Maintence

[cdotson86]

Hello all!
In an effort to start doing all of my own scheduled mainetance I tried to change my oil this morning. I'm not completely ignorant, but I have a few stupid questions. First off, How tight should the drain plug be. I think the oil changing place must have used a impact wrench or something because I can't get it off for anything. Its impossible. I thought perhaps I might be turning it the wrong way so I tried both ways. 2nd, The oil drain plug is a 5/8th inch socket, correct? It seemed to fit correctly. Also, How hard is it to change the spark plugs on my 3.0. It looks like everything is accessible, I wouldn't have to take apart to do it on this particular motor right? Thanks so much everyone!

 

[feellnfroggy]

The drain plug should be snug enough to not fal out. I think your local autoparts store or our tech section should be able to give you torque specs. But it shouldnt be as difficult as your describe. Get your 5/8 wrench and get a second wrench about 3/4 or 1" and use it as an extended handle for leverage. The safer way would be to find a breaker bar and 5/8 socket.

 

[exbass94]

It should be just past snug. Remember, it's only there to keep the oil from draining out. It doesn't hold the entire truck together. If you have a torque wrench, torque it to about 12 ft-lbs. IDK if that's the exact spec, but I think it's a pretty safe spec for pretty much all drain plugs.

When you do finally get it off, check and make sure there is a washer on it. I wouldn't be surprised if someone forgot the washer and then tightened the crap out of the plug to keep it from leaking.

For the oil filter, when you take it off, make sure the rubber gasket on it came off with the filter. Sometimes it gets stuck to the engine. It will leak like crazy and GUSH oil as soon as you start it if that happens. Lube the new gasket on the new filter before installing, and don't over-tighten it. Just past snug. Happy wrenching!

 

[koda6966]

For the spark plugs, a socket extension will be your friend.

Everything is accessible, although some of the clips holding the wires on are tricky. I think a few of the plugs I had to use a 6" extension on my wrench.

 

[Duke]

Most vehicles require 25-30 foot pounds of torque on the oil drain plug. If you get anywhere in there you will be fine. Some diesels are higher around 40 foot pounds of torque.

 

[baxtej44]

when i changed mine, it was also "impossible" to get it off.


do as someone said above and use another wrench to get leverage.. just be persistent.. it will come off.

and the oil filter, should be marked on the package or so, usually you spin until it starts dragging, then like 1/4 - 3/4 of a turn after that.

like said above, make sure the oil filter gasket comes with it, the whole thing, don't leave any pieces.

and yes, lube the gasket with oil, old oil is ok, you are barely using any.

i like to free spin the filter until it stops on its own (from friction) and then i turn a little bit more (see package for specs). run it for a minute or two after you have everything sealed back up, and check for leaks.


oh, i also use a new drain plug everytime.. it's cheap enough to where it's worth it in my mind.


good luck bud, my truck held about 4.5 quarts with a new filter in it. check for deals at your local shops.


be careful with the spark plugs, don't snap any off in there! haha... don't ask me how i know!

 

[feellnfroggy]

Best deal is the one gallon jugs, for the reg price stuff.

 

[baxtej44]

Best deal is the one gallon jugs, for the reg price stuff.

last time i changed, there was a special on the 1 qt containers.

it was cheaper than buying the one gallon. buying in bigger quantities and just saving is probably cheaper, but at the time i didn't have money to spare like that.

still don't, but that'll soon be fixed once i take this lady to court. (hopefully)

 

[warrior24]

Add anti seize compound to the spark plug threads and di-electric grease to the nipple part of the spark plug on the new ones of course. Righty Tighty Lefty loosey

 

[feellnfroggy]

dont use excess with that dielectric. Its great when its thin but too much and you will lose all conductivity.

 

[88gt]

i never use dielectric grease on my plugs or never cease. the factory grease is enough for me that come on the wires in the first place. also never had a problem with getting them back out. i just dont over tighten them in the first place, no problem later. thats just me tho.

 

[basketranger]

just changed my plugs almost a month ago driver side a cinch passenger side a little tougher. rear plug passenger side need a two inch extension, maybe a universal? use anti-seize the package costs $0.89 and is cheap insurance to stripping the threads. dielectric grease a little goes a long way.

 

[cdotson86]

Thanks!

Thanks everyone! I'm going to try it again when I get off work tonight! Have a great day!

 

[warrior24]

Oh and don't forget to gap the plugs the specs should be somewhere in the engine compartment or in the owners manual.