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I just want to add my first DIY oil change experience. I know there has been lots of chat on accuracy of dipstick reading, how long it's necessary to allow motor to drain, etc.
I had two oil changes so far, both at a local shop that does clean, professional work. Both times the mechanic let my car sit and drain for at least 15-20 minutes, and using a stock size filter, filled it with 7qts. Both times the dipstick reads about a half to a full quart high. I chocked it up to the dipstick not being 100% accurate, as others here have done. Last night I changed it myself. I let it drain for two hours with the front end jacked up. I then dropped it to the ground, and let it drain another two hours (another half quart or so came out in the last two hours!). I then put on the Wix #51773 larger filter, and filled it with 7.5 quarts, ran it for a while, and checked the oil. For the first time, it reads right at the full line. You really do have to let these things drain for a long time. Another good reason to DIY I guess.
I am wondering how I will remove this WIX filter next change next change. I did not over tighten it, but if I can't turn it by hand how am I going to remove it. There is no room for a band filter wrench, and these filters don't have the [flutes?] on the end to fit the other style filter wrench.
I had two oil changes so far, both at a local shop that does clean, professional work. Both times the mechanic let my car sit and drain for at least 15-20 minutes, and using a stock size filter, filled it with 7qts. Both times the dipstick reads about a half to a full quart high. I chocked it up to the dipstick not being 100% accurate, as others here have done. Last night I changed it myself. I let it drain for two hours with the front end jacked up. I then dropped it to the ground, and let it drain another two hours (another half quart or so came out in the last two hours!). I then put on the Wix #51773 larger filter, and filled it with 7.5 quarts, ran it for a while, and checked the oil. For the first time, it reads right at the full line. You really do have to let these things drain for a long time. Another good reason to DIY I guess.
I am wondering how I will remove this WIX filter next change next change. I did not over tighten it, but if I can't turn it by hand how am I going to remove it. There is no room for a band filter wrench, and these filters don't have the [flutes?] on the end to fit the other style filter wrench.
