Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 17:54:36 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Oil Changing
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Jay, the crush gaskets do not come with the filters. Go ahead and order
them when you order the Mann or Mahle oil filters. Put on a new one
every time you change oil. They are not that expensive. It's not worth
screwing up that plug boss in the bottom of the case to save a few cents.
My procedure for oil change is simpple an fairly clean. No hoses,
funnels, etc.
First I bought an oil container from Walmart specifically designed for
oil draining. It it flattened, has a drain at one end. It lays flat on
it's side, and the upper side of the beast is depressed with two drain
holes with removable plugs. It is long enough that I can place this
device under the drain hole on the engine and under the oil filter at
the same time. I use a 24 inche pull handle with a 5/8 in short socket
to lossen and remove the drain plug. I am careful and the plug just
drops onto the draining surface. The collection hole is small enough so
the plug does not drop inside. I use a special socket that fits over the
end of the oil filter. The socket is of course large, and accepts a 3/8
inch drive rachet. I get this also from Walmart. I simple unscrew the
filter and it drops into the pan. No muss, no fuss. I allow the oil to
drain to the point it no longer drips, then I first wipe clean the
seating area for the filter. Then I apply a tiny bit of fresh oil to the
o-ring on the filter, and the screw it on strongly hand tight. Then I
put a new copper crush gasket on the drain plug and re-install it. Then
I fill the engine with 4 quarts of oil, start the engine, watch for an
indication of oil pressure, let it idle for a m8inute or too, then shut
down and top off the oil.
I pull the tank with the used oil out from under the van, place the
filter in a plastic bag, wipe the drain surface of any oil, and install
the plugs. I then take it all to the local fast oil change service and
dumpt the oil and filter - with their permission of course.
Easy, very little muss, not much fuss.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Jay Roth wrote:
>I'm getting ready to make my first oil change on the '87 Westy. The PO
>(lived in southern Oklahoma) has ALWAYS used Valvoline 20W50, and from
>reading various posts, this appears to have been good.
>
>I don't know about which oil filter the PO used in the past, but I plan on
>getting the Mann or Mahle filter as suggested by advisors from this list.
>
>I'm not really familiar with the "crush" washer that goes around the drain
>plug, and don't know if those need to be ordered separately from online
>shops or not (vanagain.com/busdepot, etc.) but this product at my FLAPS
>caught my eye and I wondered if it would be worth the $13 investment to make
>changing the oil easier (even if it is from FRAM) as there would be no fear
>of over-torquing the plug or stripping the threads everytime. [What size is
>the drain plug?]
>
>Interested in opinions.
>
>-----clip------
>http://www.fram.com/ under "PRODUCT Accessories," scroll to the bottom...
>
>
>
>>>FRAMŽ SureDRAINT Fast Access Oil Change System
>>>
>>>
>The easier way to change your oil. Now you can drain your oil with no tools,
>no mess and no hot oil on your hands with the revolutionary new SureDRAIN
>Fast Access Oil Change System brought to you by the trusted name in
>filters..FRAM.
>
>Now you can have instant access to your oil with just a turn of the wrist!
>
> Proprietary SureDRAIN Valve - this unique, heavy duty Actuator Valve is
>precision engineered to permanently replace your existing oil drain plug and
>allow instant oil access and draining.
>
>Twist on Drain Hose - Designed for fast, easy, twist on operation, the heavy
>duty FRAM drain hose starts the flow of oil directly into your receptacle
>with the turn of your wrist.
>
> Added Protection Dust Cover - To keep the SureDRAIN valve free from road
>dirt and safe from undercarriage debris, the ultra-rugged SureDRAIN dust
>cover locks firmly into place until the next oil change. Like all SureDRAIN
>parts, this dust cover has been tested against leaks, corrosion, vibration
>and road damage.
>
>---
>
>
>
|