Oil Change Procedures

[sbkim]

I am sure it doesn't take a rocket scientist to change oil in our Vipers but are there any special precautions I should take (other than ensure the car is level and not overfilling) while changing the oil. FYI, I will be using Mobile 1 102-30 and MOPAR filter.

Thank you!

 

[Clifton Viper]

I'm no expert but over and under filling appear to be the biggest issues encountered with oil changes. A stock 02 takes 10 quarts (some other model years take less).

Raising the car can be a pain if you don't have a low profile jack. There is a good one sold at Harbor Freight with a 3.5 inch clearance if you need one. There has been a few threads on this board about it.

Good luck.

 

[ViperJoe]

YIKES! Get a Mobil 1 or K&N (both made by Champion Labs) and considered "premium" filters.

Give it plenty of drain time.

Good luck

 

[Steve-Indy]

If you decide to use a Mobil filter, correct number is M1-204 ...about $11.99 at Autozone

 

[sbkim]

Thanks guys - do you guys not recommend mopar oil filters?

 

[Ron]

Correct. Mopar oil filters are inferior to K&N & Mobil 1's.

Many feel the K&N oil filters (not air filters) are the best compromise of filtering ability & flow.

Many feel Mobil 1 oil filters are great at filtering, but perhaps a bit flow restricting.

Most feel Mopar oil filters are free flowing but not very effective at filtering.

Pick your poison....

 

[sbkim]

Thank you all for replies. Took me few hours but I really took my time. Most of my time was spent jacking up the car! Overall it was a very easy procedure. Had the car as level as I could and drained about 9.5qts of oil. I didn't overfill it - about 1/4" below full level.

Final question - do you guys hand tighten the filter or do you get it tighter using oil filter wrench? I had my filter shaken loose in my C5 by just hand tightening once...

 

[99 R/T 10]

Final question - do you guys hand tighten the filter or do you get it tighter using oil filter wrench? I had my filter shaken loose in my C5 by just hand tightening once...

Hand tighten ONLY. I would never use a wrench. Besides with as little room you have to work with, just makes the job more difficult.

 

[Jerry Dobson]

Hand Tighten ....Depends. If you can't get a solid grip on the filter, a tool may be required to snug the filter. A leak at the filter would not be good.

I never "dry start" and car with a vertical filter. That filter will hold a quart of oil. Fill it prior to installing it on the car. Wear on your motor takes place when you start your car. Take advantage of the vertical mounted Viper filter by filling it with oil first.

Jerry Dobson

 

[sbkim]

Jerry - good point. I didn't think the filter held a quart of oil... It seemed like mine was to the top with just 1/4 qt???

 

[V10 MOJO]

have engine warm, have car level, hand tighten only

and IMO; mobil 1 filters or K&N filters with Royal Purple oil is the combo to go with

 

[Jack B]

The filter wrench that fits over the filter end makes the job very easy, especially on the viper. It seems to be as though these filter wrenches were made for the viper. If you use the filter wrench and a short 3/8" extension it comes off easy and goes on easy. If you drive a screw driver or punch into the bottom of the filter and let it drain you will have less mess. As far as hand tightening there is a fine point between tight and coming loose.

The filter holds about 1/3 of a quart. If you let the oil drain overnight you will get an additional 1/2 qt out of the engine. All this may be overkill, oil typically does not get dirty in the short interval in which we change oil , the filter gets dirty. It sure does feel good to have clean though.

 

[sbkim]

thanks guys - I will def be getting the filter wrench but I guess I first need to decide which filter to go with. I take it each brand has different size diameter?

 

[MHQC]

Just did mine last Wednesday. Got the engine hot, jacked it up and let in drain over night (still dripping 4 hours later). Thursday night, filled filter, 1 extra turn after contact (you should get about 3/4 of a turn with your hand, I used a wrench for the last 1/4 turn). Fill, run it and re-adjust your oil level the next morning.

 

[ROCKET62]

It is probably worth replacing the oil drain plug gasket with each change. I did not do it this last time and guess where a small oil leak is coming from?