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Login to post Forums » Off-topic discussion » Changed TWO cars oil today

Dec. 3, 2010 12:01 a.m. Drewsifer HalfDork

So, just a bit of braggin and complaining. Did the Suzuki and the Miata today. Oddly enough there was a really simple and clear video for only one of them. Wanna guess which one? That's right, the Suzuki! Edmunds had a great video, made it super easy. The only whoops was when I took the drain plug out. Oil escaped with more force than previously anticapated. Preplaced cardboard FTW!

Where as I spent many minutes trying to figure out where the damn jack points on the Miata where. Everything I found just said "yeah don't use the pinch weld, point a is best". What does that mean?! Finally on the 3rd "O" of my Google search before I found a picture. After finally get it on jacks, I had to use a hammer to get the drain plug loose. I'll say that again, A HAMMER. At one point I wanted the car to fall on me to end my misery. But the deed is done.
Dec. 3, 2010 12:42 a.m. thatsnowinnebago Dork

Just look for the little notch on the pinch weld and place the jack in front of it. Coulda just asked us
Dec. 3, 2010 4:08 p.m. novaderrik HalfDork

jacking points can be found in the owner's manual (if you have it).. and why would anyone need to watch a video in order to change oil? people figured this stuff out on their own before teh interwebs was invented..
Dec. 3, 2010 4:12 p.m. mndsm Dork

I had to check online when doing the oil for the MINI- little did I know I needed a 36mm socket, and there is no exposed oil pan, so you need to drain directly from the sump. THAT was a little scary.
Dec. 3, 2010 5:46 p.m. pigeon Dork

Topside oil changer and canister filter front and center FTW. I once did my 328i in a suit. But back to the OP - the reason you had to get to ooooooo was that it's so simple a video is pretty silly. I bet you hate that Miata even more now
Dec. 3, 2010 5:48 p.m. pigeon Dork

In reply to mndsm:

Autozone has a 36mm socket as part of their loan a tool program under the front axle tools.
Dec. 4, 2010 8:18 a.m. BlindPirate

In reply to lizard:

I drive my Miata up on some 2X8's first then I can get a floor jack under it.
Dec. 4, 2010 8:39 a.m. Giant Purple Snorklewacker SuperDork

I have to do the 911 and the truck this weekend. That is almost 28 quarts of oil and 5 drain plugs between the two. Only one of them fits in the garage. It is 26F outside and there is 1/2 an inch of snow on the ground. I am kicking myself for not doing it last week.
Dec. 4, 2010 1:04 p.m. poopshovel SuperDork

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:

I have to do the 911 and the truck this weekend. That is almost 28 quarts of oil and 5 drain plugs between the two. Only one of them fits in the garage. It is 26F outside and there is 1/2 an inch of snow on the ground. I am kicking myself for not doing it last week.

I'm waiting for the aforementioned conditions before I start chopping wood. Actually, it'd be better if it was 32F and raining with 30MPH winds.
Dec. 5, 2010 2:20 a.m. Drewsifer HalfDork

novaderrik wrote:

jacking points can be found in the owner's manual (if you have it).. and why would anyone need to watch a video in order to change oil? people figured this stuff out on their own before teh interwebs was invented..

When the car you're working on absolutely has to run again in a few hours or you lose your source of income, you sort of want to make sure you know what you're doing before you try to "figure it out". Besides, what's wrong with being sure you're sure?

I don't hate the Miata any more. Maybe even a tad less. I'm a little more attached to it now. Isn't this how the sickness begins?
Dec. 5, 2010 6:54 a.m. porksboy SuperDork

Put a 2x8 in front of the ramp then drive on it and on up the ramp. I just cut a bunch of scrap 1/2" plywood then screwed themtogether to make my own ramps. I need to extend and raise them as I can't get my fat ass under the CRX.
Dec. 5, 2010 7:32 a.m. Drewsifer HalfDork

porksboy wrote:

Put a 2x8 in front of the ramp then drive on it and on up the ramp. I just cut a bunch of scrap 1/2" plywood then screwed themtogether to make my own ramps. I need to extend and raise them as I can't get my fat ass under the CRX.

I think I'm just going to buy new ramps. I couldn't even get the Suzuki up on the ramps I have! My father-in-law gave them to me, I think because they suck.
Dec. 5, 2010 7:22 p.m. wbjones Dork

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:

I have to do the 911 and the truck this weekend. That is almost 28 quarts of oil and 5 drain plugs between the two. Only one of them fits in the garage. It is 26F outside and there is 1/2 an inch of snow on the ground. I am kicking myself for not doing it last week.

^^^^this^^^^

I went and played this week end instead of doing the maint. needed...

now the CRX, the Integra, the Impreza, and Mom's Neon all need oil changes and the predictions are for lows in the low teens and highs in the upper 20's and low 30's for the upcoming week....
Dec. 6, 2010 6:42 a.m. SillyImportRacer Reader

I got a guy that does my oil changes for $20.35. I'll do my 69 Beetle and 944 but, he handles the rest of the fleet.

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