To begin, let’s take a quick look at what old and new oil looks like.
The spot of oil on the left is the old oil from my wife’s Explorer, would you believe that it only has 1500 miles on it? Now normally you should change your oil at the 3000 mile or three months (5000 for synthetic oil) mark but I just put in a new motor and the first few oil changes need to be done at different intervals due to the break in of the motor. Still, you can see a major difference in the oil from new to old. Think of the discoloration as dirt in your motor, not good, eh?
To begin, let’s take a quick look at what old and new oil looks like.
The spot of oil on the left is the old oil from my wife’s Explorer, would you believe that it only has 1500 miles on it? Now normally
...
more
To begin, let’s take a quick look at what old and new oil looks like.
The spot of oil on the left is the old oil from my wife’s Explorer, would you believe that it only has 1500 miles on it? Now normally you should change your oil at the 3000 mile or three months (5000 for synthetic oil) mark but I just put in a new motor and the first few oil changes need to be done at different intervals due to the break in of the motor. Still, you can see a major difference in the oil from new to old. Think of the discoloration as dirt in your motor, not good, eh?
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Honda isn't really known for that. Has it been inspected?
Yes it has been. I guess it's that type of SUV or cross over vehicle. We looked into what people had to say about it when we looking at buying it. That was a common complaint from everyone about that vehicle. We do know it needs some work. Muffler and new radiator fluid. We have to take it to a Honda dealer for the radiator fluid, but the Muffler will be fixed this weekend. Don't want another ticket for that. It was so expensive last time.
While we are waiting for folks to trickle in let me ask you, how many miles are on your vehicle and when was the last time your oil was changed?
We have well over the number of miles anyone should put on an engine but Sigel makes sure it has an oil change whenever the manufacturer says it's supposed to. It's a Dodge minivan so I'm not sure when that is...but he makes sure it's done. Our van is paid off so we take really good care of it.
We have well over the number of miles anyone should put on an engine but Sigel makes sure it has an oil change whenever the manufacturer says it's supposed to. It's a Dodge minivan so I'm not sure when that is...but he makes sure it's
...
more
We have well over the number of miles anyone should put on an engine but Sigel makes sure it has an oil change whenever the manufacturer says it's supposed to. It's a Dodge minivan so I'm not sure when that is...but he makes sure it's done. Our van is paid off so we take really good care of it.
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My dad's last Toyota truck had 725,000 miles (655,000 on the motor) on it when it got totaled in an accident. To me there is no limit on mileage.
For those that do not have the tools needed, this is also the time to buy them. You will need; a filter wrench to take off the oil filter, a wrench that will fit the drain plug, something to catch the used oil, a pair of jack stands and a funnel. Chances are you will spill some oil onto the ground so some oil absorbent or cheap kitty litter will be needed too. You may also want to buy a pair of gloves (latex or rubber gloves will work too, just not as good) and some rags. I just use old cloths or towels. Also, when under the car a pair of safety glasses is a must.
A couple notes about the filter wrench and wrench for the drain plug. The filter wrench has a few options; there are some that go around the filter and some that fit like a socket on the bottom. Which one you buy will depend on where the oil filter is on the motor. It may be a good idea to look before hand where the filter is before purchasing. As you will see in a bit the standard filter wrench does not work on the Explorer due to the small space. For the Explorer the socket type wrench works the best.
The drain plug wrench is another one where there are lots of options. You first need to know the size wrench it will take, most of the time it is 9/16” or 13mm but not always. You can buy a wrench in the size or even better, buy a small socket set. The socket set in the picture only cost me $20 at Home Depot and has a large variety of sizes. Well worth the investment.
Now most vehicles have a jack for changing tires, this can be used or even better (and safer) you can buy a floor jack. Either way you will need a way to jack your car up (unless you can fit your body and the drain pan under the vehicle). A pair of jack stands or ramps will be needed too, never and I mean NEVER trust a jack when you will be under the vehicle. Really, a pair of jack stands or ramps is damn cheap versus being crushed by a two ton car.
Jack Stands, $30-$50
Car ramps, $50-$75
According to what I can find on the web, that is the world’s biggest vehicle. It belongs to Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and is a replica of a 1950 Dodge Power Wagon.
Welcome everyone to the July meeting of Eden DIY, I am so happy to see y’all here.
As some of you know, this topic is something that I have been doing for over 35 years. Yes, even at five years old I was changing oil and working on cars with
...
more
Welcome everyone to the July meeting of Eden DIY, I am so happy to see y’all here.
As some of you know, this topic is something that I have been doing for over 35 years. Yes, even at five years old I was changing oil and working on cars with my dad. Since then I have saved countless dollars by working on my cars, trucks and motorcycles. I can truthfully say that not one mechanic shop has ever changed my oil. I never saw the need to pay someone $30-$50 dollars (or more) for something I can do myself for much cheaper, plus there is the wait while some guy I don’t even know puts his hands all over my precious.
Now, it is true that shops like Jiffy Lube also check other areas on your car like the air filter, radiator fluid and the air in your tires but these are things you should be checking anyways.
You do check then routinely, right?
So, let’s get to it, shall we? Oh ya, did I mention that I have a couple of Eden GC’s for today? Silly me, how could I forget that?
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.....and here I thought the precious was something only the wife gets to touch!
Sigel used to do ours but with the minivan it's just easier to go to someone we trust. He always has the brakes and tires checked at the same time. We don't get charged extra so why not?
.....and here I thought the precious was something only the wife gets to touch! Sigel used to do ours but with the minivan it's just easier to go to someone we trust. He always has the brakes and tires checked at the same time. We don't
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more
.....and here I thought the precious was something only the wife gets to touch! Sigel used to do ours but with the minivan it's just easier to go to someone we trust. He always has the brakes and tires checked at the same time. We don't get charged extra so why not?
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As long as it is someone you trust, there is no problem.
Now that you have the tools and supplies it is time to get to it. Find a flat area to park your vehicle and set the parking break. When at all possible let the motor cool completely, this serves two purposes. One; the motor can be hot enough to burn your hands and arms, there is a 99% chance you will get hot oil on your hands. Even with gloves it may burn you. Also, you may be working around the exhaust pipe(s) and they will be even hotter. Two; Letting the vehicle sit for a time will allow most of the oil to drain into the oil pan; this means more of the old oil will be removed. I usually park the vehicle in place and do the oil change in the morning.
Also, if at all possible park the vehicle on concrete. Asphalt is fine too but if it is hot outside the jack stands may sink into it. If you have to use asphalt or dirt (like me), you will need a couple of thick boards to place under the jack stands.
To begin, let’s take a quick look at what old and new oil looks like.
The spot of oil on the left is the old oil from my wife’s Explorer, would you believe that it only has 1500 miles on it? Now normally
...
more
To begin, let’s take a quick look at what old and new oil looks like.
The spot of oil on the left is the old oil from my wife’s Explorer, would you believe that it only has 1500 miles on it? Now normally you should change your oil at the 3000 mile or three months (5000 for synthetic oil) mark but I just put in a new motor and the first few oil changes need to be done at different intervals due to the break in of the motor. Still, you can see a major difference in the oil from new to old. Think of the discoloration as dirt in your motor, not good, eh?
less
So black and sticky is a bad thing, right? LOL Had a woman who had never taken care of her own car ask me that...
Now that you have the tools and supplies it is time to get to it. Find a flat area to park your vehicle and set the parking break. When at all possible let the motor cool completely, this serves two purposes. One; the motor can be hot enough to burn
...
more
Now that you have the tools and supplies it is time to get to it. Find a flat area to park your vehicle and set the parking break. When at all possible let the motor cool completely, this serves two purposes. One; the motor can be hot enough to burn your hands and arms, there is a 99% chance you will get hot oil on your hands. Even with gloves it may burn you. Also, you may be working around the exhaust pipe(s) and they will be even hotter. Two; Letting the vehicle sit for a time will allow most of the oil to drain into the oil pan; this means more of the old oil will be removed. I usually park the vehicle in place and do the oil change in the morning.
Also, if at all possible park the vehicle on concrete. Asphalt is fine too but if it is hot outside the jack stands may sink into it. If you have to use asphalt or dirt (like me), you will need a couple of thick boards to place under the jack stands.
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Now then, you need to jack up the vehicle and place the jack stands or drive the vehicle onto the ramps. When possible, follow the jacking instructions provided with your car/truck. Most of the time they can be found in the owner’s manual. Should you not have one you can probably find in by doing a Google Search. There are some areas on a car that will not work, some that will. For the most part, the frame of the vehicle or axels is your best bet. Same goes for placement of the jack stands.
Here you can see the jack stands under the front cross member of the Explored, also you can see the sheet of plywood under them.
Once you have the vehicle up and the jack stands in place, give it a good push to make sure the vehicle is stable. Remember that part or all of your body will be under the vehicle so make sure it is safe before you crawl under. Did you set the emergency brake? You can also place something behind and in front of the back tires such as a brick or block of wood. Here there is no such thing as overkill, anything you can do to keep the vehicle from moving is a plus.
According to autoblog.com, the world’s smallest cars are the Peel P50 and Trident. I don’t think I would even fit into the seat. lol
For those that do not have the tools needed, this is also the time to buy them. You will need; a filter wrench to take off the oil filter, a wrench that will fit the drain plug, something to catch the used oil, a pair of jack stands and a funnel.
...
more
For those that do not have the tools needed, this is also the time to buy them. You will need; a filter wrench to take off the oil filter, a wrench that will fit the drain plug, something to catch the used oil, a pair of jack stands and a funnel. Chances are you will spill some oil onto the ground so some oil absorbent or cheap kitty litter will be needed too. You may also want to buy a pair of gloves (latex or rubber gloves will work too, just not as good) and some rags. I just use old cloths or towels. Also, when under the car a pair of safety glasses is a must. A couple notes about the filter wrench and wrench for the drain plug. The filter wrench has a few options; there are some that go around the filter and some that fit like a socket on the bottom. Which one you buy will depend on where the oil filter is on the motor. It may be a good idea to look before hand where the filter is before purchasing. As you will see in a bit the standard filter wrench does not work on the Explorer due to the small space. For the Explorer the socket type wrench works the best. The drain plug wrench is another one where there are lots of options. You first need to know the size wrench it will take, most of the time it is 9/16” or 13mm but not always. You can buy a wrench in the size or even better, buy a small socket set. The socket set in the picture only cost me $20 at Home Depot and has a large variety of sizes. Well worth the investment. Now most vehicles have a jack for changing tires, this can be used or even better (and safer) you can buy a floor jack. Either way you will need a way to jack your car up (unless you can fit your body and the drain pan under the vehicle). A pair of jack stands or ramps will be needed too, never and I mean NEVER trust a jack when you will be under the vehicle. Really, a pair of jack stands or ramps is damn cheap versus being crushed by a two ton car. Jack Stands, $30-$50 Car ramps, $50-$75 According to what I can find on the web, that is the world’s biggest vehicle. It belongs to Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and is a replica of a 1950 Dodge Power Wagon.
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I am willing to bet money that Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan never gets stuck in traffic.
I know a young person who did not know that they had to change thier oil, I checked it cause the car was making a noise and it was like thick black goo. I helped her change the oil, cause I was worried about her car.
