Simple Oil Change Question

[ArmedAviator]

Some of you get under your cars quite often, and I haven't since the last time I changed my oil, really. I'm coming up on 5,000 miles on my OCI and am getting ready to change it. I've decided I'm not going to change my oil filter this OCI and instead do it every other. The oil filter I am using, a Fram Ultra Synthetic, is top rated on BITOG and can exceed 15k-20k miles.

Do I need to remove the plastic cover under the car to drain the oil? I remember there being a hole down there for a drain, but I forget if it's for the oil drain.

[EdBwoy]

howto-change-the-oil-m56-vk56vd-t594953.html
This how-to in the FAQs shows that you could access the drain bolt although a tight fit. However, I'll bet good money that the oil will be gushing all the way to the passenger side unless you open the bolt very slowly and let it drip over a long time... long enough to question whether removing that tray would be just as fast.
Edit: I saw your other post and realize yours is the V6. I don't know how different they would be.

* I respect your hustle because I think I'm frugal, but I'm curious. How much do your oil changes cost you and how often (in months) do you do them?

[ArmedAviator]

I use Pennzoil Platinum (PurePlus) 5W-30 in a 5 quart jug from whoever has it around. The filter I get for $10 from Amazon. I use the 5.6L version of the filter on my 3.7L. It is larger which means slightly more oil capacity overall and more available filter media.

Right now I use 5k mile OCIs and this will be my first try at a 10k mile FCI. Right now, my OCIs have been around the 6-month park when I reach the 5k. I wouldn't hesitate to take it to a full year though if I drove alot less.

Specifically, my last oil change was 11/7/16 @ 90k. Previous to that it was 4/20/16 @ 85k. Before that it was an unknown oil brand/filter/mileage/duration as I bought it from a used car dealer.

[mikedamageinc]

I know back in they people would do every other change on the filter but why? The oil is pretty dirty when it's time to change and 10 bucks a year or whatever isn't much. It's like taking a shower and putting dirty droors back on!

[Ilya]

On my V8, there was NO WAY to do the oil without dropping the plastic cover and removing it's 10-11 10mm bolts in the process. That's why I got a tollboothwilley shield...has nice little doors with only 2 bolts to remove to get access to the filter and another door for the plug.

[ArmedAviator]

These synthetic media filters are capable of collecting 4-5 grams of dirt and do not deteriorate over time when soaked in oil. Standard filters hold usually around 2 grams of dirt and begin deteriorating once soaked in oil.

I see no harm in changing the filter every oil change (as I have always done), but I find it's not necessary. Sure the amount of fresh, clean oil in the sump at the end of the oil change process won't be as much, but I am also certain these modern Group III "synthetic" oils are capable of much longer runs than 5k miles. If I can reduce waste, reduce my time and money spent in the process, it seems win-win to me with minimal risk.

It's like taking a shower and putting dirty droors back on!

Sometimes I do

[mikedamageinc]

^^^Haha.

I do extended intervals anyway, Redline oil lasts 10k in these engines, verified by several used oil analysis in my M37 and previous G35 so I figure that's long enough for the filter too.