Is it necessary to flush when changing to another oil?
If no water, antifreeze or fuel got into the old oil, there is no point in flushing. Even if you have bought a car where the engine oil is completely black.
It is better to top up cheap motor oil, drive a bit and change it again. Of course every time you have to put in a new oil filter.
In addition, the flush is not completely drained from the engine. And this residue, which gets into the new oil, deteriorates its working properties.
Why isn’t all the oil drained?
Due to the design features of the engines. In large volume engines, the non-discharge residue can be as much as half a litre. The fact is that the hole in the pan is made above the lowest point. Therefore, a decent puddle forms at the bottom.
A strip of cloth moistened with oil (or rather gauze) will help to remove it. One end is pushed into the hole of the pallet and the other end hangs more than ten centimeters. Such capillary drainage removes the oil more completely.
Ineffective pumping?
Many services offer a quick oil change by pumping through the dipstick tube. Some car owners consider such a replacement inferior. But experiments prove that the oil does not even drip after pumping out of the drain hole.
For example, on GM engines, the oil filter is replaced from above. It is very convenient to use oil pumps.
In addition, the method saves a lot of time and does not use an inspection hole or a lift if the oil filter can be unscrewed from above or through the wheel arch.
Is the classic oil drain simple and convenient?
Not always. First, in almost all cases it requires the removal of the crankcase protection. And on older cars, with its screwed-in mounting nuts, you can wear it for a long time.
Second, on many engines with an aluminum crankcase and a small diameter drain plug, the threads wear out quickly. I often saw stripped M14X1.5 wires on GM and VW engines. As an emergency measure, you can wrap sanitary linen to prevent the oil from dripping.
There are many options for restoration: buying another pallet, screwing in a futorka, restoring the wire by cold welding. But the easiest way is to cut the wire for a larger diameter cork. To do this, you need to purchase a tap and a plug M16x1.5, for example, from Logan.
And if this large and durable thread is also damaged, it remains to switch to the size M18x1.5, which is used, for example, on BMW motorcycles.
Is it always necessary to replace the sealing ring of the plug?
If you want to be sure of the tightness of the seal – yes. Moreover, a new washing machine is not expensive.
But some owners prefer to restore the rings that have already been compressed and subjected to the so-called work hardening. They must be annealed, then they soften again and reliably seal the joint.
The annealing technology for copper and aluminum is fundamentally different. The aluminum ring should be heated and cooled slowly and gradually move away from the flame. And copper becomes ductile upon rapid cooling. Therefore, a heated copper ring should be thrown into cold water.
Should I only use standard pallet plugs?
On Internet sites you can buy pallet plugs for cars from all over the world. Some are even made of titanium. They come with three brass rings. But most importantly, there is a powerful magnet that effectively collects iron and steel particles. It not only doubles the functions of the filter, but also traps swarf to the oil pump, protecting this important unit from wear and tear.
Is it necessary to open the oil filler cap to drain the oil faster?
Not! The internal cavity of the engine is always connected by thick hoses from the crankcase ventilation system to the intake tract – that is, to the atmosphere. In other words, oil will only drain slowly if the crankcase ventilation system is completely clogged. And then you don’t have to change the oil, but you prepare for the repair of the engine!
Do I have to fill the filter with oil before installation?
None of the instructions require it. This procedure only increases the chance of engine oil contamination. And the icon on the filter or oil can package, from which oil drips into the filter, is simply misinterpreted. The manufacturer warns that only the o-ring needs to be lubricated.
- Engine oil level myths here.
- “Behind the wheel” can also be read in Telegram.
This simple operation is within the power of any motorist. However, difficulties still arise.
