OK, so thanks to bythabay's DIY video series I did my first oil change on my own. I'd been taking it to the dealership b/c of the free 30k oil services deal but that ran out awhile ago. I've had one "paid" oil change and just don't feel like shelling out $60 anymore so I decided to do it myself. Now that it's done, I have a couple of questions...

First off, I used Mobil 1 Synthetic and a Mobil 1 filter. What are people's opinions of the combination of these two? I've read some about Amsoil (I believe it's called that) but didn't find that brand at Napa or O'Reilly's.

I also couldn't find the crush washer at either of the auto parts store so I used a rubber washer. Any thoughts about that? My work commute is 80 miles and I do that 5 days a week so I'm scheduled for oil changes in the two month range (give or take a road trip). I can find the brass washer by then but just wanted people's thoughts on the brass vs. rubber washer issue.

I guess that's about it. Gotta, say I'm pretty excited and although it's probably second hand nature for many of you, it's a small victory for me. We all gotta start somewhere right? And now that I've done the oil change, the strut bars, the MD spacer... who knows what might be next??

 

1. Mobile oil and filter = win.

2. Amsoil is only sold at authorized Amsoil dealers, and regular auto parts stores aren't authorized. Try the dealer locator. BTW, I really don't think it's worth the extra money, although others may have different feelings on the subject.

3. I'm near 60K and have done all my own oil changes (about 15 of them), I'm still on my original washer and never had a problem. I'd be a little apprehensive about having a rubber washer on the oil drain plug... just keep a close eye on it - and the ground under it.

 

Well, I still have the original crush washer but obviously in order to change it now I'd have to drain and refill the oil. I'm thinking about waiting just the 2 months or so until it's time to redo the next change then put a new copper washer there. I might have to go to the dealership to find the washer I guess. Might check a couple of other auto parts stores just in case. Anyone know where I can find them online by chance?

Also, totally another question but in bythabay's video he shows himself using a drill/powertool to tighten down bolts. Anyone know where I can find a drill to socket adapter? Checked today at OReillys, Napa, Sears Hardware and Home Depot and no luck. Thanks!

 

you dont need to change the crush washer everytime you change your oil, you can change it every 3 times and it would still be fine. you dont really need a powertool to tighten it either, hand tight and a little snug after should be fine.

 

I ordered a crush washer from a dealer I found it for like 50 cents. M and my brother both use amsoil in our cars. They say 1 year or I think its 25k on one oil change but we do them every 6 months. I only have like a 7 mile drive to work so I dont put a whole lot of miles on my G so the mile issue isnt a real issue for me. This has been debated for awhile now you can find pros and cons to alot of diffrent kinds of oil.

 

I would change out that rubber washer... you don't want it melting on you when you are on the freeway driving 65 mph. Not all auto stores will carry washers, although a lot of them do, usually in packs of 4 or more. If you can't find them there, you can always get the same thing at a hardware store, for less at that.

Do not buy them from the dealer... they will definitely overcharge you... something like a dollar to ten for each, while they only cost about 50 cents at a hardware store, if even that much.

Mobile1 is good... it's been proven to be good, not too many other oils can say the same. Amsoil is good too, about the same price. You can go to amsoil.com to order what you want or need directly through them. Even though you pay shipping if you buy them online, it is still cheaper than buying Amsoil at a store near me...

 

I always put on a (rubber) new washer on ever oil change and it never leaked once.

 

Anyone else use rubber washers?

 

Well, figured with my luck and new found skill I'd give my girl friend's 06 CTS a go. It's due for an oil change and I figured I'd try my luck with it. What a piece of $hit this car is. The engine underbody piece is protected by a large piece of heavy duty plastic similar to ours but it's held in by these little plastic clips. 1/2 of these were already missing, no doubt based upon the frustration of plenty of engine techs that came before me. After getting them all out, I have no idea where the damn oil reservoir is, where the filter is and how the hell I'm going to change it.

Anyone know of
a) any "good" Cadillac sites? I've already tried www.cadillacforums.com and www.caddyinfo.com and neither are worth anything.
b) where I can find the plastic clips to reinstall the underbody piece?

 

http://www.courtesyparts.com/11128a-...=714_880_4407&

you can get the washer here

 

but congrats on the first oil change! i was very happy the first time i completed one

oh and yeah, working on other people's cars is a pain in the ***, especially if they're american cars! i hate my g/f's neon.

 

Thanks bro, I appreciate that link. I ordered 5 to last the entire next year.

Now if you can only help me find the plastic clips that will help me reinstall the underbody plastic piece of my girlfriend's 06 Cadillac CTS. There are two sizes, the ones that line the front bumper or shorter and slightly wider. The ones that go into the engine underbody are thinner and longer.

They look similar to these pics:



I just don't want to have to order them from a place in China in order to get them. Thanks in advance!

 

Scratch that. I found them.

www.northlandfasteners.biz

$20 later I've got enough fasteners to put together about 5 underbody pieces. Oh well, at least it'll be put back together. I'll take her to jifflylube on Wed and take back the oil and filter to AutoZone and get something for my G.

 

Quick shipping, next day delivery and fast processing. I'd highly recommend this seller. Thanks again uf20wop for the link!

 

Good job, Marty, another convert to DIY!