I have a '94 J30t and want to change my own oil and filter. What kind of ramps, or whatever do you all use to get beneath the vehicle. Concerned about raising too much in the front, as I do not want to lay the ehaust pipes on the ground. Any particular brand of ramps or what can you all recommend. Thanks !!!
:help
Changing oil and filter
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driverdriver
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About 5 or 6 years ago I use to work in Walmart Canada's Finance/Risk Management home office. You should have seen the amount of money walmart was paying out for damages to customer engines and powertrains for stupid things their techs would do, like forget to secure or double check drain plugs, fill the crankcase to the wrong oil capacity, not double check if plugs where secure, etc. They where so error prone that the Canadaian Automobile Association issued a bulletin to their members not go there for any work. Talking to a contact at Walmart recently nothing has changed. Walmart would be the last place I would get my oil changed.
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Black94Jay
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I had been going to the local Infinite dealer, but they changed ownership and the new owners service dept. has taken a nose dive. Prior to the new owners taking over, it was an outstanding service department, but the new service writers are very difficult to work with and will never acknowledge any fault/error on there part. I am looking for an independent shop in Tampa, but have had no luck identifying one that is going to provide good service. Not really crazy about doing the oil changes, but it seemed to be the only alternative. Just not sure how to get under the car to drain the oil and replace the filter. Thanks.
I dunno what the problem is here guys. You can change the oil and filter on the J as it sits. The oil pan drain is easily reachable from underneath the car and the oil filter is easly reached from above the engine on the left side. The first couple of times you might have to do a lot of feeling with your hand to find the filter but after that it's a snap. Use a filter cap socket on a rachet and bob's your uncle. Place your drain pan underneath the filter and then remove the filter holes up from the top of the engine. Easy. I don't know why so many are afraid to try this method. Wear a long sleeve shirt to prevent scratches on your forearm.
I'm left handed so perhaps this gives me an advantage. Got the procedure with clean up down to 30 minutes or less.
I'm left handed so perhaps this gives me an advantage. Got the procedure with clean up down to 30 minutes or less.
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vwluv10338
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I have been working at a Lexus dealer for about a month and a half and have come to realize there is no replacement for dealer work. I see cars all the time that have no drain plug gaskset or the wrong size, oil everywhere, wrong type of filter etc. I recomend either doing it yourself with a drain pan and ramps or go to a dealer.
Eric
Eric
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nuQ
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2009 Dodge Caliber SXT - Location: Bethlehem PA
i have a local sts tire center that i take mine to. i go out and buy 6 quarts of mobil 1 0w-40, and a mobil 1 filter, then make an appointment for after work. i make sure the engine is hot when i pull it in and let it idle in the parking lot while i go inside to see what bay i should pull into. after pulling in, i usually just mill around the front of the bay keeping an eye on things. they follow all my orders, especially since i'm right there!!!
doing it this way, is a little more pricey (cost of oil, filter plus the change--usually around $13 to 15). this gives me piece of mind that it's being done right, any additives i want put in are definitly put in, and it all takes about 1/2 hour. well worth it. build a relation with a local shop, make an appointment then wait while it gets done so you can be sure it's done right. (never hurts to take care of the tech for extra special treatment on your ride, wink, wink!). remember, your car is your love and passion, to an oil change jockey, just more work. act accordingly. just my .2 cents! jeff
doing it this way, is a little more pricey (cost of oil, filter plus the change--usually around $13 to 15). this gives me piece of mind that it's being done right, any additives i want put in are definitly put in, and it all takes about 1/2 hour. well worth it. build a relation with a local shop, make an appointment then wait while it gets done so you can be sure it's done right. (never hurts to take care of the tech for extra special treatment on your ride, wink, wink!). remember, your car is your love and passion, to an oil change jockey, just more work. act accordingly. just my .2 cents! jeff
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AZhitman
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I used to do it like nuQ, but since I can get the Mobil1 job done at WalMart for less than the price of the oil (I bring my own Nissan filter and crush gasket), I've been going there.
I watch them like a hawk, however. Anyone asks me to leave the bay, I simply say no.
Never had a hassle, and the guys throw some respect towards a pristine car they don't see very often.
I watch them like a hawk, however. Anyone asks me to leave the bay, I simply say no.
Never had a hassle, and the guys throw some respect towards a pristine car they don't see very often.
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nuQ
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2009 Dodge Caliber SXT - Location: Bethlehem PA
hitman, are you running 10w30 weight???? most abundent at walmart, i guess. the reason for buying my own was because of the hassle of finding some of the other weights of mobil1. i guess if i wasn't so picky that would be the cost effective and easier way to change it (thanks fred, for filling my head with all the oil facts!!!LOL).BTW-whats a crush gasket??????jeff
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natsoundup
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AZhitman
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- Location: Surprise, Arizona
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nu - I've just switched to the 0-40, they just pull it off the shelf, and the 6 quarts costs more than the $30 oil change.
Crush gasket is a copper gasket that is used every time you remove the oil drain bolt - It "squooshes" on compression when you replace the oil pan bolt. Comes with Nissan oil filters.
Crush gasket is a copper gasket that is used every time you remove the oil drain bolt - It "squooshes" on compression when you replace the oil pan bolt. Comes with Nissan oil filters.
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Black94Jay
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Did I read that correctly? The "crush copper gasket", that is used with the oil drain bolt comes with the oil filter. Dang, everytime I have had my oil changed at the dealer, they charged me for the crush gasket in addition to the "oil filter". Do I need to look into this a little more with the dealership? Thanks
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Black94Jay
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maxnix
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1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
I think AZHtiman started it. He knows better, but on the other hand, it does seal like a gasket, even though it is a washer.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45Black94Jay wrote:Thanks Maxnix,
Info is appreciated. Not sure why I typed "gasket". I knew it was a washer. Appreciate the reminder however.
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