Oil Change

It's a simple operation I know. But for someone who has NEVER worked on his own car until the Pickle arrived, it can be a little nerve wracking. But after studying the books and reading up on it, I decided to take on the challenge today.

First I assembled all the tools I'd need.. Oil, new filter, gaskets, 13mm socket, 19mm socket, wrachet, torque wrench, lots of paper towels and an oil drip pan.. and I proceeded to go to work. The engine was nice and warm and I began by taking out the oil drain bolt (19mm) and let most of the oil fall in the pan.

Then I loosen the strainer plate and saw why mechanics don't like to touch this part. The first danger is that if you over tighten it when you put it back on the bus, you literally have to disassemble your engine to fix it. (9 ft. pounds max). But the real thing that's a PITA is all the sludge I found at the bottom of it.



Well I got some gas and more paper towels and cleaned it all out, removing the old caked on gaskets too. I spent a lot of time cleaning and getting everything as smooth as possible so it wouldn't leak.

Here are the after shots.





I then removed the oil filter, (more drip, drip) put in a new one.. (hand tight only per spec) and then put both plugs back in.

I put in 3.7 quarts of oil.. turned on the engine and it was still a half quart low or so.. so I would up putting in 4 full quarts of oil.

And not a drop leaked!!!

Success.

While I was at it, I also greased the distributor and cleaned the rotor.

Now I'll never pay for another oil change again!