So I'm an oil changing newbie... little info please?!

[uneasyrider]

Kinda embarassed to be asking this here... but I figured what better way to get some answers from what appears to be the most knowledgeable group of automotive junkies!!

I have never changed my own oil before... but I've got a new '06 Silverado that is my new baby that I want to start doing my own work on. SO my questions are these.

1. What type of oil do you use in your vehicles?? Is synthetic the way to go?? What about filters??

2. What all should be involved with changing my oil?? I've got the premise of draining the oil, remove the filter, replace the filter, fill up with oil. But is there anything I'm missing (besides the ever obvious replace the plug)?? Like what tools am I gonna need??

I guess my concern is whether there is anything I should be doing other than the steps listed above. I know how to check the rest of my fluids & things of that nature.

Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.

[glenncof]

First thing is read manual. I suggest using recommended filter and oil, exactly, to start with.

It's under warranty so document date/mileage and what you used. Keep receipts.

The develop a longer term plan. See Bob is the Oil Guy
http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/ubbthreads.php
There is a section near the bottom on Filters and Deals. Oil is near the top. Warning; you can GO CRAZY studying this stuff.

Also see other sites specific to you vehicle to look for owner expereince. I also look for owner experience of the same engine with 150K+ miles.

Consider how you use the vehicle; min. 6 month change cycles even if no miles, for maximum mileage change cycle use warranty limit. I don't really go for the extended drain theory for the synth's.

I have a 1997 Tahoe with 138K and zero oil consumption in 3000 mile changes. I also have a new Ford 3.0l Duratec which I have passed breakin period ~10K miles.

I'll summarize; The Tahoe used 5-10W30 at 3000 mile changes and cheap FRAM filters. I used Castrol dino except three runs of synthetic, 6000 mile changes (Snytec). Results were zero oil consumption in 3000 and 2/3 quart in 6000 using synthetic.

My Ford recommends 5W20 Motorcraft blend and FL-820S (cheap at Walmart, $2.25 and $2.35 respectively) at 5000 mile OCI. I have not had best luck following mfg recommended so have been running 3000 mile changes up to now 17,000 using recommended items. Next change I'm switching to Penzoil Platinum synthetic at 5000 mile changes. PP is available in 5W20 and has had lots of $2/qt promo's at Pepboys (right now $1/qt at Kragen but they don't carry 5W20). NOTE: It just so happens that the MC 5W20 blend is considered outstanding as is the FL-820S which is an enhanced Puraltor PUREOne filter. You might find something different. You can not generalize on filter brands, you should find analysis on your part number.

You should consider your usage pattern and a cost effective plan based on sources and costs. Try to find a "recent" oil filter study comparing all the brands and various models for your application (try google search on your filter number and "study")

Generally I have not used synthetic oil because it has been too expensive but have been finding good deals lately. I would also look at Walmart SuperTech synthetic ($3/qt) if they had correct weight. The most I can justify for synth is $4/qt. Beyond that I would fall back to the MC 5W20 blend and 3000 mile change cycle.

Also I avoid the Mobil M1 and K&N filters due to cost. They have there place if running high oil change interval or racing, respectively.

I don't bother with Used Oil Analysis and rather spend the money on more frequent changes.

Lastly, you can consider the Dealer as a cost effective solution. Ford does oil changes at $19.95 which is about what the oil and filter costs.

Bottom line, change frequently and on a schedule.

[Scrapper]

i always use penz buddy..i'm going to try the platinum tho next and use it in my bike..i'm not paying $7.00 a quart for synthetic make sure you grease all your grease zerts if equipped...



SCRAPPER....

[wrparks]

As a complete newb, I think he wants some hints, as well.

First things first, if your oil pan is like mine, the engineer didn't think very hard, or I'm missing something. The plug comes out on the side, so there is ~5 qts of oil pressure and the oil does not flow straight down. Rather, it almost squirts to the tires. Wal-mart sells a aluminum drip pan that is great for keeping the concrete clean, because I have yet to have any luck getting the oil to only fall in my bucket. It's a definite must have if your married and don't want the wife killing you.

Also, make sure that you put some oil on the filter gasket to make sure it seals before placing a new one on. Don't over tighten anything unless you want to buy a new oil pan or have the PITA of a stuck filter.

As far as synthetic vs dino, intervals, etc, your going to get a pletora of advice here. Personally, I have always followed a 5000 mile interval with dino oil (5w30, what it says in the manual), and my last vehicle made it to 250,000 miles and still ran (poorly) when I sold it. And yes, it was a chevy, an s10. But, this is all based on how you drive too. I almost always drive long trips, so no stop and go. I could probably go longer, but I don't. If you really care enough, get an oil analysis done. Synthetic is great stuff, but really not worth it to me because I don't think I would be willing to go the extended drains to get my moneys worth.

Of course, now I no longer drive the truck more than 10,000 miles a year because I only go ~ 1 mile to work. If you do this, it's bad for an engine b/c it never really warms up. Mostly, I get the wife to drop me off and only drive the truck on weekends. Last time I changed the oil, I think it had been 2500 miles, but it had taken 6 months to get there.

My wife on the other hand drives 200 highway miles a day. Doesn't take long to hit 3000. Typically, i do a 8000 mile interval on that car and it still runs great with 150,000 miles.

Take your time the first time. Use the right oil and a good brand (I use castrol gtx, but it's your choice). Make sure you don't accidentally knock dirt/sand into the filter. Use a clean funnel. All obvious, but you would be amazed what I've seen and done myself that was really stupid.

[Kundwg]

I myself like using Synthetic oil... Mobil 1 5W30, I have a 2000 Silverado w/ 102,883 miles and change the oil each 3000 miles and use Fram oil filters, including the fuel filter. I change the fuel filter every 2 oil changes, I write the info on the inside of my door jamb with a marks a lot and erase it with Berryman. I also keep hard copies. And maybe you know this or not, some trucks do not come with hour info on the dash, but after you turn off the truck, do not open the door, push and hold the odometer/tripometer button, and your actual hours on the engine will appear after about 5 seconds or so. 100 hours is equalivent to about 3000 miles.... take care
Kundwg

[wrparks]

Originally Posted by Kundwg

I change the fuel filter every 2 oil changes, I write the info on the inside of my door jamb with a marks a lot and erase it with Berryman. I also keep hard copies. And maybe you know this or not, some trucks do not come with hour info on the dash, but after you turn off the truck, do not open the door, push and hold the odometer/tripometer button, and your actual hours on the engine will appear after about 5 seconds or so. 100 hours is equalivent to about 3000 miles.... take care
Kundwg

Holy crap, you change the fuel filter every 6000 miles? That's dedication. Impressive, if wasteful since most last well over 100,000 miles. Also, the 100 hrs=3000 miles, while the general rule for equipment such as tractors and generators which are run wide open all most of the time, does not necessarily apply to cars unless you average 30 mph.

Also, you may want to read up on those fram filters. I don't know anybody who knows anything about oil filters that would touch one for more than a emergency trip to the shop.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by wrparks

Holy crap, you change the fuel filter every 6000 miles? That's dedication. Impressive, if wasteful since most last well over 100,000 miles. Also, the 100 hrs=3000 miles, while the general rule for equipment such as tractors and generators which are run wide open all most of the time, does not necessarily apply to cars unless you average 30 mph.

Also, you may want to read up on those fram filters. I don't know anybody who knows anything about oil filters that would touch one for more than a emergency trip to the shop.

you got that right on fram i got a filter right here from a toyota 4 runner anyway the guy sold his truck to me and i told him it was coming out to fast to be a seal..well he works at isuzu he said seal..so ok it takes 8 quarts to go 12 mile.. so i gota ahold of honneywell who sent me a letter they want to know if it done any damage to my motor..i still got the letter and filter...AS it has a rustand its a pen hole in it..and about changing the oil..DO YOU OWN A OIL WELL...

[wrparks]

Originally Posted by Scrapper

DO YOU OWN A OIL WELL...

Is that a question for me? If so, nope, but wish I did have a few.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by wrparks

Is that a question for me? If so, nope, but wish I did have a few.

yes but i was joking..you change oil like socks..lol.

[GreyGoose006]

Holy crap, you change the fuel filter every 6000 miles? That's dedication. Impressive, if wasteful since most last well over 100,000 miles. Also, the 100 hrs=3000 miles, while the general rule for equipment such as tractors and generators which are run wide open all most of the time, does not necessarily apply to cars unless you average 30 mph.

Also, you may want to read up on those fram filters. I don't know anybody who knows anything about oil filters that would touch one for more than a emergency trip to the shop.

6000 miles really isnt that short of an interval. on older cars, you have to change oil every 3K and do a new filter each time, and the oil still looks like shit coming out.

unless you are using full synthetic and on a very new car, just follow the manufacturers recomendations. there is no real harm in doing too many oil changes.

as for hints and tips, start the car and run it for 30-45 seconds then shut it off and let the oil cool while you jack it up, and get everything ready.
this way the oil will be less viscous and will actually flow.
jack the car up slightly higher on the side that will let the oil flow out better, and take the fill plug out for faster draining.

[wrparks]

Sorry guys, it seems somebody got confused. I was commenting about the guy who said he chanes his fuel filter every 6000 miles, which to me is excessive and wasteful, but nothing wrong with that for the super anal.

And since when is doing a 6 month or 5000 mile drain interval like socks, because those would be some stinking feet.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by wrparks

Sorry guys, it seems somebody got confused. I was commenting about the guy who said he chanes his fuel filter every 6000 miles, which to me is excessive and wasteful, but nothing wrong with that for the super anal.

And since when is doing a 6 month or 5000 mile drain interval like socks, because those would be some stinking feet.

yah they would be but 6000 miles for gas filter?? come on....

[GreyGoose006]

oops... thats why its important to read.
OWNED

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by GreyGoose006

oops... thats why its important to read.
OWNED

i see why you want to keep your car nice and neat you'll get over 300000 + mile's out of it by the way your taking care of it and nice looking car..
GOOD LUCK AND STAY IN SCHOOL AS LONG AS YOU CAN MY FRIEND.......

SCRAPPER.........

[ColoradoSilverado]

Got my Silverado two years ago with 104K miles on it, it's a 2000 5.3, I change the oil when the onboard computer tells me to which is about every 5000 miles. I use valvoline 10W30 and the "medium" fram oil filters. Truck doesn't use a drop of oil, it's at 136K now. Never changed the fuel filter yet.

Bert