I wanna do my own oil change, but I've never done it before. Could someone guide me through it, and tell me what kind of oil/oil filter I should use? What's best for an auto 95 max?

 

but what kind of oil and oil filter should I use? I live in the Seattle area. What does everyone else use? For oil, should I use Mobil 1, Castrol, etc...? For filters, should I use K&N, Fram, etc....?

 

Use nissan filters! Or Mobil 1. Stay away from FRAM and those others. Best to stick with nissan. If something were to go wrong with the filter. The nissan filter. You have someone to blame. They are very high quality and cheap. So get OEM. You can order them from courtesy nissan.
I use Mobil 1 oil.


ZuM

 

Dang Doug... too much time on your hands, eh? LOL though!

 

Joe, use Mobil 1 and a good filter. The nissan filter is goo, so is the Mobil 1 filter. check out this site for filter comparisons.

http://members.nbci.com/minimopar/oilfilterstudy.html

 

Thanks everyone.
Can I just buy a filter at any Nissan dealer?
and should i use the 10W-30, or the 5W-30?


[Edited by Joe on 11-15-2000 at 02:10 PM]

 

Any Nissan Dealer will have the oil filter. Don't forget the little copper gasket that goes around the oil drian plug, too. The dealer will have that as well.


You can use 5W30 or 10W30, but only use 5W30 for temps below 0 degrees F.

 

You know I have never replaced my copper thingie? I get my filters mail order and none of them come with one. Oh well..

ZuM

 

Funny you should say that. Neither do I! I just mentioned it for good measure. But I think next time I'll replace the gasket. After like 6 or 7 oil changes that Gaskets almost welding itself to the plug. Better get it off before its too late.

 

those copper crush rings are a gasket to keep the oil in and should be changed ALL the time. aka ONE time use. i mean they are designed to be crushed and replaced...and heck i think they cost about .10 a pop.

for the new guy who never changed his oil before...
tools needed.
ratchet set, oil filter wrench, oil collection device ( a big plastic pan)
Jack
jackstands

parts/materials
~5 quarts of oil,
utility knife or pliers,
o crush ring/gasket
filter ( i like the oem one..has a backdraft valve on it) some paper towels for cleanup...i use newspapers...cheaper use newspapers to line the floor...dont want no ugly oil stains.

dummy directions
1 warm car a little shut off motor
2. open hood
3. remove oil cap
4. jack up car (use a real H.D.jack not a e jack)
5. line up oil collection pan under the oil drain plug
6. remove oil drain plug (i think its a 14 cant remember)
7. when you;re waiting for the oil to drain...remove the o ring gasket from the drain plug (i usually cut it off and always replace it)
8. put the new o ring gasket around the drain plug
9. take the new filter out of the box and plastic and open a jug of oil. dip in your finger and wipe a little oil over the black rubber gasket on the filter. (creates a seal)
10. get back under the car
11 remove the filter its kinda awkward since its behind a plastic panel near the right wheel well. (be careful of hot oil dripping out.)
11. Put on the new filter. do not over tighten. hand tighten and use the wrench a 1/4 turn max
12. ratchet the new plug into the pan and watch the copper thing crush. do not overtighten!
13. remove everything from under the car, leave the newspaper, and lower the car
14 add 4.5-5 quarts of oil.
15. replace oil cap
16. start car and idle for 20 sec
17. check oil
18. check for leaks
19. clean up and you dont have to do this again for another 5k miles

p.s. while you're waiting check on the other fluids of the car.

 

You mean leaking oil?? Around the gasket?? Nope. If it was, I would have replaced it. For some things, like this gasket, if it ain't broke . . . . . . . .

I'm replacing it next oil change, but it isn't leaking.

 

my motto...if its that cheap...better safe than sorry.
my .02 or .10

 

I bought my filter and copper thingy from the Nisan dealer.... The filter cost me 6.50 and that little ring cost me 1.10!! I thought it was going to be like 10 cents!
I guess they just charge more over here.... or maybe i went to the wrong dealer....
anywhere I could get it cheaper for next time?