't do it a long time ago.

 

[ekpolk]

Seth:

Good on you, and welcome to the "club." Pay close attention, and you'll notice how engines actually run better on oil that is installed by the owner instead of someone else!

Seriously though, this way, you'll save yourself some money (probably time too), and you'll always know it was done right.

 

[JustinH]

Deffinitely you will save some time if nothing else.

The one thing I hate about getting my oil changed, is that those idiots do the job wrong, overtighten everything, and try to upsell you at every service for stuff that you don't need.

 

[Cicero17]

I think when you work on your own vehicles you get to be more tuned to the noises coming from it. You get more tuned to the overall feel of things too. This can be good or it can drive you stark raving mad. You have to learn to trust your judgment.

I changed the oil on my Dodge Ram diesel pu yesterday after 7,000 miles and a little over a year. I think it got better mileage after the change, but I don't see why it would. Both the old and new oil were M1 5w-40 truck and suv oil. I had stocked up during a couple of Schucks sales.

 

[Seth]

Thanks Guys!! It has definetely turned out well... The only difference I noticed going to 5w30 from 5w20 is that vehicle cranks faster (perhaps due to more oil pressure?) Also a tad bit sluggish (heavier oil?).

Also, weird thing I noticed is that M1 was more thicker and darker than Tech2000. I thought it would be other way around.

manual says that I can use 10w30 when operating temps are 100 degrees. So, in principle they are okay with 30wt oils. It also states that 5w20 is recommended for better fuel mileage and cold starts. So perhaps mitsu is bumping against CAFE limits.

BTW, does 5w30 shear down to 5w20? If so how long does it take for that to happen?

 

[max2k1]

Shearing depends on the particular oil ... there are "racing" oils (not naming names !!) that shear really fast.

But since you created a major oil cocktail, no telling when it would shear ... but with a 3K km OCI, I wouldn't worry about shearing (unless it takes you 9 months to reach that distance !!)

 

[NismoMax80]

that's some combo you came up with. I'm proud to be the only person to ever change my car's oil

 

[Seth]

Thats what happens when you have odds and ends lying around. I didnt set out to make a cocktail. But so far, its fine... And no, I wont make a habit out of this. I just need to settle down to one brand and one viscosity after this OCI.

 

[ThirdeYe]

I know that even after my first oil change i'll never let a shop do it again unless I absolutely have to

I remember when I was changing the oil in my mom's Malibu they put the drain plug on so tight that I used both arms and full body weight and it wouldnt budge, and eventually stripped the bolt. Had to use a pipe wrench to get it off, and it dug huge teeth into the bolt so we had to get a new one. At least this way I know i'll be able to get it off next time, since I put it back on

 

[glenncof]

THE problem with shops changing your oil is they over tighten.

Then takes you twice as long to do it yourself next time.

 

[Auto-Union]

Monkey wrench can handle ANY drain plug situation. I think "pros" overtighten to discourage DIYers.

 

[zonestar]

Now that you are going to be changing your own oil and filter; you can start buying oil on sell in large quanities. Also remember to check all the fluid levels at this time if you already do not.

 

[cmhj]

Ah yes, there's nothing like backing away from the computer for a few hours, rolling up your sleeves and getting full of dirt and grim.

Gotta' admit I have a minor issue with extended OCIs simply due to the lack of things to do.