Oil Changes sometimes suck

[cracked_up]

I did the first oil change on the truck this summer and a couple weeks ago I was beginning to dread doing the job in the cold crappy weather but I got a call from the dealer asking why I had never taken advantage of my free oil change. Guess all new vehicles get one for free so I made my appointment, dropped it off and chatted with a few of the sales guys about the new stuff in the pipeline. Indoors. Where it was warm. In a nice chair.

 

 

I quit dragging the cardboard and drain pan out, just let it run on the garage floor that seems to be where it ends up anyway and it saves me time from having to clean the pan and everything else up.

[Morgan1986]

No matter to me if they don't grease the two fittings on my truck, it's all warrantied till 100k. Normally I do my own maintenance but I wasn't gonna turn down a freebie from a shop I trust.

 

on my 05 there are 3 grease fitings on each side . On the newer ones there are only 2 total ?

[MikeNH]

No matter to me if they don't grease the two fittings on my truck, it's all warrantied till 100k. Normally I do my own maintenance but I wasn't gonna turn down a freebie from a shop I trust.

 

on my 05 there are 3 grease fitings on each side . On the newer ones there are only 2 total ?

 

 

One on each outer tierod (maybe inner, last time I did it was like July) but I know it's only two on 1500s. Rack and pinion steering not only makes for much tighter steering, it makes for much less crap to grease.

[Morgan1986]

No matter to me if they don't grease the two fittings on my truck, it's all warrantied till 100k. Normally I do my own maintenance but I wasn't gonna turn down a freebie from a shop I trust.

 

on my 05 there are 3 grease fitings on each side . On the newer ones there are only 2 total ?

 

 

One on each outer tierod (maybe inner, last time I did it was like July) but I know it's only two on 1500s. Rack and pinion steering not only makes for much tighter steering, it makes for much less crap to grease.

 

I personaly like how there is grease nipples the f150s did not have them just the life time self grease thing and after a while the grease in those just kinda go to crap . chev to me builds way better front ends in there 1500s then ford because of that simple thing of having grease nipples .

[tjm80]

I changed the oil in my 2011 a few weeks ago and made a royal mess. Everything was the same as my 2008 I traded in except the force the oil shot out when I pulled the drain plug. Then I changed the oil in my wife's 2011 Acadia for the first time. Now that was a pain in the ass. And changing the filter in that thing is even worse than draining the oil. I ended up with about 3 quarts of oil on my garage floor by the time I got finished.

[Wolfmanjohn]

TJ, I feel your pain on that Acadia; my wife has a '09 Traverse. So far, somehow, though, I have been able to avoid the "Exxon Valdez" of oil/filter changes I've been fearing on that car. Lots of rags, though.

 

My first oil/filter change on any new vehicle is always quite the blunder and source of amusement for others to watch, so I'm sure all my neighbors will gather 'round in keen anticipation of my antics when I do the first service on the Silverado in April. My visual is always supplanted by audio, so they'll be wearing aircraft grade hearing protection and leaving the younger kids at home when they do show.

[mattymax]

In the Oil section Wal-Mart sells a large metal oil changing pan. Its about 2'X4" and works really well.

 

-matt

[Morgan1986]

my dad is like 61 years old now and changes his oil on his trucks and he is dam fast like warms up engine turns off . card board , oil is out , filiter is off , new one is one , tights up fittings grease nipples on front end, new oil in , dip stick in checks it . done . seems like its like 10 mins about . me on the other hand its like oil all over my arms burn my self on the exhaust , things seem dam tight under there , and after like 20 mins or more i get it done .

[wavery]

Avoid messy oil changes........

 

get one of these"

http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-092-005-AutoGrade-Drain-Solution/dp/B000IZ2WHG/ref=lh_ni_t

 

Then punch a hole in the bottom of the oil filter, let it drain for one minute then unscrew the filter enough to let air in and the filter will empty in another couple minutes. While that is draining, drain the oil from the pan. Using this drain plug, you can control the oil flow so that it doesn't shoot out when removing the plug.

 

No need to get a drop of oil on yourself or the the floor.

[MikeNH]

Those valves are pointless, they just add time it takes to drain the oil because the opening is small. I've done countless oil changes since I left the dealership and never had an issue with making a mess.

[Wolfmanjohn]

Those valves are pointless, they just add time it takes to drain the oil because the opening is small. I've done countless oil changes since I left the dealership and never had an issue with making a mess.

 

 

Yeah, and I have a problem with something that protrudes from something as vulnerable as an oil pan that contains such a vital operating fluid. Sure hate to encounter the consequences in the middle of BFE.

[RyanbabZ71]

Changing oil on the gmt-800s and 900's are simple. I must be one of the lucky ones I might get a drip or 2 on the floor but really have no issues.

[wavery]

Those valves are pointless, they just add time it takes to drain the oil because the opening is small. I've done countless oil changes since I left the dealership and never had an issue with making a mess.

 

Those valves are pointless, they just add time it takes to drain the oil because the opening is small. I've done countless oil changes since I left the dealership and never had an issue with making a mess.

 

This one can be opened to flow pretty good (not as much as removing the plug of course). It takes about 2 minutes for the oil to drain (never really timed it) but I open it up and let the pan and oil filter drain while I eat lunch. I'm not in a hurry when I change my oil. Maybe that's why I don't make a mess.

 

I was initially concerned about it sticking out but it doesn't. Someone would have to smash the oil pan before this can get hit. I'm happy with it.

 

BTW..... This is a great oil drain pan..... it's almost 24" across the top:

http://www.amazon.co...24769439&sr=8-6

[Stevens03]

I've used one of those attachements in the past with a hose and they work fine. I just don't have one for the new truck. I do have a good oil pan to catch the oil... it was just one of those jobs. I also like the idea of punching a hole in the bottom of the filter, I've just ever done it. Maybe next time I will give that a try...

[cracked_up]

I honestly can do it without a big mess, couple drips, nothing a couple paper towels won't take care of. For what they charge today it is a money saver.

 

Earlier comments were made for humor only