Changing the engine oil

Changing the engine oil

contributed by Rich Russell

You need to change the engine oil every 3000 miles. Here's how to do it...

This should take around 45 minutes.

First buy the right kind of oil. This is a constant discussion subject, but generally something like Mobil 1 15W50 or Castrol RS 10W60 is suitable. You will need 2.6 litres of oil - so buy at least 3 litres.

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You'll need a new oil filter (about £7.50) and a new sump plug washer (about 20p). A drip tray is useful, and you'll need something to catch the old oil in, a tool for removing the oil filter and a tool for removing the sump plug - The 8mm square rod from a standard house door handle works perfectly. Failing that, you can use mole grips if you're careful.

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If your car is lowered, you will need to raise it. Driving it up onto some 4x2 planks of wood is ideal. Run the engine for a minute or two anyway so it's not stone cold - but don't attempt to change the oil if the engine's hot or you'll burn yourself.

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Make sure the ignition is off, and the handbrake is on. Open the bonnet and remove the oil filler cap. Locate the sump plug. It's roughly at the centre of the car, on the base of the sump. It'll probably have some drips of oil around it.

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Then loosen it with mole grips, you need to turn the plug so the back edge of it goes from left to right as shown in the photo (it's easy to get confused as to which way to turn it when you're upside down!).

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With your oil catch can underneath, undo the plug by hand and remove it complete with the washer. Let the oil drain out of the sump.

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After a few seconds the flow will become slower and then drip for a few minutes. Let as much out as possible, but don't wait for ever.

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To get at the oil filter, you'll need to reach it from under the wheelarch. Lying down next to the car gives you a good position to work from.

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In this photo, the filter is the blue cylinder in the middle. Not even visible from the top, but not too hard to get at from this angle!

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Use your oil filter removal tool to loosen the filter, once loose it should unscrew easily by hand. Some oil may come out, so be ready for it. Fit the new one in it's place after first putting some clean oil on the rubber part of the new filter.

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Refit the sump plug, using the new washer. These are designed to squash when tightened, so screw the plug in by hand, then tighten it about 2/3 of a turn with mole grips to ensure the washer squashes to form an oil-tight seal. Wipe the sump clean and you should be able to see if it's not tight enough if oil drips form round the plug.

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Using a funnel if required, put 2 litres of oil into the engine. If you raised the car, make sure it's back on flat ground now.

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Check the level of oil in the sump by using the dipstick. It should be at the bottom mark at this point. Add another 0.6 litres of oil, and it should be at the maximum. Refit the filler cap when done.

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Now you need to make sure the oil is pumped around to all parts of the engine (especially the turbo) before starting it. So disconnect the centre HT lead from the distributor.

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Place it somewhere well away from metal parts of the car. Now turn the key so the starter motor activates, and hold it until the oil pressure light (top right red light) on the dash goes out. The engine won't start because you disconnected the HT lead!

Turn off the ignition, and replace the HT lead. Now start the engine and let it idle for a couple of minutes. Check the sump plug isn't leaking - tighten it if it is.

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Take the used oil and filter to your local oil recycling point. Do NOT pour it down a drain. Most large towns have a place for taking used oil - check with your local council.

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Don't forget to clean your hands too - engine oil isn't good for your skin!