Date:         Sat, 6 Jul 2013 12:10:14 -0700
Reply-To:     David M <covrambles@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David M <covrambles@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Oil change experience
In-Reply-To:  <005101ce7190$f72b4340$e581c9c0$@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Recently I did my first oil change on a Vanagon.
I had read a couple of advice articles and had all the tools ready, new filter, new drain-plug washer, filter wrench, plastic tray, goggles.
Could not find my Mahle filters which I ordered from the Bus Depot eons ago, so I ended up using a Fram ToughGuard TG2870A filter (yes, it has an anti-drainback valve) from Walmart.
First, it could not be easier on a Vanagon since the drain plug and filter are about as easy to reach as you could wish for.
I put on my goggles and had no trouble removing the plug and draining the oil.
This is where I made a big mistake. I took off the goggles to get a good view of the filter so I could attach the wrench. I forgot to put the goggles back on before I loosened the filter.
I thought I had the filter securely held but underestimated its weight full of oil, so it fell into the drain pan and splashed my entire face with oil. Luckily it missed my eyes. It took an hour to clean my face, eyebrows, moustache etc. etc.
A puzzling thing. I looked in the owners manual, added the precise quantity of oil (Castrol GTX 20-50) but the dipstick indicates max level even after running for a while.
Now I am left with a drain pan full of black oil and an oil filter I have no idea what to do with.
Not sure I'd risk transporting a pan full to the brim with oil in my Vanagon. I tried pouring the oil into the empty Castrol bottles but I spilled so much I gave up on that.

-David ('87 Wolfsburg)