Oil Change Tips
 

I use an oil extractor (vacuum pump with container). A tube is inserted in the oil dip stick; pump to create a vacuum; and the hot oil is drained in the container. Next, I drain any remaining oil via the oil filter. I don't know the brand of the oil extractor since I purchased it several years ago. This method avoids getting in contact with hot oil and minimizes spills. The oil extractor is available at most boat supply stores (West Marine, E& B Marine,etc.)

I place my old oil drain container under the oil filter. I can reach the oil filter from the front of a 350Z without jacking up the car. I do remove the engine undertray pan for inspection purposes. Typically, this method take me less than one hour including a test drive and re-inspecting for oil leaks.

Great to know as I too use an oil extractor. Also, good to learn that you can leave the 370Z off any ramps to change the oil as I usually undo the oil pan drain plug to get out any residual oil that might be left and to change the washer.

Hey AK370, you overlooked 1 thing on step 5. You're supposed to put some oil in the new filter prior to screwing it back on. I learned this in autoshop. It has something to do with the engine immediately requiring oil as soon as the engine turns. I hear it's bad to not put that oil in the new filter prior, it causes premature wear.

^
Never heard that before.

Filling the oil filter is old school, and good school, but we have a horizontal oil filter attachment, and this would prove hard unless you were lightning quick!

I agree. But as Socal 370Z mentions below, our filters are horizontal mount. It'll be a very messy situation and most of the oil end up in the ground!

nice write up ak

I actually do add some oil into the filter despite it being horizontally mounted. My Honda Prelude is the same way. I just don't add TOO much oil so it'd spill out. I only add about 1/3 of the filter's worth of oil. It doesn't leak out as i'm spinning the filter on. But whether this little oil really makes any difference though is another story...

edit: and yes, nice write-up!

AK, what is the copper drain plug washer for?
Also, feel anything different about the car since the oil change?

Thanks.

Copper washer goes between the drain bolt and drain pan.

Car feels VERY smooth idling, as I have mentioned before. Drive wise I don't feel any different. But I feel good knowing that my engine is protected even if I run the car HARDEST.

Can i get a picture of your tork wrench?

informative!
 

great writeup! :icon18: I haven't even purchase the car yet and i am already excited to change the oil!

how many oil changes would the filter mag and magnetic drain plug last? Would you replace it with a new one every time?

Oil is pretty costly ($10 a quart) but i guess it will be worth it for her. ;) Do you buy it from that website or are there any other better deals elsewhere?

I don't have one currently. I used another friends wrench. I am getting something similar to this before the next oil change.

Filter mag and magnetic drain bolt - you can keep forever. Just change the bolt washer during every oil change. I bought my oils from Redline. I believe the shipping was $13 (total $73) but for a $35K car, it's 1/5th of 1% of the vehicle price. In simple words, cost is absolutely nothing when it comes to keeping your engine running clean and top notch. ;). I'm sure you can get better deals from oil vendors and stores.

You're a very patient person, AK. ;)

I got one of these on sale at sears last year for $50, included storage case.

Craftsman Microtork® Torque Wrench, 20-150 ft. lbs., 1/2 in. Drive