First oil change on the Envoy

GMCSLE · November 9, 2004

I haven't actually looked at the distance yet but I am guessing that I'll have about 7-8" of a gap between the oil drain catch pan and the bottom of the oil pan on our Envoy. My concern was popping the drain plug out and then having hot oil splattering all over the place. My idea was to build a small wooden 2x4 frame for under the catch pan to raise it up but I wanted to hear if anyone else had a better idea or if this is even necessary. I like doing my own oil changes so I know what's been put in it and when. Taking the truck to the dealer isn't an option for me.

Thanks.

blue2kzr2 · November 10, 2004

Have ramps and a 5-gal. drum/can/bucket available? I put my S-10 up on ramps, put my drain pan on top of the 5 gal. drum we put used oil into and drain away.

Tip, for your next change, go to www.fumotovalve.com buy the one with the nipple and attach a hose. I have one of those sitting here waiting for MY next oil change (this weekend or next), should make things A LOT easier, may not need the ramps. Ramps make filling the crankcase VERY difficult on my truck. The valve replaces the drain plug, just flip the lever and drain away. My brother has one on his Dakota with no issues...

sgiangregorio · November 13, 2004

I do something similar to what you suggest. I put my oil drain pan on a think platform that raises it about 3". I do this for the Tahoe and the Envoy.

Supurban · November 13, 2004

This forum is great for ideas on things I would have never though of myself. The 5 gallon bucket is an awesome idea! I'm going to cut up one and drill a hole through the side for a long socket so that the bucket shields the oil stream.

Here are a bunch of other ideas about oil change draining.

Even though I have a FRAM Suredrain, I'd like to put the magnetic factory plug in occasionally.

BrentDev · November 15, 2004

I just changed my TB for the first time.....didnt think it was that much of a problem, although it took me 20 minutes to figure out that I have to pull the plastic access panel off in order to get to the drain plug.

On the TB, the drain plug is vertically mounted Kinda nice, compared to the Yukon 5.3.

However - getting to the filter is a pain in the behind!!!!!

BrentDev · November 15, 2004

Also - I have one of those metal tin thingees that I lay down on the floor. Have been using it for probably 5 years now. Really helps conain the mess.

You can get them at pep boys and such for only like 9 bucks I think.

They are about 3 foot by 5 foot sized. Really helps keep oil off the driveway.

Musclemax500 · November 15, 2004

to get to the plug and filter, jutst take that plastic skid plate off. it makes it alot easier.

GMCSLE · December 8, 2004

Hoping to change the oil on the truck today. We have the Envoy with the 4.2 I6. I just took a quick look under there and didn't see the filter or anything really. Can anyone tell me what to look for under there to get the easiest access to the plug and filter? Hoping to do it in my lunch hour today so I'd rather not go in blind.

Edit: changed the oil and found the little pop out panel that covers the drain plug and the oil filter. Cool that it just swings out of the way like that.

Draining the oil wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought. The distance from the plug to the pan was maybe 6-7 inches and it drained straight out without splashing. The oil filter must have been put on by King Kong as I had to get a filter wrench and then stuff some sandpaper inbetween since the wrench was too large. Of course the oil filter is over part of the subframe and a wire conduit so that gets completely covered in oil. Next time I may cut a milk jug or a laundry detergent container so that I can slip it over the filter and point the opening of the jug to the drain pan. What a mess......

gil_bo · December 9, 2004

gmcsle

its easier to change the oil if i take the plastic skid plate off, held on by 4 bolts, makes it alot easier, and not as messy

GMCSLE · December 9, 2004

gmcsle

its easier to change the oil if i take the plastic skid plate off, held on by 4 bolts, makes it alot easier, and not as messy

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I didn't look that closely after I saw the two slotted pins holding that small compartment closed. There is an entire piece you can remove with just four bolts? Does that let the filter drain straight down without spilling on anything? This is for the inline 6 cylinder not the V8 right?