Oil Change Nightmare

Quaaluder · November 24, 2001

SO the red one has 3,700 miles on it--time to change the oil. I thought I had researched it enough so that it would go smoothly, but obviously not. Took the drain plug out, only to find that the stream of oil arcs out far enough to directly smack the exhaust pipe. Great. Finally it begins to slow down, arcing prefectly into the drain pan. But wait, now its too slow and drooling all on top of the skid plate! Too late, now the skid plate has oil on top of it, and the oil is dripping out of each little hole in it, making for some wonderful garage floor pools.

On to the filter---shouldn't be a problem, I have a little wrench that slips up there just fine. I took a small drill bit and bored a hole in the filter, thus letting it drain. Executed perfectly. After it stopps dripping, I proceed to unscrew the filter, only to find more oil comes streaking down the filter anyway! More oil on the floor, on me, etc. (I love to get dirty and all, but this is getting rediculous). Got that changed out and the new oil put in.

Back the truck out of the garage to get to the spilled oil and clean it up. Did that, then went out to the truck to wipe off any from underneath. Did I mention the wind was blowing about 30mph to the east? Well, every time the oil dripped from one of the skidplate holes, it was blown sideways, onto the lower suspension and tire, and, of course, the driveway. What a mess......

Bottom line? Saving $7 by doing it yourself just ain't worth it.....especially if you have the skidplate. (My truck can turn on its lights, lock its doors, and adjust the radio by itself, but the dumbasses can't shorten the skidplate by 1" to let the oil drain arc clear it!!!!! Americana at its finest!)

Next time: Tape a funnel between the oil pan and the exhaust pipe, thus eliminating oil hitting the pipe AND going on top of the skid plate. As far as the filter goes, drilling the hole helps a lot, but still doesn't solve the problem. I'm learning.....

Ben

'02 2500HD 6.0 Ext. Cab LWB 4x4 4.10 Lock Diff. Victory Red

'02 2500HD 6.0 Ext. Cab LWB 4x4 4.10 Lock Diff. Indigo Blue

TxDoc · November 24, 2001

The Fumoto valve--http://lubespecialist.com/fumoto/main.htm-can have a hose attached to it and let you drain your oil into a pan or jug, preventing such a mess. I believe Summit Racing sells a similar device, too (it is either them or Jeg's).

I was taking my truck at times when I too busy, along with my oil/filter and letting them do it. That was until I found they had stripped the head of the bolt where a socket would not fit and had to use Channel Locks to remove the drain plug and buy a new one. Now,I do it myself.

SteveSierra · November 24, 2001

I 've always changed the oil in every car/truck I've had. With this one I just might let the dealer do it. I'm gettin too old(33 lol) to be crawling under there to change the oil anyway.

On the 01 Z71 I had, I noticed that the plug was horizontal, brilliance there. I just loosened up the plug then held the pan up close for when the oil initially came out. Then set it on the floor. It does suck that the skid plate kinda gets covered in oil. Just one more thing to wipe down before one gets all done.

Now if and when I change out the whole exhaust system from the block to the rear bumper, I'll do that, but I'll pay someone else the extra 10 bucks to change the oil. Plus I don't have to worry about taking the used oil to a recycling center.

Shaners · November 24, 2001

I agree with you Steve. I've been letting the guys at GM Goodwrench do my oil changes for me for the last few years. Most of the dealers around here will do the 30 minute or less routine (with an appointment). Plus the added bonus is all work is put in the GM computer so there will never be any questions if there is a warranty issue.

I used to do "all" maintenance work on my vehicles, but now I'm more willing (and able $) to let the gentlemen in the "grey and black" shirts take care of my maintenance for me... (plus I stay clean and have no bruised knuckles and my kids don't hear those 4-letter words!!! LOL)