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Okay, so all the research paid off, completed my first oil change without any problems. Thanks to all you guys on the forum who shared your experience and tips (Techo, JD, etc).
Here are some things I learned during the oil change that might be helpful to other first-timers:
- The 2.0 engine took exactly 4 quarts to get to the fill line. This was after draining on ramps for 30 minutes.
- If using a 5qt bottle to refill, I recommend the side-pour method (with funnel), works great, no mess.
- The original crush washer can be EASILY overlooked! Upon removing the plug it appeared to be PART of the pan. It looked like the pan, washer, and bolt were all painted black at the same time. The washer stuck to the pan and had I not tried to tap it off with the end of the wratchet handle I could have accidentally installed a new crush washer over the original. Sure enough, one good tap and it went flying off - and it is indeed painted black all the way around the edges.
- On most of the Souls there are alignment markings for most of the bolts. This holds for the oil pan plug. So when I went to re-tighten I went by what felt right and then looked at the plug and sure enough it was almost back aligned. So I snugged just a bit more and now have confidence it is tightened properly. Granted, you should not blindly rely on these markings, but in my case since I first snugged things, it was an extra confirmation using the visual of the original markings. So just something to possibly aid those who aren't used to DIY oil changes.
Now let's just hope I don't have a puddle of oil on the floor tomorrow morning.... :tongue-new:
Sonic
Here are some things I learned during the oil change that might be helpful to other first-timers:
- The 2.0 engine took exactly 4 quarts to get to the fill line. This was after draining on ramps for 30 minutes.
- If using a 5qt bottle to refill, I recommend the side-pour method (with funnel), works great, no mess.
- The original crush washer can be EASILY overlooked! Upon removing the plug it appeared to be PART of the pan. It looked like the pan, washer, and bolt were all painted black at the same time. The washer stuck to the pan and had I not tried to tap it off with the end of the wratchet handle I could have accidentally installed a new crush washer over the original. Sure enough, one good tap and it went flying off - and it is indeed painted black all the way around the edges.
- On most of the Souls there are alignment markings for most of the bolts. This holds for the oil pan plug. So when I went to re-tighten I went by what felt right and then looked at the plug and sure enough it was almost back aligned. So I snugged just a bit more and now have confidence it is tightened properly. Granted, you should not blindly rely on these markings, but in my case since I first snugged things, it was an extra confirmation using the visual of the original markings. So just something to possibly aid those who aren't used to DIY oil changes.
Now let's just hope I don't have a puddle of oil on the floor tomorrow morning.... :tongue-new:
Sonic