I have decided to change my own oil for once in my life! In the owners manual it says " A special wrench (available from your Acura dealer) is required to remove the filter." What the hell is this special wrench, and do I really need it for the job? Is it the same as a standard oil filter wrench avaliable at any auto parts store?

Do you have any helpful tips for the job?

Thanks

 

they are talking about a "wrench" that fits the hexagonal doo-dad on the top of the filter (OEM).
any auto parts store has a universal metal loop thingy like a kitchen jar opener (sort of) that should work.
maybe you'll get something from: http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/oilchange/oil.html

uh, hope that helps or something...

 

Thats what I wanted to know. Great link!

Thanks!!!!!!!

 

how the hell do u replace the washer on the drain plug?

 

what do you mean? take it off the nut and simply replace it with a new washer.

 

Ya, a new washer comes with an OEM filter!

 

You definitely dont need that tool...the parts guy gave it to me for free one day, and Ive never had to use it. Just dont screw your new filter on ridiculously tight and youll be fine.

Have a towel handy...be prepared for a bit of spillage from the filter.

When you unscrew the drain plug, first loosen with the ratchet then do it by hand. When youre unscrewing it by hand, put pressure on the plug as you unscrew. Youll feel when its out of the threads, then just pull it out. This prevents the plug from falling into your pan and minimizes spillage.

Replace the washer every time, but dont freak out if you forget or lose the washer after one change. It most likely will be just fine...no big deal.

Its really cake man...Id like to know peoples records for fastest oil changes!!!

 

Here's some pix for the rookies (not that I'm a pro or anything )

http://www.itr1220.com/oilchange.htm

 

damn yer instructions are totally different from that of c-speedracing.. hrmmm

 

its a crush washer. Best from dealer...

 

are u sure, cause mines is stuck on it. see, the washer is made of aluminum, and i can just pull it out. its stuck between the threads of the bolt

 

You really don't need "special tool" to take the oil filter off.
Not unless some monkey mechanics did not lube the gasket and overtighten
your oil filter with a wrench last time.

Confucious-
I use a big plier to grab the washer and uncrew it from the drain plug.
If you can't take the old washer out, go buy new drain plug just a few bucks. No big deal.

 

i gotta get me one of those funnel things...i always spill all over my valve cover and intake manifold (smells delicious!)

 

When you put the drain plug back in, be darn sure you don't cross the threads or overtighten and strip the threads. My drain plug had been cross threaded before I bought the car. I found that out the first time I changed the oil. The plug smoothly screwed in at 2 different angles!! Now as a result, if I don't use a washer there is a massive oil leak from the plug.

 

I just changed my oil this weekend, it was a lot easier than when I used to do it back in HS. No special wrench needed (even though I had one). The OEM filter came off EASY. I did it in about 20 min...most of the time waiting for the oil to drain. BTW, why is it necessary to change the washer everytime?

 

You want to replace the washer every time b/c it may leak. Most people would just tighten the bolt more. However, if you keep over tightening the bolt it will eventually strip the threads on the bolt or worse, on the pan. For a buck a piece its cheap insurance against a big headache.

 

lang pretty detailed web page! never seen anyone take the time and dedicate a page to changin yer oil!

 

I change my oil wayyyy different from everyone here!

i first start by getting up at 7:30 am rather than my normal 8:30.
then, I get in the car and start the engine (very important!)
I then drive it to the dealership, say hi to all the people I know that work there, and in less than 45 minutes my car has its oil changed, they wash and vac it for free too.
I then go the cashier, give her my credit card, which is charged $30 for the whole shebang.

anyway, that is how I do an oil change

 

Oil changes are SIMPLE. I wouldn't waste money on getting it done, but that's just me. for about 6 bucks, you can get 5 quarts of oil and for another 3 bucks or so get a FRAM sure grip filter. The change takes less than 20 minutes. wear rubber gloves if you dont want oil on your hands.

 

Thanks guys!!1

It was Cake!!!
However, I did have to go out any buy a 17mm wrench for the drian plug!

I wont be spending $25-30 for oil changes anymore! I did it quicker by doing it at home!

Thanks again

 

also, no one cares about your car as much as you, esp. not the hack working at the oil change shop

 

I just thought I'd throw in a quick tip:

An empty plastic oil bottle (non-Mobil1) makes a great funnel. Just cut off the bottom of the bottle, and use it upside down. When I'm adding oil, I can fit a bottle of Mobil 1 (almost) inside of my free funnel and just let it drain. For storage, I try to keep the "funnel" clean and in a plastic bag.

 

last time i had my oil changed at jiffy lube cuz i had no time and now since i have time i'm doing it myself again..but i forget can i use a 17mm socket wrench to take out the drain plug? cuz thing aint budgin! and im exhausted from trying! help me out please, thanks.

 

last time i had my oil changed at jiffy lube cuz i had no time and now since i have time i'm doing it myself again..but i forget can i use a 17mm socket wrench to take out the drain plug? cuz thing aint budgin! and im exhausted from trying! help me out please, thanks.

 

why even bump a 6 year old thread

if it's too tight then just get your bar from the cat and use it as a torque wrench