Any tricks to know in order to change oil by yourself?

[SFYellow]

Hey guys,

I don't like to be ripped of by a dealer (if I can) for a simple job of changing oil and I don't trust any shop to do the oil change on my SRT. So I was planning to change the oil on it myself this weekend. Do I need to be aware of any tricks on how to lift it on the jack stands or how to better reach filter? Any other tips?

 

[VicTxV10]

I purchased my own oil and filter and took it to a local oil change shop and all they charged me was $15 labor. I even got to sit out there in the shop while they did the oil change.

 

[dave6666]

I use the Race Ramps XT on my Gen 2. They are great.

No other Car Ramps compare! | Ramps for your Corvettes, Porsches, Vipers, Mustangs, BMWs, Ferraris, and other high performance cars with wide tires and low ground clearance! | RaceRamps.com your best solution for Lightweight Car Ramps!

 

[DMan]

It's a piece of cake, only my truck is easier.

I just use a low rise jack and a jack stand, makes it easy to drop the car once the oil has drained, leveling the car gets a stong additional stream of oil to come out, so i recommend draining, then lowering the car level to get the oil hiding in the back of the pan when the car is tilted. Although probably not a big deal, I'm just anal wen it comes to oil. Otherwise, easy peesy.

There is a thread on here of a step by step guide one of the guys was nice enough to document and post if you need it.

D.

 

[Venomiss]

http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-srt10-coupe-discussions/617529-changed-oil.html

With pictures and tutorial.

 

[Mopar Boy]

Always always always pre fill the new filters with fresh oil before re-installing! That way, when the car is turned on again, the oil instantly starts circulating as opposed to first filling the filter, then circulating. It will help to elliminate that split second of no pressure on the needle.

Not so much of a issue on a Viper due to the smaller filter size, but when it comes to my motor, I cut no corners!

This is just a trick I learnt from the Heavy Duty Diesel Industry that I have incorporated into all of my oil changes. Makes a huge differance on my Ram Diesel. That filter takes 1 liter of oil on its own so without pre-filing, the motor runs about 10 seconds with no oil pressure!!

Robert

 

[rcl4668]

Great post! Thanks. Is it safe to assume that the same overall procedure applies to an 08-09 Viper?

/Rich

 

[Kevan]

RUBBER GLOVES!

Here's my tutorial (with pics):
DIY: Oil Change - .:SRTConnection:.

It's for the SRT-10 truck, but a lot of it transfers over to the Gen.III vehicles.

 

[SFYellow]

http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-srt10-coupe-discussions/617529-changed-oil.html

With pictures and tutorial.

Thank you! Great write up!!!

 

[GBS]

Nothing special about changing the oil on a viper other then the oil capacity is larger then most cars. As with most sports cars if you don't have a lift you need low clearance racing floor jack or ramps without a steep incline.

 

[adg44]

Thank you! Great write up!!!

Glad I could be of assistance with that post. Note all the crap *some* of the members on here gave me for making that post.

How ironic!

- Anthony

 

[Venomiss]

Glad I could be of assistance with that post. Note all the crap *some* of the members on here gave me for making that post.

How ironic!

- Anthony

We didn't...and we'd love to have you join anytime...
Still want that one for the illustrated section! Get to calling!

 

[VENOMAHOLIC]

I was told recently by a small engine mechanic that it is best to change the oil when it is hot. He told me that hot oil that is stirred up prevents contaminents from settling in the pan and not drain out. The hot oil holds the dirt in suspension. How true is this?

 

[GTS-R 001]

Always make sure you remove the old filter gasket, they sometimes stick to the engine and they don't look out of place. If you don't remove it, BOOM! OiL everywhere on start up.

 

[salties]

What kind of jack do your guys use and where i can get one (pep boys , auto zone , kragen ,etc).Thanks

 

[Kmrumedy]

I just got this michelin racing jack. Is it low enough or do I still need to get the front tires on a 2 x 10 before jacking? Is it strong enough to raise the front of the car safely?

1.5 ton (3000lb capacity) 3¾" low-profile design can be raised to 18½" maximum height

here is the link for more info:

Michelin low profile racing jack from K300 Performance

 

[Kevan]

I just got this michelin racing jack. Is it low enough or do I still need to get the front tires on a 2 x 10 before jacking? Is it strong enough to raise the front of the car safely?

1.5 ton (3000lb capacity) 3¾" low-profile design can be raised to 18½" maximum height

here is the link for more info:

Canadian Tire

Canadian Tire asks for a postal code.
Any other link available?

 

[Kmrumedy]

Canadian Tire asks for a postal code.
Any other link available?

oops...i fixed the link to a UK site for details. US measurements are above.

Michelin low profile racing jack from K300 Performance

 

[eucharistos]

RUBBER GLOVES!

Here's my tutorial (with pics):
DIY: Oil Change - .:SRTConnection:.

hey Kevan, was about to buy that same oil pan, but thought it might splash because of the top, would you buy it again?

 

[adamlotus]

not worth doing oil change by yourself imo,when you sell the car its nice to see recits of service than someone telling you i did them my self.find a good indepandant shop and have them do the service for you.

 

[xjrguy]

not worth doing oil change by yourself imo,when you sell the car its nice to see recits of service than someone telling you i did them my self.find a good indepandant shop and have them do the service for you.

So, keeping all the receipts that say "QTY 11 quarts of (insert your oil here)" bought from such and such store, on this date"

and then written with sharpie marker on the receipt the mileage when changed wouldn't count?

Every car I've sold I've gotten above market value on when the buyer comes to look at the car. When I present them with the stack of my own signed receipts, and point out every single part of the car I've touched including knowing the ins and outs of the vehicle (because I work on them myself, not just read about it on some website) there is never an argument.

That's just my experience though.