My first (do it yourself) oil change

[boxcarbill]

On 2007 6 speed. My driveway is sloped enough to level the car out with 3 to 4 pieces of 2x8 lumber ends under the front wheels. There is a flat plastic cowl that can be easily removed to make it much easier to get to the oil filter. Remove it by removing 4 (10mm head) bolts & 4 plastic clips. If you don't remove it you WILL get old oil on the top of it. The clips are loosened for removal by prying their center pin down (but not out) with a flat blade screwdriver.

The car should be perfectly level or slightly higher at the front end for the (12mm shaft, 14mm head) drain plug is located on the oil pan towards the rear of the car.

Nissan says to remove the oil filler cap on the top of the engine before removing the drain plug (which I forgot to do this time).

Drain the oil before removing the filter. I wait at least 15 minutes. You'll have to wipe old oil from between the filter mount and the oil pan (about 3 inches, and some of it is not vertical).After a full hour of draining I noticed quite a bit of old oil still coming out like some reluctant bastion finally gave up another 1/2 cup.

I use a funnel to pour the 4¼ quarts of (regular) Mobile 5w30. I used a Supertech oil filter from Wall Mart this time but they are quite a bit shorter than the Nissan factory replacement which I intend to use from now on. I'm also stocking up on the Dorman 12mm nylon drain plug gaskets. The old one on it was copper and I hope it doesn't leak till next time.

I hope this ramble is of benefit to someone.

Modified by boxcarbill at 10:21 PM 9/28/2008

Modified by boxcarbill at 10:27 PM 9/28/2008
Modified by boxcarbill at 10:33 PM 9/28/2008

[Shad0wXCalibur]

Unless I'm missing something, my factory filter and Wix filter were both short. Maybe they stuck something different on yours from the factory. It's been noted on these forums before that the filters for the Versa are smaller than your average car filter.

Also, I've never replaced the drain plug gaskets on either of my cars and I don't experience any oil leaks. I'm thinking it's just a bunch of crap.

[daan]

I had my last car from 92 until last fall. The only time I had to replace anything was when I took the car to one of those quick change places when I was on a trip, and one of the monkeys there used an air wrench or something on the plug and rounded the sides off. THe next time the oil needed to be changed, I had to take it in to get the old plug off, and buy a new one. I might be weird, but I kind of like changing my own oil.

[Knightro2]

I wouldn't say you're weird. I use to change my own oil when I had a house (that was before Hurricane Charley decided it didn't like it). Now I'm in an apartment so it's harder and I just end up taking it somewhere.

Changing my own oil lets me know exactly what is done to the car. I like having that knowledge.

[boxcarbill]

Unless I'm missing something, my factory filter and Wix filter were both short. Maybe they stuck something different on yours from the factory. It's been noted on these forums before that the filters for the Versa are smaller than your average car filter.

Also, I've never replaced the drain plug gaskets on either of my cars and I don't experience any oil leaks. I'm thinking it's just a bunch of crap.

The Nissan factory oil filter is rather small, but the Supertech replacement filter is small (same diameter) and a good 3/4 inch shorter.

Copper (crush) gaskets are made to be used once. I've had trouble with them leaking in the past when not replaced. My last oil change was at the dealer and I saw the mechanic replace the drain plug gasket.I've been using the blue nylon ribbed Dorman plug gaskets for a decade. They last 3 to 4 changes and don't require much torque to get them to seal properly.The 12mm gasket part # is: 097-116. They have thin little tabs on the inside diameter to hold the gasket onto the plug.
Modified by boxcarbill at 11:05 AM 9/30/2008

[iluvmyVersa08]

Hey thanks for the info. For now I am taking my car to the dealership, they gave me 4 free oil changes coupons where I bought the car. Plus I think while its still new I would rather have the dealer do it. But normally my dad does all the oil changes at home. He used to change the oil on my old 01 Accent, but he prefers I take the Versa to the dealer. It's my first ever new car, so I want to take really good care of it. But if I ever try it, I'll use your info. Thanks!

[boxcarbill]

NAPA auto parts sells the Dorman oil plug gaskets under their own brand name. It's just called the M-12 (for Metric 12mm). I got one today for $1.