Oil change!

Just did my oil change, and it was a nightmare! I've heard people say

20 mins :-o. You'll probably laugh, but in total (including and engine flush and warm up) it took me 4 (four) hrs!

I spent about 30 mins warming it up (by driving), then about 10-15 mins trying to find something to put in my throttle stop to hold it at a fast idle (but not too fast). After trying a few pieces of metal in the garage I decided to use my feeler guages, which were upstairs in my bedroom! The next 10 mins were spent trying to undo the oil filler cap. Usually it's not a problem, but it was really tight, possibly because it was so hot, my hands are still sore from undoing it.

I managed to get hot oil all over my glove when I took the drain plug out. When it came to putting the new oil filter in I was quite lucky though. I realised that it was almost inpossible for somebody to do on their own, unless the car is jacked up. From my position (fully stretched out by the front wheel) I couldn't see where it goes at all, so I had to feel for it with my fingers, and then pick the filter up and try to hit the same spot.

It's amazing how quick the time went. I did have lunch during the 4 hrs though, so it's not quite as bad as it sounds. Oh yeah I must've spent about an hour just clearing up the mess. Oh, I also had to hoover the oil containers because they were covered in saw dust :-(

Anyway, it looks like I've got another oil leak. I spotted some oil down the side of the sump (before I drained it), so I'll have to see how things go.

Reply to
petermcmillan_uk
Loading thread data ...

Check you have screwed on the new oil filter properly and make sure it's not cross threaded.

Reply to
Taz

must've

lol, are you expecting me to take the filter off to check? I've actually just reallised something. My oil level has been slowly going down, so maybe it's related to the oil leak?

Reply to
petermcmillan_uk

Give the man a coconut!

*sigh*
Reply to
SteveH

(petermcmillan snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

No, can't be.

The oil leak marks you're seeing are the "oil leak fairy" sneaking by in the middle of the night with a little oil can full of special Pixie multigrade, specially to mark your car...

Reply to
Adrian

...rotflmao...

Reply to
Colin Wilson

Thats the Peter I remember .........

Reply to
DougP

I think I'll regret asking this , but why did you need to hold the throttle open?

Reply to
Duncan Wood

*blinks*
Reply to
barry

SILENCE!

Reply to
barry

Get one thing straight. Oil leaks DO NOT fix themselves or magically go away. Check the work you have done immediately. Once you have an oil leak it worsens till it's terminal. I am expecting you to check the filter you put on, what else has changed on the engine to make it leak? Nothing, I bet. Reread my original post or expect your engine to seize.

Reply to
Taz

How the hell does it take four hours? Filling it through the dipstick hole?

But why...? Just drive it five miles and then drain it - more than good enough specially for a little screamer engine.

Must be them special FIAT filler caps. Has the thread chewed up - that can make them tight (remembers his Astra that was a prize bastard as well)

Just undo the bugger and let it drop onto the drian can. You can fish it out with a magnet if it falls into the drain can.

Yes modern cars are awkward like this. If you really want a laugh try a Focus diesel for inaccessabile filters or a 3.2 litre jaguar.

No, you will have to fix it. Wipe round the base of the filter and drain plug and see if it still leaks there - oil leaks never ever get better, just worse.

Reply to
Chris Street

upstairs

possibly

filter

My dad said that the oil may just be vapour or something, but I'm gonna keep a close eye. The side of the sump looked dry this morning, but I hadn't been driving it anyway. A few months/weeks ago I did see a bit of weeping around the cylinder head, but I suspected that it may have been old oil from before we changed the rocker cover gasket. Maybe it is the head gasket?

No, the leak was there before I started, so it is unrelated to what I've done. However, I have just checked my work for leaks this morning, and there are no problems. The oil level's on max which I'm very pleased with, I managed to guess it exactly right :-o. My w/s manual said 3.4l without oil filter change, and 3.8 with filter change, I put 3.0-3.1l in and it was just over max. I started the engine (to fill the oil filter) and it went to about 80% of max, but this morning it's now on about 98% of max :-).

Reply to
petermcmillan_uk

For the engine flush, 'fast idle (2000rpm max)'

Reply to
petermcmillan_uk

Dunno, it's usually OK.

You have to use your hand to undo the last bit though, cos it's too cramped. I still had to go fishing in the drain can :-(

must've

better,

Reply to
petermcmillan_uk

(petermcmillan snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

Peter...

Will you EVER learn...?

Reply to
Adrian

The message from "Taz" contains these words:

Yes they do. After a while there's no more oil to come out - and the leak stops. Works every time if you're willing to wait.

Reply to
Guy King

This has to be a piss take!!! - And Peter, Stop listening to your father!

Andy

Reply to
Nik&Andy

The message from petermcmillan snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com contains these words:

Scotch mist?

Reply to
Guy King

Use a decent oil and you shouldn't need to flush the engine. I've run 200k milers with good oil and never accumulated sludge or crud in them.

Reply to
Chris Street

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.