Topic: Oil Changes

[aka-justin]

My oil changes have been a pain in my new Jeep. Last time I did it, oil splattered out of the dumb pan and all over the ground. I usually then dump the pan (after wiping the mess up) into a 5 gallon bucket.

This time around, I wondered if the 5 gallon bucket would just fit under there, bypassing the small pan and my Cinderella mess. And... yes... yes it did. 

What else do you all do? I remember Jeffy uses that Fram Sure Drain. http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php/topic,1072.0.html

[JohnnyO]

I just use a regular oil drain pan with a spout on it.  It's pretty big though and I don't usually spill any oil on the ground.

[chardrc]

I use a oil drain pan with a spout then transfer the oil back into a 5 quart oil container. its nice to be-able to get under a vehicle without having to jack it up to do an oil change

[jwalls4x4]

A normal oil catch pan works for me.  The only problem I have is making a mess taking the oil filter off. 

[Tr00b]

Guilty of parking it on a hillside to get the oil out... Don't know about your jeeps but mine has the drain plug way he **** up on the side of the pan so there has to be a fat 1/2" of oil left in the bottom.

[sharpxmen]

for $20 i get it done at one of the lube stations (with my oil) and they run the grease gun on all the fittings so that's cleaner and easier for me. I run synthetic and change it every 3 to 5k miles depending on usage.

[chrisfranklin]

for $20 i get it done at one of the lube stations (with my oil) and they run the grease gun on all the fittings so that's cleaner and easier for me. I run synthetic and change it every 3 to 5k miles depending on usage.

That's a good idea.  Bring your own oil/filter, the shop does the change, handles the disposal of the old oil for $20.

Usually i'm changing my own oil at night, have about 5 quarts of used oil I need to drop off at a recycler or store, nothing is open.   

[sharpxmen]

That's a good idea.  Bring your own oil/filter, the shop does the change, handles the disposal of the old oil for $20.

Usually i'm changing my own oil at night, have about 5 quarts of used oil I need to drop off at a recycler or store, nothing is open.   

yeah, saves me the mess and they top up the fluids and run the grease gun (which would take me at least 1/2 an hour to do it on my back under the Jeep) - not a bad deal esp that you only do it every 4 or 5 months (at least in my case).

[jwalls4x4]

I used to do this, but the shop was rough on my vehicles.  I'd either have a greasy hand print on the paint or bent dipstick.  My dad has had them over crank the oil plug, too.

[Jeffy]

I hate quick oil change places.  I should know, I worked at one back in HS.  At least if you bring your own oil, you won't get someone putting the wrong fluid into your engine or trans.  Well, maybe...  They sometimes forget and start then have to drain it.  I've seen them strip oil pan plugs before as well.  The best is when you have a hood support that's not front and center.  Then someone tries to lower the hood and bends it in half.

The shops that so oil changes on the side are a lot better.  You don't have 3-4 different people working on one car.

Although the YJ and TJ don't take that much maintanance.  11 grease fittings IIRC.  I do it myself all the time.  It doesn't really take long and I can check other things while I'm there.

[YJWralph]

A normal oil catch pan works for me.  The only problem I have is making a mess taking the oil filter off. 

Same here   My oil filter is mounted up on the passenger side fender well.  I cut a washer fluid jug in half lengthwise and hold it under the filter as I take it off...  It works somewhat to contain spilt oil.

[Tr00b]

The last time I went to a quickie lube, they didn't tell me my Crown Vic had a rusted out oil pan. Two weeks later, the low oil pressure light came on... Never again.

[jwalls4x4]

Same here   My oil filter is mounted up on the passenger side fender well.  I cut a washer fluid jug in half lengthwise and hold it under the filter as I take it off...  It works somewhat to contain spilt oil.

Good idea 

[Danny in Galveston]

I do all the maintenance that I can on my 2001 Wrangler.  Not having to jack it up to work underneath also helps.   I prefer to know what is going on with my vehicles, and take care of problems before they get too bad.

[SDWE61988]

Yes oil changes on the jeep are a breeze.   Just crawl under and open it up.  My Charger and durango, I have to lift them up (ramps or jack them up.)  The Durango also sucks because they placed a (Dodge) crossbeam right beow the drain plug so the oil will hit it and go everywhere.