First Oil Change - - Need advise

[CarDude]

OK so my car has about 240 miles on it. I have read that I should replace the Synthetic oil with like a 5w-30 so the engine can break-in properly. The question is where should I have it done. I spoke with a guy who works at one of those Quick Lube places and they can flush the old engine oil out, which I think could be valuable the first time or two to remove the break-in contaminates. What do you think? And trust me I know how people feel about "Quick-Lube" places.

 

[FrankBarba]

This is one of the easiest maintanece proceudres to do yourself.
Unless you do not want to get oily. I have never used a Quick Lube for changing the oil in the viper. My opinion is do it yourself.

 

[garolittle]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HEMIDAYTNA:
This is one of the easiest maintanece proceudres to do yourself.
Unless you do not want to get oily. I have never used a Quick Lube for changing the oil in the viper. My opinion is do it yourself.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree. It is very simple to change the oil yourself and it will give you the opportunity to keep an eye on things. Do a search on "oil change" and you will find a zillion references and tips. However, be sure that the car is level when you drain the oil. If you drain the oil while the car is "jacked up" you will not get all of it out. Good luck.

 

[Geoff Green]

I wouldn't flush it and I would wait until at least 500 miles. I did my first oil change at 740 miles and had the oil analyzed. The readings were a little higher than the rest of my oil samples, but not out of line.

 

[Steve-Indy]

I, and others, have read a TON about oils, breakin oils, airplane oils, motorcycle oils, racing engines, synthetic vs. non-sym, single weights vs. multi, Euro specs, additative packages, brands names, et. not only on this board, but in scientific journals...and I STILL do not have ALL the answers.

That said, consider this empiric reasoning: Dodge uses Mobil 1 10w 30 as the factory fill...and they use this for subsequent oil changes...and they are the ones who will decide about warranty issues. Why not stick with their program, if not forever, at least until you have time to sort through your driving needs and through ALL of the opinions??

Just MY opinion on the breakin process...NOT meant to be or become an argument.

 

[95Viper]

Agree...stick with factory fill Mobil 1

But...if you're thinking about having it done by a quick lube...don't. Call them and schedule an appointment to rent their bay for 1 hour. Don't go through the hassle of jacking it up and laying on the floor the first time. Might be $10-$15.

You get control and assuming you research the posts and maybe pull in a friend who has the very basics of car knowledge you can easily get through the first time without getting even dirty. I'll guarantee that it will feel faster and sound better when driving it home just because you did it yourself.

P.S. Buy a new washer for the drain plug for a few bucks at the dealer.

 

[GTS Bruce]

Let the dealer do it.Any screw ups and they pay.I am sure they will have the Mobil 1 10-30.Take your own Mobil 1 filter.Change again at 1000 miles when break in is complete. Bruce

 

[Ron Hickey]

I'd probably wait until 1000 miles, since it sounds like you're going to have to pay someone to do it. Take it to the dealer. However, buy Mobil One oil (Walmart) and take it in with you. The dealer is going to charge you $5-6/quart if he supplies the oil. He'll have an appropriate Mopar oil filter in stock (it also fits Rams and Intrepids). If you supply the oil, it shouldn't cost you more than $18-20. I know that the Mobil I oil filter is the filter of preference for most at this site -- I use them myself -- but there's nothing really wrong with the Mopar oil filter. After all, it is the factory spec filter.

 

[Warren S]

CarDude: Do a search on "oil" and "oil filters", you'll find a lot of info discussed.

I do my own oil changes. Car must be absolutely level when lifted because you have the drain plug in the middle. I clean the drain plug magnet at every change as it will collect a little metallic fuzz. Ten quarts of Mobil 1 oil (10w-30) and filter comes out to about $55.00.

Taking it to a dealer that services Vipers is alright, but I wouldn't trust taking it to a "Qwik-lube" place. They'll probably have some trouble opening and closing your hood!

Warren.

 

[Mr U-2]

Just my $.02...

I wanted to change my own but the lifts on base at our auto/hobby shop wouldn't allow me to get onboard without rubbing the front facia...so I drove to my Jiffy Lub place where I know I can drive over the pit. I asked nicely and they let me do all the changing myself, and I get a chance to inspect/clean etc. I don't have room for a lift in my garage and as yet I don't have a low profile jack...so you might consider a Jiffy Lube or the like...wasn't my first choice but since they've been so nice about it I use them now. I bring my own oil/filter they just charge for the use of the pit...pretty cool. I've stayed with Mobil 1.

Paul