Changing oil for the first time
 

Hey guys

Let me apologies in advance for my lack of knowledge about cars in general. I've been meaning to change the oil in my RX8 as it is in need of an oil change. I've found a very helpfull topic for dummies on here on how to change the oil.

Here is it: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...6/#post4470651

My only problem is i have none of these tools whatsoever, when trying to find the tools on Amazon I have no luck as they may be worded different on listings and I'm not even sure if it's the same tool as what's suggested in the DIY guide.

I'm hoping somebody on here can tell me where I can get the tools in the UK?

Also, I'm pretty tall with a long reach. Is a jack necessary?

If you can't figure it out then you should probably let someone else do it.

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Jack is necessary because the RX8 is so low to the ground you won't be able to get a pan under there.

I can figure it out and confident I can do it. I just want to make sure i'm buying the right tools, i've never used any of this stuff before so I could easily buy the wrong thing

@staticlag, I read on the threads that people had problems with not using a jack due to reach. I read that others have done it without using a jack because they can reach the cap or whatever. Surely a pan could fit underneath?

i've got this stuff so far

Oil filter type "F" cap wrench:

Ratchet:


19mm socket:

i cant seem to find a 12" extension or 3/8" flex joint

You'll need an adapter for the ratchet/socket combination.

I recommend this for the filter wrench:
Universal 3 Jaw Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench

contact a member named "sweatr"
he will be able to tell you exactly what oil you need and the differences too

even with a 1/2 inch wrench?

that looks good but it's not int he UK, and i can't find an alternative

I will do that, thanks!

I've been reading quite a bit regarding correct oil I'm under the impression 5W 30 is good for my type of conditions

Still need the other stuff though

Your pix show a 1/2" drive socket and a 3/8" drive ratchet; you'll need something to adapt the two.

this?
or what about glue :rolleyes:

Yup

Now that's just wrong.

What did Davidjf ever do to you?
I'm surprised he didn't pop up already with his "read every post ever written and research how oil is made" advice.

Seriously?

Here, Google knows all.

I'm not even kidding, the entire first page of results are in the UK...:uh:

I'm not trying to be a jerk (my mom says it often comes naturally in my family) but if you don't have the wherewithal to to a basic Google search, I don't have high hopes for your success. The tools required are listed in the DIY thread so you should be able to find them at Home Base, Amazon, eBay, hell, probably even at a Somerfield (okay, probably not at Somerfield).

Here, found some more stuff:
(this turned up by searching Amazon's UK website with the terms "Mechanics tools").

That plus the 3 claw filter wrench, a jack and some jack stands will be enough for an oil change and probably a great many other beginner's tasks. DO NOT LEAVE OUT THE JACK STANDS.. With car jacks, you get what you pay for. Get a low-profile trolley jack capable of >1.5 tons (unless you're insane and want to try to lift the entire car with one jack, then >2 tons). The bottle style won't work and some regular jacks are too tall to fit underneath. If you pay less than £50, you're buying total crap (fail very quickly, jack saddle is very small, tend to flex during use). If you pay less than £100 then you're probably still getting minor crap but it'll be useable for a person who doesn't make a living working on cars.

Jack, jack stands, 19mm wrench, and your hands, that's all I use to do mine. Use my hand to untighten the filter and use my hand to tighten the new one on. Done deal 15 minutes.

:pat:

I was looking for one the same as you posted hahaha, i thought they differed.

So there's no way at all I'm doing this without a jack?

that's more like it!

if that's all you need then what's with all the 12" extension and 3/8 flex joint business

I think some of the guys we just having a little fun at your expense. You don't need all that crap to change oil. It is literally one of the easiest maintenance items on any car you can perform. My 13 year old niece can do it. Take it to a shop and let them do it one time (watch closely) once you have seen what is done you will be set for the rest of your life (to know how to change oil that is). It is not expensive to have done. In some cases it costs just as much to buy your own supplies and change it. I like many like to do it myself, because I know what was used, and I know it was done properly. Make sure they tighten the pan bolt and make sure the filter is on nice and snug before you drive away. If they don't allow you in the bay, find another shop. All you need is a way to get the car off the ground. Jack and stands. NEVER get underneath any car with just a tire jack holding it up. Heck I have even driven over the curb to gain access to the pan bolt in some cars. The 8 may be too low for that though, I have never tried it on the 8. Roll up ramps work just as well, and are safer. than a jack. A wrench or socket and ratchet, and an oil filter wrench to remove the filter if it is too tight to remove by hand. That is all you need, paired with a bit of common sense and you should be fine. If you still want to buy all that crap I accept paypal.

Thank you, that was very helpful.

So I can just buy any wrench, the oil filter wrench and of course the oil & filter (which I need) and I'm good to go?

if that's all then why does the thread and everyone else suggest all these extensions and joints lol

I suggest you bring it to a place to have it done. Ask them before hand if you can watch the tech do it as you want to learn. Maybe he will be willing to show you whats going on. He can also give you a good idea where to get the tools needed locally.

i'm gonna have a try first

It's because of the tools you are linking I think.

A single 19mm wrench is actually the only tool you need (plus something to catch the oil in), unless the oil filter is on insanely tight, then you might need a filter wrench or filter socket to get the filter off. If you use the filter socket you linked earlier, you will need an extension because of the placement of the filter. I had bought a filter socket years back, and the ONLY time I ever needed it was to give to an oil change place that couldn't get off the filter I had put on by hand (I was in the middle of my trip around the country).

By hand is easy enough.


You can make this FAR too complicated :)

^^ Good advice, lube rubber gasket with a little oil, hand tighten maybe a 1/4 turn after contact. It's easy to overtighten with kung-fu grip;)
It's a good idea to replace your oil plug crush washer.
Just a few cents for added protection.

THANK YOU!

Someone has shown me the light! Gonna do some more research on oil before purchasing. Oil filter, oil pan and 19mm wrench have been bought, thank you all for posting and tending to my really stupid questions.

i've got this for the filter:

or this

The K&N filters typically have a 1" nut on the top so you'll need a 1" socket with an extension and likely u-joint to move it. The nut interferes with most filter wrenches so it's a 1" socket, your hand or jamming a screwdriver through the filter to turn it. Most kits don't come with a 1" socket so you'll probably have to buy it à la carte.

If you aren't going to get all of the tools that you will likely need, at least do this: don't drain the oil until you have loosened (but not removed) the oil filter.

And really, get a basic socket set. They aren't that expensive (for being a "durable good") and they'll come in handy when the DYI bug really infects you.