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Oil change via dipstick?

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Ira

Oil change via dipstick?
« on: October 29, 2007, 06:39:23 AM »
Have any of you guys ever used any of those electric gadgets that drain your oil via the dipstick, so you don't have to remove the plug? Also, if you do your oil every 3000, do you have to change the filter every time?

I really want to baby my Track, maybe even change the oil more often, but getting to the mechanic just for this is a real PITA, not to mention the additonal cost of a mechanic.

I was just suspicious whether those devices actually get all of the old oil out.

 

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Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2007, 09:07:37 AM »
Dude, get a drain pan, a recycling bottle (a $5, wide-mouth reusable walmart one makes it easy), a roll of paper towels, a socket wrench and a 17mm (i think) socket for the drain plug and just change your oil and filter yourself, the old fashioned way.  You don't really even need a jack with these trucks.

If you're worried about oil spots, get some cardboard and place it under the whole front of the truck when you do it.  Some aluminum foil arranged under the filter can be used to funnel drippings into the drain pan.

Dish soap will clean you up aftward.

Be sure to spread a drop of oil around the gasket of the new filter when you install it, and don't crank it down too hard (or you'll pay for it when trying to remove it next time) and you're good to go.



You're depressing me.
'03 ZR2 2dr Tracker, '02 XL-7 drivetrain and electrcs
XL-7 front coils
1.5" rear coil spacers
Monroe 32316 shocks w/2" extenders
235/70-16 Bridgestone Destination A/Ts on stock XL-7 Alloys RRO Rock Rails (Presently removed, as they rusted to all hell; all the bolts were rusted to dust.  Real nice, RRO...) http://www.trivia-nights.com

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Ira

Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2007, 09:27:41 AM »
I'll see how easily I can get under there.

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Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #3 on: October 29, 2007, 09:34:45 AM »
Do you have a skid plate?
'03 ZR2 2dr Tracker, '02 XL-7 drivetrain and electrcs
XL-7 front coils
1.5" rear coil spacers
Monroe 32316 shocks w/2" extenders
235/70-16 Bridgestone Destination A/Ts on stock XL-7 Alloys RRO Rock Rails (Presently removed, as they rusted to all hell; all the bolts were rusted to dust.  Real nice, RRO...) http://www.trivia-nights.com

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Ira

Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2007, 11:44:43 AM »
Do you have a skid plate?

Nope.

I have a few screwdrivers, though. And a hammer. And a few rolls of paper towels.

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Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2007, 12:00:18 PM »
Nope.

I have a few screwdrivers, though. And a hammer. And a few rolls of paper towels.

That and some duck tape will get you a long way.  It's a good starting point.  But you will need a wrench for that drain plug.

Lefty loosey, Righty tighty.
'03 ZR2 2dr Tracker, '02 XL-7 drivetrain and electrcs
XL-7 front coils
1.5" rear coil spacers
Monroe 32316 shocks w/2" extenders
235/70-16 Bridgestone Destination A/Ts on stock XL-7 Alloys RRO Rock Rails (Presently removed, as they rusted to all hell; all the bolts were rusted to dust.  Real nice, RRO...) http://www.trivia-nights.com

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Ira

Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2007, 12:04:54 PM »
HAH!!!!!!

Seriously, thanks for the inspiration and motivation.

I'm not THAT stupid that I can't do an oil change--it's just I didn't want to deal with having to jack her up. I'm the kind of guy that gets on the news the following day for being crushed by car.

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Offline sidekicksrock

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Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2007, 12:08:16 PM »
Quote
I have a few screwdrivers, though. And a hammer. And a few rolls of paper towels.

Go to sears and buy a small Craftsman set. They are quite inexpensive if you buy a set and the tools are top notch.
« Last Edit: October 29, 2007, 01:20:29 PM by sidekicksrock »
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Offline Carnage

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Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #8 on: October 29, 2007, 12:19:50 PM »
i could almost do a full oil change on mine

im 200lbs+ and mine has a full bodykit

but I still jacked up mine to be safe


i can do full oil changes on stock/lifted trackers without lifting it

just dive on in  8)

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Ira

Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #9 on: October 29, 2007, 12:35:00 PM »
i could almost do a full oil change on mine

im 200lbs+ and mine has a full bodykit

but I still jacked up mine to be safe


i can do full oil changes on stock/lifted trackers without lifting it

just dive on in  8)

How does jacking it up make it SAFER when your body goes under there!?

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Offline Rhinoman

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Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #10 on: October 29, 2007, 01:17:02 PM »
While you're at the tool store pick up a filter wrench too.
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Offline sidekicksrock

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Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #11 on: October 29, 2007, 01:23:46 PM »
Quote
How does jacking it up make it SAFER when your body goes under there!?

Jack stands!

Never get under a car without securing the vehicle with jack stands or something else which will keep it from falling on you.
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Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #12 on: October 29, 2007, 01:31:01 PM »
i could almost do a full oil change on mine

im 200lbs+ and mine has a full bodykit

but I still jacked up mine to be safe


i can do full oil changes on stock/lifted trackers without lifting it

just dive on in  8)

How does jacking it up make it SAFER when your body goes under there!?

He meant safer for his body kit, not his body.
'03 ZR2 2dr Tracker, '02 XL-7 drivetrain and electrcs
XL-7 front coils
1.5" rear coil spacers
Monroe 32316 shocks w/2" extenders
235/70-16 Bridgestone Destination A/Ts on stock XL-7 Alloys RRO Rock Rails (Presently removed, as they rusted to all hell; all the bolts were rusted to dust.  Real nice, RRO...) http://www.trivia-nights.com

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Offline Carnage

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Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #13 on: October 29, 2007, 01:47:02 PM »
i could almost do a full oil change on mine

im 200lbs+ and mine has a full bodykit

but I still jacked up mine to be safe


i can do full oil changes on stock/lifted trackers without lifting it

just dive on in  8)

How does jacking it up make it SAFER when your body goes under there!?

He meant safer for his body kit, not his body.


yeah, i tried ramps but the darn kit is too low and i scrape

and its safe(r) if you use jackstands

i typically use 2 jackstands and i leave the jack semi up
plus Ill chock the wheels and I might even throw a tire under the frame just to be safe

no need be scared  :)

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Offline sidekicksrock

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Re: Oil change via dipstick?
« Reply #14 on: October 29, 2007, 02:10:59 PM »
Quote
He meant safer for his body kit, not his body.

Oh, my mistake, I wasn't sure, This is the same guy who wants to suck his engine oil out of the dipstick tube right?
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