Oil/Filter Changes

[gonetobama13]

Mrs. S., Thanks for the excellent detailed description on how to bypass the first to fourth gear shift problem. I ordered my CAGS bypass part from Mid-America and their instructions and pictures made it a piece of cake to install. And, since I always use my HUD, I rarely ever notice the "1 to 4 Shift" dash light going on.

Having said that, could you explain the proper way to raise my C5 to change the oil and filter? Thanks.

John K.

 

[582Boat]

Oil Change

Sir, In reference to raising your C 5 in order to change the oil, my suggestion is to purchase a set of car ramps and then install a longer piece of wide metal as a add on to the ramp, this will allow you the distance to drive up on the ramps, advoiding any damage to the C 5. Doc

 

[ROCKnROLL]

after you get the front of the car up on the ramps and remove the drain plug and filter, you then go to the rear and jack it up a little higher then the front in order to get all the oil drained out.

 

[erenneckar]

Just in case you don't know... go to Pep Boys for good ramps that will acomidate the low front end of the C-5 Vette. The ramps are made by "RINO" and cost about $20. I use them along with a few pieces of appoach 1 X 2's to ease the angle up on to the ramps. Use a couple of 2 X 4's cut to length behind the ramps to keep them from slipping forward when you drive up on to them. This is a great project for us do-it-yourselfers. Don't forget to wave!

 

[gonetobama13]

If I jack up the rear end a little higher than the front (which is on ramps) will I have to worry about my car accidentally rolling forward?

 

[KOPBET]

The Rhino ramps do have a lip on the front that will keep the car from rolling off (to a point of course). If the car is on an incline the ramps WILL slide if given enough impetus.

 

[Remo]

Don't Slip On That Oil Change

Call me old fashioned but these are all reasons why I take mine to the local Chevy dealer and have them do it. OEM filer, Mobil 1 and they even vacuum the interior.

Actually given my age I guess you coiuld call me "old fashioned".

Remo :cool

 

[97RedCorvette]

Since the oil plug is located at the front of the oil pan, how can the oil drain out of the pan when the front of the car is raised up on ramps? The oil drainage opening would be higher than the rear of the pan...

 

[VAmagred01]

I'm with Remo. I've never changed my own oil in any of my new vehicles. I'd rather pay and have the dealer do it. If they screw something up, then I'm already at the dealership and I can pick out my new car from the showroom that I will be rolling home that night.

It's less of a headache and worth the extra $$$. IMO. Plus they top off all of your other fluids.....

-Kenny

 

[jvdaniel]

oil/filter changes

I have owned cars for 40 years. I have never paid anyone to change my oil. I enjoy getting under my car and inspecting the underside of the car while the oil is draining. I know the condition of the exhust system, tires, shocks, hoses, belts. I rotate the tires every 6 months (on my regular cars), and check the brake pads or shoes at the same time.
This is a very enjoyable experience, for a real car guy.

 

[Nick Palafox]

oil life remaining

In regard to the driver computer control monitor indicating remaining life of oil, at what point do you recommend changing the oil? Obviously I'd want to do it before zero, but being a new owner I'd like to hear some suggestions. Also, for years I've had a Goodyear store do all the regular maintenance for my other cars. According to them they also service vettes. In your opinion, would they be "OK" to take the vette to for an oil change or should I always take it to the dealer? I hate paying dealer service prices, but I want to be very careful with the maintenance on the vette. Thanks.

 

[pvtpilot]

Oil Change

I wish I had the confidence to take my car to the dealer for an oil change.. but I learned years ago it ain't worth the aggravation of extra miles to go get lunch for everybody in the shop and the leftover smell of cheesesteak subs with everything, and the grease on the steering wheel, carpet, door handles, etc.. and the scratches on the fenders from belt buckles, and dings on the doors from parking in tight little spots in the dealers cramped lots, and the inconvenience of arranging to drop it off and pick it up, having to pay for shop towels, and not knowing what kind of oil they put in, not to think about the klutz car jockey that drives the car around trying to jam it in second gear while the cags is insisting on a 1-4 shift... call me old fashioned, but I will suffer through the ordeal in my own garage...

 

[Dave1998]

I read the the oil plug is at the front of the pan. Usually the filter is not so easy to get off. where is that located in relation to the drain plug ? Are they close or is the filter at the back of the engine ? I just bought car but have not been under it yet !
Thanks

 

[erenneckar]

The oil filter is just a bit aft of the plug. You will need an oil filter socket to get it off. It is on there really tight but it will come off with a little effort. When you remove the filter there will be a fair amount of oil (hot oil) that will come out as soon as you loosen it. Be careful and you will be very satisfied that you did this yourself and you know the job was done right.

 

[Spicer115]

Filter oil

Something I keep in the garage is 1 qt or Gal ziplok bags, you can place it around the filter and catch the small amount of oil that spills, and then drop the filter in the bag and zip. I also keep boxs of the cheap rubber or Nitrate gloves in the garage to help reduce the mess.

 

[XS650]

Re: oil/filter changes

I have owned cars for 40 years. I have never paid anyone to change my oil. I enjoy getting under my car and inspecting the underside of the car while the oil is draining. I know the condition of the exhust system, tires, shocks, hoses, belts. I rotate the tires every 6 months (on my regular cars), and check the brake pads or shoes at the same time.
This is a very enjoyable experience, for a real car guy.

I agree with you and PVTPilot. In addition to knowing it's done right if you do it yourself, it takes less of your time time to do it if you are 1/2 way organized.

In favor do-it-yourself:
Gets done right:
You -know- what actually got put in you engine
You check other things at the same time
It takes less of your time
Costs less
You don't sound like a woose when forced to admit you have a shop do such a simple job

Against do-it-yourself:
You get you hands oily
Your effete friends will think you are declasse
You will find dirty parts on your car you need to clean (maybe that's a plus)