DIY Oil and Filter Change - 10K miles - Tips

[schafari]

I don't feel comfortable going 7,500 miles between oil/filter changes, therefore I am doing oil and filter changes in between the LR provided changes. Dumbly, I bought the filter and oil drain plug gasket at the local LR dealer. $25.70 for the filter and $6.13 for a tiny little rubber washer! I can kind of live with the filter, but man, that washer is a gross robbery.

Checked on-line, where I found filters for much less. ($15) I could not find the washer however.

For anyone that has done an oild/filter change themselves, can you provide any tips, etc.

 

[toddjb122]

Damn. Yeah, tips please!

Do we really have to spend $15 - $25 on a filter? And what's with the rubber washer? Granted, I've never done an oil change on an import...but...ummm...what washer?!?

Partly wondering for myself, and partly wondering what I should do after my "free" maintenance runs out. Can I take it to my local shop for an oil change or am I just asking for trouble?

 

[duckdive]

I have a couple of places that specialize in LR I take my truck to for "in between"
services. That way I'm dealing with someone who knows my vehicle, but is not
going to charge me dealer prices for service. Definately not a vehicle you can
just roll into any ****** lube. I would stick with either a LR specialist or dealer
service.

 

[Airboss]

I just changed my oil last week for the first time. I figure that I'll let LR pick up the tab every 7500 miles and I'll do one in between services.

I only paid $16 for the filter at my stealer and skipped the drain plug washer. If LR is going to replace that washer every time they change my oil then fine, but I think it's a bit over-**** to replace it when I do the oil.

All you need to do the job is a 1/2" ratchet with 13mm and 10mm sockets and an oil filter wrench (the cap type will work best). There are two skid plates that need to be removed so you can access the oil drain and filter. Removing the skid plates is really no trouble, just time consuming. After that, everything goes as normal.

 

[new06]

My service guy was telling me that synthetic is bad for the gaskets ...any truth to this?

 

[Drew888]

I'd like to hear his explanation. No, not that I have ever heard (I used to manage a quick-lube shop many eons ago).
Being much less viscous than dino oils they have a tendency to slip past slightly worn gaskets (and rings-if motor is worn enough) thus providing you with a small leak.
Still superior (if you choose the right grade), you only have to be more careful with a higher mileage motor and you are introducing synthetics for the first time.

Redline, Amsoil, and the only Mobil 1 worth a mention is the Mobil 1 Extended Performance.

Another note, has anyone thought of using the "fumoto" valve to replace the oil drain plug? I have them on my other cars and they're awesome. I'm only concerned with fitment and it the plug is protected enough under there to use one. I haven't looked yet.

 

[new06]

He said it was something to do with the gasket being cork? didn't sound right to me. He said the detergents ate away at the cork?

 

[geovision]

Damn. Yeah, tips please!

Do we really have to spend $15 - $25 on a filter? And what's with the rubber washer? Granted, I've never done an oil change on an import...but...ummm...what washer?!?

Partly wondering for myself, and partly wondering what I should do after my "free" maintenance runs out. Can I take it to my local shop for an oil change or am I just asking for trouble?

Actually, great filter alternative is the Wix model #37502 for the V8 model. It only cost me about 9.00 dollars US. And you can get any 5w-30 motor oil on sale! As far as blended oil, just wait to have the dealer do their oil change service for free every 6 months. All in all my first oil change cost me 18.00 us dollars. But, watch out for the large skid plate, it sure is heavy. I almost got smashed in the face when I removed the bolts for it. This will be my first and last DIY oil change for a long time. Just found out a local Euro shop will do the oil change service for 25.00 for 8 quarts of oil and the filter. What a DEAL! Its is worth the time and the effort getting underneath the Rover. I'd even pay up to 45 dollars for non synthetic oil, so I can save mysefl from getting dirty and then dumping the oil at a depot when I'm finished, what a mess!

Proud Land Rover Owner! LR3 to me is the Discovery 3 from now on, just don;t like the US model name!

-Geo

 

[Drew888]

If it's that bad I'll be doing it from the top and not going underneath at all. I have a pump to suck it out. More info to you later.

 

[Airboss]

If it's that bad I'll be doing it from the top and not going underneath at all. I have a pump to suck it out. More info to you later.

From experience, I don't think you'll be able to get to the filter from the top. I didn't try it myself, but removing the skid plates isn't that much trouble. I guess it just depends on how hands-on you like to be. Personally, I didn't trust the quickie lube guys and didn't want to give the stealer $140. Besides, what better opportunity to get under your LR3 and get to know her a little better? BTW, did you know that the oil filter is attached to an oil cooler? I didn't until I changed the oil. How cool is that?