First DYI Oil Change
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From: Lincoln, NE
First DYI Oil Change
I have decided to go the DYI route for the oil change since seeing some of the costs and problems some people have been writting about. I know I will be staying away from dealerships as much as possible after paying $148 to have one check the car over and replace the battery. Oh, they did throw in a so, so wash job & interior cleaning, supposedly free at least it wasn't on the invoice.
I went to Advance Auto today and they had Castrol full synthetic on sale for $4.98/qt no gal. jugs but this price is $.90 lower the Walmart. I also got a K & N oil filter a little pricey @ $13.48 but I like the fact they have a 1" nut welded to the can so you don't have to mess with any filter wrenches. I'm also going to change the coolant so I picked up some Prestone extended life 50/50.
Next project this summer will bethe rear brakes. But first I need to getat least one of my other transportation pieces going so I will not be restricted to my own two feet to get around.
I went to Advance Auto today and they had Castrol full synthetic on sale for $4.98/qt no gal. jugs but this price is $.90 lower the Walmart. I also got a K & N oil filter a little pricey @ $13.48 but I like the fact they have a 1" nut welded to the can so you don't have to mess with any filter wrenches. I'm also going to change the coolant so I picked up some Prestone extended life 50/50.
Next project this summer will bethe rear brakes. But first I need to getat least one of my other transportation pieces going so I will not be restricted to my own two feet to get around.
ud
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RE: First DYI Oil Change (Coolant Type)
Not sure if it matters, but Dex-cool although it is orange and is extended life coolant, it is not the same chemical as the Jag recommended Coolant...Just thought you should know before you use the Dex-Cool....And please, whatever you use, always cut to a 50/50 mixture with ONLY Distilled water.
Dex_cool MSDS
http://www.acdelco.com.au/Assets/Dex...-%20Safety.pdf
Dex_cool MSDS
http://www.acdelco.com.au/Assets/Dex...-%20Safety.pdf
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RE: First DYI Oil Change (Coolant Type)
Dennis, Green Machine,
The Prestone Extended Life Dex-Cool product might not be the same formula as the Jag recommended one but it meets the specifications referred to in my owner's manual. I can't remember the spec number but it matched what's on the label of the container. I have a 2004 X-Type 2.5. Check your manual and it should give you a the specification of the coolant just in case there's a difference between model years and engine size.
I just replaced my water pump the other day and it took one gallon of the Prestone Dex-Cool (50-50 pre-mixed) to fill. It's got the same nice orange Jagcolor which makes tracking coolant leaks easy!
BenP
The Prestone Extended Life Dex-Cool product might not be the same formula as the Jag recommended one but it meets the specifications referred to in my owner's manual. I can't remember the spec number but it matched what's on the label of the container. I have a 2004 X-Type 2.5. Check your manual and it should give you a the specification of the coolant just in case there's a difference between model years and engine size.
I just replaced my water pump the other day and it took one gallon of the Prestone Dex-Cool (50-50 pre-mixed) to fill. It's got the same nice orange Jagcolor which makes tracking coolant leaks easy!
BenP
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From: Lincoln, NE
RE: First DYI Oil Change (Coolant Type)
BenP thank you I did check the Jaguar specs and the Prestone specs and they do match.
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From: Lincoln, NE
RE: First DYI Oil Change (Completed)
Well, I did the oil change today. Checked the washer on the drain plug (it was in good shape) so didn't need replacement. Who ever it was that said the filter is in a tight spot and hard to get a filter wrench on it, wasn't kidding. My cup wrench wouldn't fit the old Jag filter because of the way they've made the end. I did manage to get my metal strap wrench on it barely and got it off. The new K & N filter went on like a champ because of the 1" nut they have welded on the end. The air filter was quite clean so I just blew it out with some air and put it back. I have a new one but will just keep it for later.
ud
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RE: First DYI Oil Change (Completed)
Hey Bob..Good job man..
Just a curious question...Did you jack up the car or did you slither under?..I don't bother jacking it up, asI can just get my head and shoulders under enough to get to everything...
Just a curious question...Did you jack up the car or did you slither under?..I don't bother jacking it up, asI can just get my head and shoulders under enough to get to everything...
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From: Lincoln, NE
RE: First DYI Oil Change (Completed)
Dennis,
I used my ramps. I had tousea couple of pieces of 2 X 6's in front of them to help get the lower edge of the body clear of the ramps. Before I drained the oil and changed the filter I also power washed the underside of the engine. While I was at it I also remover the plastic top engine cover and power wash the engine. There was a lot of accumulated road crud that you don't see with the cover in place.
I used my ramps. I had tousea couple of pieces of 2 X 6's in front of them to help get the lower edge of the body clear of the ramps. Before I drained the oil and changed the filter I also power washed the underside of the engine. While I was at it I also remover the plastic top engine cover and power wash the engine. There was a lot of accumulated road crud that you don't see with the cover in place.
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RE: First DYI Oil Change (Completed)
Just be careful powerwashing the engine...did you cover the headers/exhaust so you didn't get burning oil? I know we went through this before but dennis I still don't know how you fit under that car w/out jacks...I can barely get my head under let alone shoulders and all!
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RE: First DYI Oil Change (Completed)
Yeah lol! I just don't know how it's possible...I gotta go figure out how to put my freshly painted bumper onto the car...i don't have ramps or jacks or anything here in texas so that pretty much sucks! And it's like a nice and cool 80+ degrees...
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RE: First DYI Oil Change (Completed)
ORIGINAL: aquill1
Just be careful powerwashing the engine...did you cover the headers/exhaust so you didn't get burning oil? I know we went through this before but dennis I still don't know how you fit under that car w/out jacks...I can barely get my head under let alone shoulders and all!
Just be careful powerwashing the engine...did you cover the headers/exhaust so you didn't get burning oil? I know we went through this before but dennis I still don't know how you fit under that car w/out jacks...I can barely get my head under let alone shoulders and all!
I remember the other thread too. I still have no idea how you can get under the car without a jack. There is no way I could do that.
ud
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RE: First DYI Oil Change (Completed)
Well next timeI do an oil change..I'll have the wife snap some pictures with me under her...(the car you pervs)
However, now that I have reinstalled the TC cooling air scoop..I will have to jack it up a bit to get that off to access the drain plug..
)However, now that I have reinstalled the TC cooling air scoop..I will have to jack it up a bit to get that off to access the drain plug..
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From: Houston, Texas
RE: First DYI Oil Change (Completed)
Don't get lazy, use jack stands! I know the temptation of "I'll just raise it a little bit to get that one piece off." Don't take the risk. Safty first!