Changing my oil

Eagle

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Wouldn't hurt to prefill the filter either! :)

Just use some of one of the quarts you're going to refill the engine with to fill the filter up a bit. If it is installed on an angle, make sure you're not going to just pour out the new oil when you go to reinstall the filter.
 

Atomicles

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:( I didn't expect all the harsh criticism. I was just raised differently I guess. My dad was never a car guy, so I never learned anything from him. Automotives were never a big thing for my family. It was always just, "Take it to the dealer" or "Take it to Firestone". And the reason I'm here isn't really because I'm an automotive hobbyist... it's because I love to drive. Pardon me for enjoying the experience of driving without knowing how to fix my own car. But honestly, you trying to make me feel bad for that is like criticizing people for enjoying watching television without knowing how to repair a TV. So just back off hombre.
 

Bru

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On the 2.7-liter Intrepid it should be extremely easy. It's been a long time since I've worked at a quick lube place but IIRC the oil filter and drain plug are right next to each other. The oil filter is mounted vertically on the driver's side of the oil pan, and the oil pan should be notched to clear the oil filter. Because it's mounted vertically, filling it with oil up prior to spinning it back on -- like Eagle mentioned -- isn't a bad idea.
 

James

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Prefilling the filter can't hurt I guess, but overkill, and not practical for horizontal filters. Definitely lube the new o-ring surface with a couple drops so it doesn't rip on installation and make sure the old o-ring is on the old filter and not still stuck the the engine. Be anal about making sure the dipstick and oil cap are both put back in place afterwards.
There are many simple things you can forget in such a mundane routine, that could be catastrophic.

Use a jackstand please! Unless you're He-Man and can lift that Intrepid off yer head.
Put a couple inches of white teflon tape around the threads of the oil plug before reinstalling, the trick is to wind it on opposite the threads, so the tail end doesn't bunch itself up when first twisting.

Since this is your first time try and loosen the the filter a bit first before draining the oil in case you need to get the right filter socket cup- or just use a rubber strap wrench or conventional metal strap wrench.

Purolator from PepBoys makes the best filter, Fram sucks but does have a nice grippy surface, the regular Purolator is fine no need to spring for the "premium" Purolator PureOne. Install the new filter by hand as tight as you can- that's enough, no more. Don't be tempted to grab your filter wrench and tighten it more.
 

POS Neon

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May 10, 2009
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People on this site seem to always jump on someone when they ask for help. Just ignore this criticisms and accept the offers. Like James said, make sure you are anal about the cap and dipstick. First time i changed the oil in my truck, no one showed me and i completely didn't put the cap on and didn't have the filter on tight enough, almost locked the engine. Make sure you double check your work.
 

98GTPDriva

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Don't feel bad dude... everyone has to learn at some point. I am not mechanically-inclined at all. Working on my motor scares the shit out of me because I always fear that I am going to miss some minute detail and really mess it up. Whenever I have done something for the first time on my GTP, I always had someone with me who has done it because I wanted to play it safe. I usually check my work 2-3 times before I call it quits.

Not everyone is a born mechanic... I am better at the white collar work versus blue collar work... that's what my job pays me do to. My cars are my hobbies and I learn when I have the time.

Good luck with the oil change.
 

epik_x

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Jun 22, 2008
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Just do it. Figure it out yourself, you'll learn more that way, instead of just following a procedure.

pete_Rose.jpg
 

Primalzer

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Also, I only fill up the filter half way VS all the way when replacing it.

I wish I could fill mine up at least half-way, but my filter is COMPLETELY sideways, so whatever I try to put in is just dumped out. I try and get as much soaked into the filter element as possible, and maybe a 1/4 at most standing, then try to put it on and see how much just falls out.
 

Bob Kazamakis

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the focus is the same way....the filter actually points in a downwards angle on the back side of the block. its horrible. i just lube up the o-ring with oil and hope for the best.

the subaru is perfectly vertical and i fill it up all the way with oil before installing it.
 
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