Oil Change Questions
#1
Oil Change Questions
Greetings!
It's been a while since my last post so here it is!
I have a couple questions about changing the oil. I use to just go to the lube place down the street but it's time I get my hands dirty on my recently unwarranted Monte. I am going to have to do it this afternoon in record time! I'd like to go in prepared. I have the filter and oil....
What size bolt is the drain plug? In other words, what size socket is it?
At places that change my oil for me, they don't jack up the front end. Do I have to do jack up the front end or can I just reach in and undo the bolt (with the catch pan underneath of course )?
Thanks!
I guess I'm bored. Sorry in advance for the post
It's been a while since my last post so here it is!
I have a couple questions about changing the oil. I use to just go to the lube place down the street but it's time I get my hands dirty on my recently unwarranted Monte. I am going to have to do it this afternoon in record time! I'd like to go in prepared. I have the filter and oil....
What size bolt is the drain plug? In other words, what size socket is it?
At places that change my oil for me, they don't jack up the front end. Do I have to do jack up the front end or can I just reach in and undo the bolt (with the catch pan underneath of course )?
Thanks!
I guess I'm bored. Sorry in advance for the post
#2
Moved your post to the General Tech thread as the how-to section is only for actual How-To posts, not questions.
If memory serves me correctly the drain plug is a 13mm (although it could be 15mm, I know they are different between my 00 and my father's 06)
You should warm up the car and then let it sit for a few minutes, and I would definitely jack up the front. I find removing the passenger side wheel a very easy way to reach the oil filter and remove it.
Also remember it takes 4.5 quarts.
If memory serves me correctly the drain plug is a 13mm (although it could be 15mm, I know they are different between my 00 and my father's 06)
You should warm up the car and then let it sit for a few minutes, and I would definitely jack up the front. I find removing the passenger side wheel a very easy way to reach the oil filter and remove it.
Also remember it takes 4.5 quarts.
#4
I know that my 2000 SS was a 13 mm, but I don't know about the newer models.
I second Chibi's advice of taking off the passenger wheel...then you can see it very easily...I took another member's advice of taking a decent sized nail and hammer and poking a hole in the very bottom of the filter so as to allow it to drain without getting oil all over my hands as I unscrewed the filter, worked well!
I second Chibi's advice of taking off the passenger wheel...then you can see it very easily...I took another member's advice of taking a decent sized nail and hammer and poking a hole in the very bottom of the filter so as to allow it to drain without getting oil all over my hands as I unscrewed the filter, worked well!
#5
My 2001 SS is a 15mm
I ended up just turning the wheels to the right as far as they would go and that left me plenty of room to work with. I jacked up the front right of the car with my hydraulic jack until the right front wheel was off the ground.
Thanks to all! Btw, if anyone reads this and wants to add their tips, go nuts! I'm sure there is something like this out there but I couldn't find it in the first page of searching.
#7
I like the nail in the filter idea! I was gonna ask if anybody had a method to keep the oil from getting everywhere, but I didn't know how to type it without sounding like a noob.
The wiring harness below my filter is a hot mess from all the oil that's been 'spilled' on it over the years (previous owners). I'll use this tip and maybe get it cleaned up and stay that way.
The wiring harness below my filter is a hot mess from all the oil that's been 'spilled' on it over the years (previous owners). I'll use this tip and maybe get it cleaned up and stay that way.
#9
Funny story - (please note, I'm no mechanic) My aunt-in-law was in town a while back and she has an Impala with the 3800 (Yes, I was jealous and made it known). She wanted her oil changed before she headed back home and I offered to do it. I had no problems on my monte and I had learned that they are very similar cars. How different could the 3800 be?
It took me 20 minutes to find that damn oil filter!! I had to trace the oil spill from where previous oil changes left it all over the control arm. Took the tire off and it was a breeze... more jealousy! (I want a 3800... ) I love my car!! (in case she's looking)
It took me 20 minutes to find that damn oil filter!! I had to trace the oil spill from where previous oil changes left it all over the control arm. Took the tire off and it was a breeze... more jealousy! (I want a 3800... ) I love my car!! (in case she's looking)
#10
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,217
I've done 3100/3400 n-body oil changes a lot. When we got the 3400 powered '05 Impala, I found it funny that I have an easier time reaching the oil filter from up top instead of below the car.
Safety tip - Using a jack and ramps are great (though I only used ramps once, not a fan), place jack stands under them. I've had jacks seep hydralic oil and slowly lower and I also know of a couple of stories where ramps flatten/collapsed/failed. Jack stands take a couple seconds to place and are worth the safety value. Also, any time I pop a wheel off, I tuck it under the car for a little extra safety (not as good as jack stands but if it has to be off, where else should you put it).