Yep, I spent some more quality time under the X tonight. I smell like gas now, but she got an oil change and a new fuel filter. The drive to work tomorrow better be really special! :D

Good job! You'll get at least 10 HP out of that one! :D
At least, that's how I feel after I do *anything* to my truck...I mean, a car wash is good for about 7 HP and a full tank of gas? at least 5!!!!
Yeah, I've gotta change my oil sometime this week too...the funny thing is, the ARB makes it SO much easier that I'm actually almost looking forward to it. Hmmm, while I'm at it, maybe I'll clean the K&N, too (about 3 HP, by the way :D).
Oh yeah, what did you think of the fuel filter change?
I did mine a coupla weeks ago & didn't think it was that bad at all(the step rails being on made it a slight PITA, but not much).

Originally posted by ChuckH
I smell like gas now,

And that's different from normal how? :D

I didn't think the fuel filter was all that bad. Following the ESM instructions to empty the lines, I didn't expect as much gas to be inside it though and it kind of went all over the place. I'm glad the exhaust system wasn't hot when I did it, that's for sure! :eek: The only other issue was that the incoming fuel line was hard to get my hands on because it's very short. It's funny because the outgoing one is very long. Oh well. Not a bad procedure overall though. Next time it will only take about two minutes. I was shocked at how tiny the filter is. My last car had one that was about four times the size. Of course I was shocked the first time I changed the oil filter too. I won't be waiting too long on any of these tiny filters.

I need to clean the K&N, but we're doing a run this weekend that may be dusty. I'll just wait until after that and then do it.

It's nice being able to do all the maintenence without lifing. I'm a big guy and I can still just slide right underneath without a problem! :)

Originally posted by Mosi


And that's different from normal how? :D

Well, usually I smell like paint or glue! The gas is kind of a nice treat! :jump:

Alright, I have to ask...this question has been bugging me for months now... What is so special about Mobil 1 oil? Is it all buzz or is it actually a better oil?

Thanks
Stu

Originally posted by ToeJam
Alright, I have to ask...this question has been bugging me for months now... What is so special about Mobil 1 oil? Is it all buzz or is it actually a better oil?

Thanks
Stu

Better cold flow, higher temperature handling, reduced engine wear, and almost no oil breakdown. Is it necessary in an Xterra? Probably not, but I use it not only for the above reasons but also the following:

Extended drain intervals. I still change my filter every 3K miles, but the Mobil 1 is good for a long, long time. I usually run the oil 6K miles and sometimes 9K, but it could probably go atleast twice that.

Environmental. Fewer changes equal less waste to end up in our environment. Many folks also notice an increase in fuel mileage due to reduced friction, which is also good for the environment. I wouldn't know about the X though as I've never used standard oil.

Really there is only one big reason most people don't use synthetic oils and that is that it costs a lot more. However, when you factor in the extended drain intervals it can cost the same or less than regular oil while offering superior protection. Let's put it this way; Mobil 1 with 20K miles of use is most likely still providing superior protection to standard oil that has just started it's use cycle. I know people who have had it tested at 10K miles or more and it showed no significant performance degradation.

Anyway, synthetic oil is good for starting debates and all I can say is that is totally mandatory in turbocharged cars and a very healthy option for anything else. I have been using it for quite some time in different cars and will probably never use anything else.

Mobil 1 is most popular of the synthetics due to Mobil offering a wide range of weights, reasonable cost, and the fact that it is readily available in most stores.

As a side note, the WIX filters are also one of the best you can buy. They have superior flow, superior filter elements, and have all steel construction unlike Fram and the like which use cardboard for the filter element end caps. Again, most people would run from the $6 cost for the oil filter ($17 for the fuel filter), but it's worth it to me. I drive past about 10 auto parts stores to get them!

Only the best for my baby! :D

The ARB makes a nice display shelf
:D

I have to take my X in for the 30k KM service next week.
I think that I will just let them do the work this time.
(They will be under there anyways).

Thanks for the info on Mobile 1

Synthetics are far superior to their dino counterparts. I figure my cost for an oil change is approximately $24 with Mobile one and a Purolator Pure One filter, me doing the labor. It is $30+ for a Jiffy Lube type place to do the same with dino oil and a crappy filter.

Originally posted by wqbang
Synthetics are far superior to their dino counterparts. I figure my cost for an oil change is approximately $24 with Mobile one and a Purolator Pure One filter, me doing the labor. It is $30+ for a Jiffy Lube type place to do the same with dino oil and a crappy filter.

And you don't have to worry about the untrained staff at Jiffy lube screwing something up! :rolleyes:

to quote Brain from "Pinky and the Brain"

"Somewhere between fashion and obsession, lies subjugation."

Originally posted by Synchro
to quote Brain from "Pinky and the Brain"

"Somewhere between fashion and obsession, lies subjigation."
yeah, right there next to subjugation :D:D:D

Since I'm such a car maintenance newbie, I have to ask some stupid questions...what do the numbers that indicate the oil weight mean? What conditions should you use which weights? Is there a certain time/mileage one should switch to synthetic oil? Are there pictures/instructions somewhere on how to change my oil and oil filter?

- Joe

Originally posted by mudphud
Since I'm such a car maintenance newbie, I have to ask some stupid questions...what do the numbers that indicate the oil weight mean? What conditions should you use which weights? Is there a certain time/mileage one should switch to synthetic oil? Are there pictures/instructions somewhere on how to change my oil and oil filter?

This should answer some of your questions...
http://www.howstuffworks.com/question164.htm

For the last question, I would consider purchasing a Haynes manual for the Xterra at your local auto parts store. Or have one of the local PNWX members show you how to do so on some weekend. It is super easy.

Originally posted by wqbang

For the last question, I would consider purchasing a Haynes manual for the Xterra at your local auto parts store. Or have one of the local PNWX members show you how to do so on some weekend. It is super easy.
Likely you'll have to order it from haynes.com; I called about 15 auto parts stores (including 3 Nissan dealerships) here in the bay area on saturday & none of them had it. Quite a few of them were skeptical it was even out & were surprised when I told them it came out last March (I think the guy at my local Nissan dealership *still* didn't believe me "...oh, those are always 3 or 4 years behind"!).

There are instructions for an oil/oil filter change in the 'Do-it Yourself' section of you owner's manual.