So finally amassed all the tools to do oil in my garage- jack, jackstands, drainpan, filter wrench.
Cost me $19 to do the van, I need to do the Subie in a week or two (motorswap guy recommended because of any leftover solvents etc... from the swap and seals change.) And with 3 cars now I can't afford to be spending a ton of money on maintenance.
I used to take it to the Army's garage, but at $6/hr for lift, plus the 20min one-way drive, it's just so much more convenient to stay home. Even if I'm sliding on the floor on my back and now have to take the oil to them for disposal.
Nothing like the satisfaction in having done something yourself.
(And the horror to realize the filter on the van is one you didn't put on there yourself- and the last time the wife paid for a change was January and 10k miles ago!.!.!.!)
It's definitely worth the piece of mind, since most oil shop lackeys seem to forget the basics like refilling the oil or not replacing the oil fill cap.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on November 10, 2012, 01:20:11 PM
Even if I'm sliding on the floor on my back and now have to take the oil to them for disposal.
My parents got me one of these for Christmas last year...works excellently as a creeper and having a low-ish seat for cleaning wheels, tires, and waxing/buffing the lower portions of vehicles is extremely nice. I think they can be had for about $40, which I feel is well worth it.
(https://images.truevalue.com/getimage_new.asp?id=151756&ImageType=2&NoImageType=2&ColorImageSize=3&LineArtImageSize=3)
Quote from: giant_mtb on November 10, 2012, 02:55:23 PM
My parents got me one of these for Christmas last year...works excellently as a creeper and having a low-ish seat for cleaning wheels, tires, and waxing/buffing the lower portions of vehicles is extremely nice. I think they can be had for about $40, which I feel is well worth it.
(https://images.truevalue.com/getimage_new.asp?id=151756&ImageType=2&NoImageType=2&ColorImageSize=3&LineArtImageSize=3)
I thought about a creeper but I didn't lift the van up high, I wouldn't fit under it with a creeper.
The garage floor is clean but I will still be washing my clothes afterwards anyway.
Get one of those crappy blue foam camping mats to lay down on. Keeps you out of the muck and insulates, too (really nice if you're under there for a while).
Quote from: Speed_Racer on November 10, 2012, 01:54:37 PM
It's definitely worth the piece of mind, since most oil shop lackeys seem to forget the basics like refilling the oil or not replacing the oil fill cap.
Which piece? I hope it's the amygdala, because it's fun to say.
I just use a set of rhino ramps vs jack and stands for oil changes.
Ditto.
Yeah, fuck jacks.
But having jacks for other potential jobs is great. It might not make the most sense for oil changes, but for most other jobs, it does.
Sure. But I hate using them and will avoid it whenever I can.
Samezies.
Quote from: Rupert on November 10, 2012, 10:48:49 PM
Which piece? I hope it's the amygdala, because it's fun to say.
:lol: good catch lol
Am I the only one who actually prefers jacks? I had to buy ramps though when I got the BRZ because I can't get the damn jack underneath it :rage:. Now if I want to under, it's ramp, jack, then jack stands.
I always have to borrow my friend's low profile jack to get it under my car.
I could get mine under the Miata, figured I could with the BRZ too. Then again, I had the stock monster-truck suspension on the miata.
Quote from: MrH on November 16, 2012, 10:27:27 AM
Am I the only one who actually prefers jacks? I had to buy ramps though when I got the BRZ because I can't get the damn jack underneath it :rage:. Now if I want to under, it's ramp, jack, then jack stands.
Accent scrapes the front bumper before it gets on the ramps. How does BRZ manage?
Quote from: Rupert on November 10, 2012, 10:47:59 PM
Get one of those crappy blue foam camping mats to lay down on. Keeps you out of the muck and insulates, too (really nice if you're under there for a while).
Why spend money on that crap? A sheet of cardboard is not only free, but slides easily on concrete and absorbs oil. I have had many great cardboard creepers.
Quote from: MrH on November 16, 2012, 10:43:51 AM
I could get mine under the Miata, figured I could with the BRZ too. Then again, I had the stock monster-truck suspension on the miata.
Oh yeah, stock suspension you can get most jacks under there.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on November 16, 2012, 10:47:58 AM
Accent scrapes the front bumper before it gets on the ramps. How does BRZ manage?
Shorter front overhang.
The front overhang on the Caddy is something in the neigborhood of six feet- bumper pushes the ramps out of the way before the tires ever get close.
:lol:
I don't like using ramps with my car because I hate slipping the clutch so much to crawl up the ramp. :mask: :lol:
Quote from: S204STi on November 16, 2012, 05:44:22 PM
:lol:
You're laughing, but that's exactly what happened when I tried it.
Quote from: giant_mtb on November 16, 2012, 05:59:46 PM
I don't like using ramps with my car because I hate slipping the clutch so much to crawl up the ramp. :mask: :lol:
This.
Plus falling off ramps. I don't trust anyone else under my roof to drive a car up onto ramps or guide me onto them... :(
Quote from: giant_mtb on November 16, 2012, 05:59:46 PM
I don't like using ramps with my car because I hate slipping the clutch so much to crawl up the ramp. :mask: :lol:
This is indeed a pain in the ass. The CSX isn't too bad because the ebrake will actually hold the car. When I do it in the RSX it looks like I'm trying to rock out of a rut...
You guys are just unskilled. I don't have a problem getting a car up on ramps alone and without drama. :lol:
Quote from: Rupert on November 17, 2012, 12:38:25 AM
You guys are just unskilled. I don't have a problem getting a car up on ramps alone and without drama. :lol:
Know your limits. ;) I really would hate to drop a car, and I'm kinda klutzy.
My metal ramps have dents on top from pinch welds. Yep.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on November 16, 2012, 05:26:45 PM
Shorter front overhang.
The front overhang on the Caddy is something in the neigborhood of six feet- bumper pushes the ramps out of the way before the tires ever get close.
Lay a couple of 2X6s in front of the ramps for the tires to roll on first and the bumper should clear the ramps.
I just drive up, jam the front of the ramps into the front of the tires, and shoot right up. When I feel like my front wheels are in a rut, yank the parking brake. Tada! No assistant needed.
Yep. Just make sure the ramps are straight, or you'll end up on the edge of the ramp, which is sketchy. It does take a little practice with a stick shift, but you don't actually have to go up the ramp super slow.
Quote from: MrH on November 21, 2012, 01:06:44 PM
I just drive up, jam the front of the ramps into the front of the tires, and shoot right up. When I feel like my front wheels are in a rut, yank the parking brake. Tada! No assistant needed.
+1
I have a set of race ramps, the rhinos were too steep for the c6. I rarely use them now, I can change the C6's oil just pulling up on 2x12s (and last couple times had my mechanic do it, i like having him look over the car once a year anyway now).
Quote from: Rupert on November 21, 2012, 01:41:51 PM
Yep. Just make sure the ramps are straight, or you'll end up on the edge of the ramp, which is sketchy. It does take a little practice with a stick shift, but you don't actually have to go up the ramp super slow.
Right, you can certainly go quickly up and the dip will catch you, but it still makes me uncomfortable. I jack up the Audi. All other cars (automatics) I'll ramp. Just 'cause.
Quote from: Rupert on November 17, 2012, 12:38:25 AM
You guys are just unskilled. I don't have a problem getting a car up on ramps alone and without drama. :lol:
I launched the passenger side ramp under the rocker of the Accord the first time I ever tried. Those were a buddies metal ramps though.
Its easier with the rhinos because once you get even a little on the leading edge the rubber foot keeps them pretty much still.
Still easier to do with the CSX than the RSX though.
That said I can change the oil on the RSX with the front tires sitting on nothing but some inch thick pieces of slate I have. Only have to reach under for the drain plug, the oil filter I can get from up top.
why aren't all cars as easy as my Subaru??
I wouldn't have to lift it AT ALL if I didn't want- the plug (and oilpan) are towards the front, sticking out the side instead of rear like the dumb Sienna. The filter gasket is horizontal with the opening on top- so no messing with mess.
And I can take the oil to Ft Campbell and dump it there free. Those big black drain pans with spout ($10?) hold two oil changes- so I dumped the van and Subie in one trip..
Er jurs derd mer erl chernge.
Ramps FTW.
AutoO'Reilly's also take oil for free. They sell it off to get reprocessed into usable oil.
none near me- I'll have to ask Autozone, they're less than a mile from my door.
Walmarts with express lube take, and you can pick it back up when ur done shoppin.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on November 23, 2012, 07:36:54 PM
Walmarts with express lube take, and you can pick it back up when ur done shoppin.
And you'll get the added bonus of uncertainty of what they may have f'd up.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on November 23, 2012, 07:12:11 PM
none near me- I'll have to ask Autozone, they're less than a mile from my door.
Yeah, AutoZone was the first part of AutoO'Reilly's. :P
Quote from: VTEC_Inside on November 23, 2012, 07:56:43 PM
And you'll get the added bonus of uncertainty of what they may have f'd up.
NO.
I mean, you drop off your jug of used oil.
DO NOT LET THEM TOUCH YOUR CAR.
I have a hard enough time trusting them with my jug.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on November 23, 2012, 08:01:50 PM
NO.
I mean, you drop off your jug of used oil.
DO NOT LET THEM TOUCH YOUR CAR.
I have a hard enough time trusting them with my jug.
:lol: :lol:
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on November 23, 2012, 08:01:50 PM
NO.
I mean, you drop off your jug of used oil.
DO NOT LET THEM TOUCH YOUR CAR.
I have a hard enough time trusting them with my jug.
Lol...
I can just bring the oil to the transfer station about 5-10min from here and drop it off.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on November 23, 2012, 08:01:50 PM
NO.
I mean, you drop off your jug of used oil.
DO NOT LET THEM TOUCH YOUR CAR.
I have a hard enough time trusting them with my jug.
You could pour the oil into old milk jugs and not have to worry about them taking your oil jug.
Quote from: hotrodalex on November 24, 2012, 01:40:41 PM
You could pour the oil into old milk jugs and not have to worry about them taking your oil jug.
Nah, I don't trust milk jugs. I just use the new oil jug my last oil
change. As long as I have a couple empties stocked up, I don't care about the jug.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on November 24, 2012, 01:43:44 PM
Nah, I don't trust milk jugs. I just use the new oil jug my last oil
change. As long as I have a couple empties stocked up, I don't care about the jug.
I have a 5 gallon bucket with a snap top. Lets me be very lazy about making the trip to dump the used oil.
Quote from: Secret Chimp on November 24, 2012, 01:48:09 PM
I have a 5 gallon bucket with a snap top. Lets me be very lazy about making the trip to dump the used oil.
Three one-gallon jugs, and I get a new one every time I buy an oil change.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on November 24, 2012, 01:43:44 PM
Nah, I don't trust milk jugs. I just use the new oil jug my last oil
change. As long as I have a couple empties stocked up, I don't care about the jug.
They're made from polyethylene. It's fine.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on November 24, 2012, 09:28:27 PM
They're made from polyethylene. It's fine.
The pop top lids are my primary concern.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on November 24, 2012, 09:37:01 PM
The pop top lids are my primary concern.
LOL
You buy the wrong milk.
Meijer milk has screw on caps.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on November 24, 2012, 09:38:51 PM
LOL
You buy the wrong milk.
Meijer milk has screw on caps.
Why buy milk when I already have an oil jug designed to carry oil?
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on November 24, 2012, 09:41:44 PM
Why buy milk when I already have an oil jug designed to carry oil?
(http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/24206916716619477_atSvm4CG_b.jpg)
Why use a milk jug when you have empty oil jugs after the oil change? They have thicker plastic and lids that won't go flying off if they fall over. Milk jugs are for n00bs.
Just drink the oil. Easier disposal and has a wonderful mechanical taste. Good for pasta sauces, too!
Dr. Oz says that 5W-20 is healthier than olive oil. Lots of antioxidants and may prevent heart disease, hypertension, and carbon buildup.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on December 03, 2012, 06:30:56 PM
Dr. Oz says that 5W-20 is healthier than olive oil. Lots of antioxidants and may prevent heart disease, hypertension, and carbon buildup.
That guy is off his rocker.
Quote from: S204STi on December 03, 2012, 12:39:18 PM
Why use a milk jug when you have empty oil jugs after the oil change? They have thicker plastic and lids that won't go flying off if they fall over. Milk jugs are for n00bs.
All the milk jugs I buy have a screw on top.
I'll use the oil jugs/bottles if I have empty ones, but I usually get a 5 gallon jug and don't always use all of it.
Autozone usually has 5qt jug and filter deals for < $20. I end up having like .5-1qt left but I use the extrafor the Miata.
(burns about a qt a month when I drive it everyday. Need to get that fixed someday....)
Quote from: hotrodalex on December 03, 2012, 09:13:00 PM
I'll use the oil jugs/bottles if I have empty ones, but I usually get a 5 gallon jug and don't always use all of it.
D:
(:tounge:)
Quote from: 93JC on December 22, 2012, 11:51:04 PM
D:
(:tounge:)
Oops, I seem to have spelled "liter" incorrectly.
You mean litre?
I was just thinking "Man, a 5 gallon jug would be really fucking heavy."
That's the way everyone else in the world spells it. :tounge:
We're not like everyone else.
Quote from: 93JC on December 23, 2012, 07:08:58 PM
That's the way everyone else in the world spells it. :tounge:
But that's not how its pronounced