DIY: Oil Change (With Pictures)

[tunerkid7]

ya but as he stated before this is for someone really new to cars, and people who may not know would find it helpful especially when he puts pics up

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[JimmyM86]

Originally Posted by Todd00

19 steps on how to change oil? I applaud the effort, but if someone really can't figure it out with simpler steps they shouldn't be under there in the first place.

BTW, Mobil1 oil filters are a complete waste of money. They are made by Champion Labs, which also make the K&N oil filters, Luberfiner, SuperTech, STP, Doestch, (U.S.) Bosch Premium, Champ, Lee...and whatever OEM contract they get for that year.

The Mobil1 filters filter well, but really not any better than the much cheaper Purolator Pure One. I only use Purolator in all of my cars.

Also, I had a Mobil1 filter split apart on my 97 GSR. Found a puddle of oil under my car. Champion Labs refunded my money for the filter. They were damn lucky I caught it and my motor didn't seize up, or they would have been paying for that, too.

I know what you are trying saying...BUT consider this...

If you had a choice between a 75 page chilton's repair manual and a 900 page Factory Service Manual, which would you choose?

I know what I wrote was not factory service manual material, but I tried to be in depth as possible. Half the people that are HT regulars could change their oil blindfolded (as I'm sure you can) and don't need to read this DIY. But if you read above, it was meant for those who have not changed their oil, or are unsure of all the steps...I would rather give them more info than they need, so they don't have to come on here and post "stupid/common" questions. Not everyone in the world has had their father or good friend show them how to work on cars, and they have to start somewhere...

I'm tempted (when my next oil change comes around) to print out the steps and have my girlfriend see if she can complete this task by herself (with me showing her where everything is located on the car since I don't have the pics up yet). She's had no experience what so ever working on cars, and I'd bet money that she could do this following my steps. And then I'd have an attractive female in all the pictures!

I appreciate the constructive criticism

[vbkapousidis]

I never new about the filter stuff....i always heard that FRAM filters were great and thats wht I've been using for a while now...

I have a question....I was changing the oil on my friends '04 EM2 the change went well but after putting new oil in the dipstick still showed i needed to add more oil in. i put about 3 1/2 quarts and he has a D17A1. There are no leaks, anyone have any idea what the problem may be?

[oddmut]

i'd say try this:

1. after everything is back in place
2. warm the engine up.
3. let it cool down.
4. check again.

That way you'll have all the oil circulated through and you'll see what lvl it's at.

[fongyz22]

oil level not up to par??
check ur valve gasket cover......mine was leaking a 1/8 every ~900 miles....then i traded it in...

[Nsquick]

nice diy

[rhymeshark916]

[InanimateCarbonRod]

Not that I need them, but the thread title says "(with pictures)". Hasn't it been like months now?

[EkillaEm2]

Originally Posted by InanimateCarbonRod

Not that I need them, but the thread title says "(with pictures)". Hasn't it been like months now?

fasho, where the pics at?

[99j1zzer]

okey i was fckin lazy and i went to jiffy lube, cost me $50...they used 4 1/2 quart of castrol synthetic. is that right 4 1/2? i thought it was only 4 qrt?

[noss88]

Originally Posted by 99j1zzer

okey i was fckin lazy and i went to jiffy lube, cost me $50...they used 4 1/2 quart of castrol synthetic. is that right 4 1/2? i thought it was only 4 qrt?

i want to know too and is it ok to use 5w-40 instead? i have like 6 quarts laying around

nm...ill just go buy some 5w-20 just to be on the safe side...and use the correct oil


Modified by noss88 at 1:21 PM 4/12/2008

[It Wasn't Me]

According to my 2002 Civic Owner's Manual:

Oil Change Capacity (including filter)
DX, LX: 3.4 US quarts

EX, HX: 3.7 US quarts

[InanimateCarbonRod]

Originally Posted by 99j1zzer

okey i was fckin lazy and i went to jiffy lube, cost me $50...they used 4 1/2 quart of castrol synthetic. is that right 4 1/2? i thought it was only 4 qrt?

Better drain some of that oil out or you'll have probs.

[EkillaEm2]

I know I haven't posted in awhile, but its that time to change my oil. Just one question before I start. Is it necessary to change the "crush washer" every oil change? And why?

[toyomatt84]

Originally Posted by EkillaEm2

I know I haven't posted in awhile, but its that time to change my oil. Just one question before I start. Is it necessary to change the "crush washer" every oil change? And why?

Not ENTIRELY necessary, but highly recommended. It seals the drain bolt to the pan. If you don't have one, you run the risk of a constant leak.

[EkillaEm2]

Its my 1st oil change on this car, I can't I use the crush washer that's already there? Or does it tend to get rusty and loses its purpose...

[toyomatt84]

The reason they're called "Crush washers" is because when you tighten the bolt, they bend to form a seal with the pan. As soon as you remove them, the seal is gone and you simply cannot re-tighten and expect to get a perfect seal again (as they've been already crushed once before).

[EkillaEm2]

Ok, thanks for the info.

[TailZ]

I use 5w20 M1 w/ M1 oil filter.
Started using that when i got the car at 26,xxx mi. and now im at 53,xxx mi. and still no problems. All for $31 hehe.

I'm thinking of switching to 5w30 Castrol Syntec though.. Yes or No?

My 03 Civic EX takes 3.8qts

[EkillaEm2]

Does anyone know what size is the stock crush washer?

[EkillaEm2]

is there a button to reset the maint. required light off? or will it turn off once im done with the oil change?

[InanimateCarbonRod]

Originally Posted by EkillaEm2

is there a button to reset the maint. required light off? or will it turn off once im done with the oil change?

It's in the FAQ.

[IN VTEC]

It's an M14 washer. There's a Honda part number for OEM Honda crush washers. I think the ones we've purchased from McMaster-Carr are similar to the OEM Honda ones in terms of crushability. We sometimes get a streak of this cheaper crap that doesn't crush...it's like using a steel washer for a crush washer.

Also, we pump 3.7qt's into the D17's every oil change.

[hondalove323]

Originally Posted by 99j1zzer

okey i was fckin lazy and i went to jiffy lube, cost me $50...they used 4 1/2 quart of castrol synthetic. is that right 4 1/2? i thought it was only 4 qrt?

well its not like that charged you more than they were supposed to,that same price will cover up to 5 quarts.. so whether they added 3.5 or 4.5, it will be the same price

[NOFX]

Thanks so much for this DIY.

I just had a customer today asking about the "special tool" Honda apparently recommends for doing an oil change on an '03 Civic EX. I was confused by that, not remembering ever having heard that. I did some digging and found a lot of Honda oil change instructions list the oil filter wrench as a "special tool".

I'll see if I can manage to give this URL to my customer if I see him later on today.