Doing oil change myself

cpb

Thinking about doing an oil change on the car myself (04 mondeo) but would only have a few household tools. Would I need to buy this and this or should I get it done professionally. Dont mind getting hands dirty and I reckon I could do the job. What you think ?

Viper_JB

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/7403617.htm would be a good buy (might get one myself at that price), you wanna have at least a two tone hydrolic jack and two two tone axel stands, find out the size of the sump plug and make sure you have a socket of that size and a copper washer to fit after. You should be able to find out all that info online. Just make sure you have the right oil and an oil filter on hand at the time and a pan for the old oil to spill into. Outside of that, best of luck and let us know how you get on with it.

P.S. I had a lot of trouble trying to get the sump plug out on mine, was pretty well siezed in there ended up getting a breaking bar and a socket, worked a treat either that or put a pipe over the handle of your socket wrench, should give you the extra force needed.

P.P.S. Think that mondeo has a 14mm sump plug on it.

Paulyh

i have never done this myself but i thought i would say again to be very careful going under the car and make sure it is very secured on the stands, there have been lots of fatal accidents with doing this, some mentioned here on boards before. Might be an idea to have someone with you ready with the jack if something did happen.

I dont mean to be putting you off or anything, just to be safe, cool, and stay sexy.

BrianD3

You'll probably need one or two sockets, a ratchet handle and an oil filter removal tool. So there's no need to go out and buy a 100 piece toolkit for this work. Depending on the ground clearance, how fat you are and oil filter location you may get away without lifting the car at all.

Many Fords use 5w30 oil which is 25 quid for 5 litres in Halfords.

daveharnett

cpb wrote: »

Would I need to buy this and this or should I get it done professionally. Dont mind getting hands dirty and I reckon I could do the job. What you think ?

IMO this is the first thing to buy if you are going to work on your car.

I'd absolutely recommend giving it a go. Even just tackling the oil changes will save you a packet, it's very satisfying, and it's always good to know that it's been done right.

Just about anybody can do an oil change, you'll be absolutely fine. Do get the lifting gear you have linked (or similar) so you can get under the car safely. Other than that, all you'll need tool-wise is a cheap set of spanners and (possibly) a strap wrench/filter chain - lots of newer oil filters have a hex bolt at the end so they can be turned by spanner/socket.

mlmcelligott

Car stands are a waste of time in my opinion. Ive never heard of a car falling off two concrete blocks before. They're much cheaper too.

When your buying a socket set spend a few more euros on the oil filter size socket.

I always service my own car and the biggest problem I have is getting rid fo the old oil. Where are you meant to take it?

daveharnett

mlmcelligott wrote: »

I always service my own car and the biggest problem I have is getting rid fo the old oil. Where are you meant to take it?

All proper recycling centers will have a tank for waste motor oil. http://www.repak.ie/recycling_facilities.php#facilities

neilthefunkeone

Yeah go for the oil change.. Its just a bolt under the car.. loosen it, have a bucket ready and slowly remove the bolt..

Filter is a different story.. depending on the make and year it could be a special socket head to remove.. Mine in my 318is is a weird one..



But go for it.. just make sure the car is secure and you take ur time!!

cpb

Thanks for all the advice . regards lifting the car and making sure you are safe do the axel stands go where you lift the car with the jack or under the axel (presume thats why they are called axel stands) if under the axel at what position?

voxpop

mlmcelligott wrote: »

Car stands are a waste of time in my opinion. Ive never heard of a car falling off two concrete blocks before. They're much cheaper too.

Concrete blocks can crack and disintegrate - axle stands or heavy-duty wooden ramps

Raggaroo

No need for big tool kit or axle stands or concrete blocks for most cars (unless you have very low profile tyres and lowered suspension). I would be very wary about crawling under a jacked car. All you need is suitably sized ring spanner or socket for sump plug, a wide pan for catching oil, and a funnel for pouring used oil into some kind of container for disposal. However depending on the car design the oil filter may be a bitch to get at.

Viper_JB

cpb wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice . regards lifting the car and making sure you are safe do the axel stands go where you lift the car with the jack or under the axel (presume thats why they are called axel stands) if under the axel at what position?

Ignoring the rust etc....think this should help

biko

As said: strap wrench/filter chain if your filter is of this type:

In theory you can use a knife to get rid of the old oil filter but it's messy.

Read this thread about how to service a car.
You may need access.

thenightrider

mlmcelligott wrote: »

Car stands are a waste of time in my opinion. Ive never heard of a car falling off two concrete blocks before. They're much cheaper too.

Just because you never heard it does not mean it does not happen concrete blocks can cruble with the wait of the car axel stands are not dear.

Viper_JB

thenightrider wrote: »

Just because you never heard it does not mean it does not happen concrete blocks can cruble with the wait of the car axel stands are not dear.

Far cheaper then a funeral anyways!

Matt Simis

mlmcelligott wrote: »

Car stands are a waste of time in my opinion. Ive never heard of a car falling off two concrete blocks before. They're much cheaper too.

Much cheaper? Car stands are like EUR30 and last a lifetime. Car stands can be adjusted up and down and fit to dedicated mount points on a car. Where is the concrete block mounting point exactly?

Raggaroo

Hey, it is an 04 mondeo, unless you are very overweight you should be able to lie on your back and reach underneath to the sump plug. (which should be standard enough on a ford) If you spend all that money on axle stands and 2 ton Jack etc you could pay a local mechanic for the labour 20 times over. You are making a mountain out of a molehill here. It should be a ten 10 - 15 minute job with very few tools.

Raggaroo

Shouldn't the car be more or less level when changing the oil ???

mickdw

For a first time effort at a oil change, get the minimum tools as you may decide never to do it again and then it would be a dear service if you have forked out for loads of tools. get a few spanners, an oil filter wrench of suitable type to work on your oil filter taking note of working space around filter etc, a new sump washer, oil, oil filter and away you go.
Regarding getting under the car, a mondeo might be high enough to get under without any jacking. Have a look under. If it has not got an engine cover underneath, you should be able to work out in a few seconds whether you can reach everything or not.
If you have any concrete slopes around the house, it might be possible to position the car in such a way that the front clears the ground an extra bit too. Whether lifting or not, always block the wheels and keep kids away from the car.
You might also want to look at other aspects of servicing - air filter maybe. If its a diesel, fuel filter might need draining etc. Also, while there check other fluids such as brake fluid, steering etc.

You could of course go the suction route for the oil change. This is very handy and most dealers are doing this now. Certainly if oil filter is accessible from top, I would consider this as you would then have no need for going underneath at all.

bladespin

Raggaroo wrote: »

Shouldn't the car be more or less level when changing the oil ???

No, you can raise the car to change the filer and remove the sump plug, them lower it to fill the oil. Car only needs to be level to check the oil level.

cpb

Raggaroo wrote: »

If you spend all that money on axle stands and 2 ton Jack etc you could pay a local mechanic for the labour 20 times over.

The total cost of all the tools is just over €100 and parts needed would cost 40-50 euro and oil change at the local ford dealer is 99 euros . But if I do it my self I still have the tools and should be able to do same for the wifes' car. So a larger outlay initally should mean I will save money in long term.

Tom Slick

Matt Simis wrote: »

Where is the concrete block mounting point exactly?

Under the wheels.

biko

Ask your friends. Maybe one them is handy and will help you the first time so you can learn. If you're near Galway I can help you for a doughnut and a coffee.

You really do need the decent jack and axles stands, the engine undertray may well cover the sump plug and filter on the Mondeo. I've been doing my own basic servicing along with my sister's and Dad's car for 4/5 years. I defo have gotten value out of the tools I bought, the sister and ole lad think it's great as I usually pay for the filters, plugs and oil too

Plug

cpb wrote: »

The total cost of all the tools is just over €100 and parts needed would cost 40-50 euro and oil change at the local ford dealer is 99 euros . But if I do it my self I still have the tools and should be able to do same for the wifes' car. So a larger outlay initally should mean I will save money in long term.

In fairness a dealer when servicing will do more than change the oil and filter. They will give the car a full check over. Do you know how do check everything in the car, check wheels for play, brakes etc? Im not putting you off but a service is more than just changing the oil, a monkey can do that.

Maybe change the oil and filter yourself and get a mechanic to do a full health check.
BTW what litre engine, petrol or diesel?

Midnight_EG

If you can, try pick up an Oil Extractor Pump, it goes into the dipstick and sucks the oil directly from the sump, so eliminates the need to lift the car up.

Atlantic Dawn

First time it's a little daunting but it really is simple enough to do, most important things as was stated previously is safety, do it on an even surface, put the car in gear and have stoppers on the wheels before you go jacking it up on axle stands or blocks or whatever. It's a real rewarding feeling servicing a car yourself, buy a Haynes manual and you can take on more jobs, oil change is easiest thing to do first. Here's a video that should give you a good idea on the Mondeo...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L--kaIb5GoI

Alanstrainor

Midnight_EG wrote: »

If you can, try pick up an Oil Extractor Pump, it goes into the dipstick and sucks the oil directly from the sump, so eliminates the need to lift the car up.

I was actually going to buy one of these; is there much of a disadvantage to doing it this way? Would i be better off buying the stands a jack and getting under the car?

Midnight_EG

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I was actually going to buy one of these; is there much of a disadvantage to doing it this way? Would i be better off buying the stands a jack and getting under the car?

Having used it on my own car last Friday gone, I found it was a much better alternative to jacking the car up! You use the pump while the oil is warm/hot so it slips out easily and it gets into every bit of the sump, so ensures all of the old oil is removed! I couldn't find any disadvantage to it at all to be honest. It also doubles as a place to store the oil while looking for a place to bring it to to dump it!

Avns1s

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I was actually going to buy one of these; is there much of a disadvantage to doing it this way? Would i be better off buying the stands a jack and getting under the car?

Getting the oil out by removing the sump plug is a better job by far. You get out more of the old oil and any gunk at the bottom of the sump.

Alanstrainor

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I was actually going to buy one of these; is there much of a disadvantage to doing it this way? Would i be better off buying the stands a jack and getting under the car?

Six to one, half a dozen the other................
Loads and loads of garages use the suction yokes nowadays. I have one in the shed but I prefer draining it out of the sump to be honest.

cpb

Thanks for all the advice lads. wont get a chance to attempt it this weekend.

Its a petrol engine and there is no engine cover so my try to squeez under it to see if I could work like that if not I will get the stands. Will let you know how I get on. Thanks again.

kerten

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I was actually going to buy one of these; is there much of a disadvantage to doing it this way? Would i be better off buying the stands a jack and getting under the car?

There is a risk of building sludge at bottom of engine by sucking oil. Engine health and engine design are the parameters here and it is not common to hit this problem before 80-90k.

Draining is always better to not to cause sludge. But I don't expect it to be happen after couple of change. If I would be changing oil by myself, I would switch between draining and sucking methods at every oil change.

It is acceptable for DIY person at home but it is scary that dealers use sucking method. I wouldn't accept that.
In fact, my friend questioned this and found out his S class is being serviced by sucking method at dealer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sludge

Plug

What year is your car? Some of the earlier mondeo's had a paper filter in a plastic housing which required a tool the same as the ones of TDI's oil filter removing tool. The later ones 03 onwards just have a solid filter. They are both easy to get at.
A pointer, I notice with the 1.8's the sump bung can be very tight, just be wary.

Midnight_EG

Sludge is caused by water mixed with oil according to your wiki link, the pump uses no water...

BrianD3

I'd be interested to see evidence that oil suckers result in sludge being left behind and increased engine wear etc. There's always going to be some residual "stuff" left in the sump even when thoroughly drained. If you change the oil on time and have it warmed up before changing I don't see how sucking it would be a major issue. If someone changes their oil after leaving it in for 50k miles and then trys to suck it out of a cold engine, they may leave sludge and crap behind. But with that sort of "maintenance", sucking instead of draining is probably going to be the least of their worries.

Plug

What is the point investing in a sucker, you have to get down anyway to remove the filter and have a look around.

Midnight_EG

Plug wrote: »

What is the point investing in a sucker, you have to get down anyway to remove the filter and have a look around.

Cos not all filters are under the car, mine points up from the block, meaning I can grab it from the top easily.

Plug

Midnight_EG wrote: »

Cos not all filters are under the car, mine points up from the block, meaning I can grab it from the top easily.

The op's is underneath the car.

Midnight_EG

Did you expect me to know that? You also didn't explicitly say it was the OP you were talking about.

Plug

Midnight_EG wrote: »

Did you expect me to know that? You also didn't explicitly say it was the OP you were talking about.

Sorry I just thought it was fairly obvious, my mistake. And anyway getting under the car gives a much better view of possible problems, water/oil leaks etc.

Did a few jobs on the sister's Ka this morning, oil and filter change, air filter and reversing light switch and a quick looksee at CV boots etc. She had new discs and pads last month when she got front tyres for it and the plugs are fine, she only does about 7000 miles/year I'd say. Trolley jack and one axle stand does the job fine on the Ka, would be impossible without the jack as the oil filter is a good few inches up the block. Also draining it even into a wide pan would be very awkward to undo the sump plug. An hour start to finish including getting the stand and jack out of the shed and putting it all back in again. Ole lad's Hyundai Accent now in a few weeks whenever a dry Saturday coincides with it not being his turn to drive to the Golf course. The trolley jack and stands have paid for themselves many times over at this stage.

sudo911

If you've got some spare wood and nails/screws hanging around - make yourself two of these. I did, and the best thing I ever did. When I dont have them in use I just stack them on top of each other at the side in the garage. You can nearly sit up under the car and it beats messing around with jacks etc :cool:

The next job is to fit some directional LED lights at the sides which shine up onto the underside of the car and maybe one or two electrical sockets.

Midnight_EG

I wouldn't trust a few pieces of wood holding up my car tbh, I'd rather make my own pit!

sudo911

Midnight_EG wrote: »

I wouldn't trust a few pieces of wood holding up my car tbh, I'd rather make my own pit!

I've solid oak beams in there as the supports - trust me, they are well and truly stable and have had a load of 2.5 tonnes on them already. You can always add concrete bricks if you want

Midnight_EG

Midnight_EG wrote: »

I wouldn't trust a few pieces of wood holding up my car tbh, I'd rather make my own pit!

I wouldn't go near any pit you made if you reckon those wooden ramps aren't safe

dekbhoy

cpb wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice lads. wont get a chance to attempt it this weekend.

Its a petrol engine and there is no engine cover so my try to squeez under it to see if I could work like that if not I will get the stands. Will let you know how I get on. Thanks again.

if you take all the advice on here it will cost ya more in the long run .drive two wheels up a high path to give yourself a bit of room ,get under with a large oil pan to catch oil and remember the oil will shoot out initially so dont put pan directly under sump screw , make sure the oil in engine is warm , that way it will flow quicker and easier .

Plug

dekbhoy wrote: »

if you take all the advice on here it will cost ya more in the long run .drive two wheels up a high path to give yourself a bit of room ,get under with a large oil pan to catch oil and remember the oil will shoot out initially so dont put pan directly under sump screw , make sure the oil in engine is warm , that way it will flow quicker and easier .

OK so we have it now:
1)A curb
2)A 13mm spanner
3)An oil filter wrench
4)A drain tray
5)And a dry Saturday


I reckon the OP will manage fokes!

dekbhoy

Plug wrote: »

OK so we have it now:
1)A curb
2)A 13mm spanner
3)An oil filter wrench
4)A drain tray
5)And a dry Saturday


I reckon the OP will manage fokes!

its an oil change for god sake not rocket science , piece of pi55,really just have to use your imagination

Plug

dekbhoy wrote: »

its an oil change for god sake not rocket science , piece of pi55,really just have to use your imagination

In boards.ie it is!:pac: