[jhchan]

ok guys I'm a car newbie so no flames for newbie questions... ;-)

I've never done my own oil but I am annoyed with nissan service departments. Plus they charge too much for mobil 1. I know I gotta get jacks or ramps or something. Then something to catch the old oil. Where is the oil filter? I can't see it in the engine bay right away. I haven't looked extensively though. Anything else important to know for a newbie? BTW I've got a 2000 SE. I was prob gonna get Nissan or Puralator Pure 1 Filters and use Mobil 1. Thanks for any advice.


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- JC -

2000 Sentra SE 5-spd, Sunroof, in Radium

 

[SR20DE 2K]

The oil filter can be accessed under the car a little ways to the right of the oil drain nut (or whatever that thing is called) if you're facing the front of the car. I don't know about everyone else, but that thing was an absolute b**ch for me to take off. Use a good oil wrench. Umm... safety first and use tire ramps and a good set of jackstands.

------------------
Jae
'00 SE w/ some stuff...

 

[azninvazion]

I know I gotta get jacks or ramps or something.
-Get a good pair of jackstands. If you plan on doing more work under the car, I would recommend getting hydraulic stands, they are easier to use than manual ones. If you're cheap(like me) get the manual ones.

Then something to catch the old oil.
-you need a Drain pan. You can get it at any local Discount auto parts or Autozone, etc. It is usually in a triangle shape.

Where is the oil filter?
-When you're under the car with your head pointing towards the back and feet hanging in front, look towards your right side. It is a bit deep into the engine bay, so you're gonna have to reach. You can see a picture in your owner's manual.

I can't see it in the engine bay right away.
-you won't be able to see it by popping the hood and looking down into the bay.

I was prob gonna get Nissan or Puralator Pure 1 Filters and use Mobil 1
-Use Nissan OEM filters. They aren't that much more, plus they have all the nissan requirements/certifications

Anything else important to know for a newbie?
-Get a good oil wrench! I wasn't able to get my filter off the first time because it was so tight. Make sure it will fit the filter before you buy it because the SR20DE filter is very small compared to other filters.
-Put blocks behind the back tires when you are working under the car. It is also a good idea to put the car in gear (5-sp) or Park (auto) and apply the E-Brake.
-Never overfill/underfill your engine. Use just the right amount (found in manual).
-Buy 2 funnels.
-Drain, wait an hour (optional) take off filter, put back drain plug, put new filter in, pour oil.
-Dispose of oil at a local car shop.
-LOTS OF NEWSPAPER!!


edit: http://www.edmunds.com/editorial/howto/

good stuff at that site.

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SR20DE..Sorry Si guys.

[This message has been edited by azninvazion (edited March 21, 2001).]

 

[jhchan]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm also in an apartment so I park in a lot, so I don't know about leavin my car unattended up on jacks for an hour. Some stupid kid will prob come along and do something. This doesn't sound too hard (at least I hope). I just worry about gettin the car up, prob go with jack stands. 5spd might be touchy gettin up on ramps plus the front body moldings may not clear it.

------------------
- JC -

2000 Sentra SE 5-spd, Sunroof, in Radium

 

[sr20reNaISSANce]

was it just me or was the stock oil filter...
1) in the worst position possible
2)very slippery with no where to grip
3)super *** tight?

------------------
2000 sentra se
pp, 5spd

 

[SR20DE 2K]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sr20reNaISSANce:
was it just me or was the stock oil filter...
1) in the worst position possible
2)very slippery with no where to grip
3)super *** tight?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's not just you.



------------------
Jae
'00 SE w/ some stuff.
There's no place like home...

 

[Guest]

That oil filter will mysteriously get tighter on you. I hand tightened my replacement filter, and when I tried to remove it on the next oil change I had to use a wrench to get it back off!

Another key thing to remember is the drain plug washer. They are very strange, and are NOT reusable. Get them at your Nissan dealer.

Other than that...the job is a piece of cake. For me, the biggest problems were getting the drain plug washer off the drain plug and loosening the filter.

------------------
2001 SE, P/P, 5 spd Cloud White.
MODS:
- Stromung Stainless Cat-back.
- Hotshot CAI

"I always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific."

 

[Backstop]

Is everyone coating the threads of the filter with a little oil prior to installing?
Or is this done anymore?

 

[adc100]

Hold it!!!

Here's another option...

In the middle of the car in the front: There is a frame stiffiner which bolts on the the bumper frame. There are two large plated bolts visible. Get a jack and (possibly using a piece of wood- Put the jack on one of those bolts---make sute it is secure---- Block one of the back wheels. Lift up the front maybe 3 inches. Don't get carried away. It just gives you a little extra clearance to get the pan under the drain pan. I've done it. Pan is under the drive's side. Get one of those pans (that has a lid to take off on the side. It's green and the lid is white. There's a screen under the lid so the plug doesn't fall in the oil.

Do not get under the dar with the jack on.
Do not get under the car with the jack on.

I have not changed the filter yet. But I promise, you can get it from up top. The oil wrench you need is made by Leslei (spelling) It slips on and has a 3/8" socket in the back it closes in on the filter as you loosen it. KD makes a similar tool that will probably work. It has a 3/8" socket on the side. You must have one of those tools.
When you are ready. Get the filter off first. Make sure the wrench is on properly. Take your time- you'll get it. Make sure the drain pan is under the filter (newspaper). When its loose a couple of turns, let it drain. Go in with paper towels and whipe it off. Turn it right side up and pull it out. Don't hog everything up. Wipe off the housing with paper. When you think it's ready take a clean finger and wipe it around the sealing surface to make sure there is no dirt on it. Don't cut yourself. Inspect the inside/gasket of the new filter. When you put the filter down make sure you don't get dirt in it. Be very careful. Don't forget a film of oil on the filter gasket.

Make it hand tight only. 3/4 turn- 1 turn max. Make sure your hand or filter has no oil on it so your hand doesn't slip.

Now drain the oil. Don't get your head under any of the car. You are supposed to replace the copper gasket on the plug. I plan on replacing it every couple of times. Do not over tighten the plug. I torqued mine to 18 ft lbs. Use a shorter wrench so you don't over-tighten the plug.

If you are using Mobil 1 You can safely go to the max milage/time. I'm going about every 9,000 and a filter in between. I would recommend you have someone with you the first time who has done lots of oil changes before.

Remember- do not get your head under the car!! Lots of good advice here on this board. I'll get the part number of the tool later, If I can. Don't try the job without this tool. Do a dry run on the change first.

When you are done take a paper towel and wipe off the new filter, especially at the base. After putting in new oil, recheck everything- is the drain plug in??? Start the car and carefully put your hand around the filter to make sure it isn't leaking.

------------------
Plain Jane Cappuccino SE
with AutoTrans

 

[adc100]

Another thought. Find a repudable garage and take the filter and oil to him.

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Plain Jane Cappuccino SE
with AutoTrans

 

[Sentra Styling]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Backstop:
Is everyone coating the threads of the filter with a little oil prior to installing?
Or is this done anymore?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I always do and i also rub a little fresh oil on the rubber gasket as well to help with the seal

------------------
.

CAR:
Black 2k SE Performance/package

MODS:
17x7 Konig-Caffeine's ,Stillen front spoiler and pop-cone intake,Aluminum dash kit,Remote starter,35% Tint,Aluminum Pedal Kit,APC Super white headlights and fogs and front and rear turn signals,Ventshade-ventvisors,Custom Front Grille,Stromung cat-back,Place Racing CAI (in the mail)......

*CLICK HERE FOR MY CAR PICS*

***My Website***

 

[Sentra Styling]

Hey jhchan,,,,,

How far south of boston are ya???

------------------
.

CAR:
Black 2k SE Performance/package

MODS:
17x7 Konig-Caffeine's ,Stillen front spoiler and pop-cone intake,Aluminum dash kit,Remote starter,35% Tint,Aluminum Pedal Kit,APC Super white headlights and fogs and front and rear turn signals,Ventshade-ventvisors,Custom Front Grille,Stromung cat-back,Place Racing CAI (in the mail)......

*CLICK HERE FOR MY CAR PICS*

***My Website***

 

[jhchan]

adc: Thanks for the info

Stylin: I'm in Bridgewater just off of Rt24. Right across from the state college actually. Where are you in RI? I actually work over in Mansfield which ain't too far from RI I guess.


------------------
- JC -

2000 Sentra SE 5-spd, Sunroof, in Radium

 

[adc100]

correction-correction-correction-correction.

The oil crankcase is located on the passenger side. What a dope I am.

------------------
Plain Jane Cappuccino SE
with AutoTrans

 

[Sentra Styling]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jhchan:
adc: Thanks for the info

Stylin: I'm in Bridgewater just off of Rt24. Right across from the state college actually. Where are you in RI? I actually work over in Mansfield which ain't too far from RI I guess.


<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'm probably about 15 minutes from mansfeild so i'm not too far from where ya work....


------------------
.

CAR:
Black 2k SE Performance/package

MODS:
17x7 Konig-Caffeine's ,Stillen front spoiler and pop-cone intake,Aluminum dash kit,Remote starter,35% Tint,Aluminum Pedal Kit,APC Super white headlights and fogs and front and rear turn signals,Ventshade-ventvisors,Custom Front Grille,Stromung cat-back,Place Racing CAI (in the mail)......

*CLICK HERE FOR MY CAR PICS*

***My Website***

 

[jhchan]

[/b][/QUOTE]
I'm probably about 15 minutes from mansfeild so i'm not too far from where ya work....


[/B][/QUOTE]

Cool! Maybe sometime you can help me install a JWT POP??? I was thinkin about getting one but as you could see by this post I have no experience with this stuff
Hey BTW if you don't mind me askin how much $$$ have you sunk into your ride in aftermarket stuff?

------------------
- JC -

2000 Sentra SE 5-spd, Sunroof, in Radium

 

[PB]

It's real simple to change the oil.. I did mine the other day for the first time (car has 6000 kms on it now) and it went smoothly. The filter is a bit of a *****, but I was able to get it off with my hand. Has anyone started using Mobil 1 0W40??? I think I will use the 5W30 for a little while longer, but then I am thinking of switching. Is everyone replacing the plug gasket for each change, I didn't realize that it was the crushable type, but I reused it anyhow.

PB

------------------
Paul Both
2001 Sentra SE with Performance Package
http://www.aci.on.ca/~pboth/

 

[jhchan]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PB:
It's real simple to change the oil.. I did mine the other day for the first time (car has 6000 kms on it now) and it went smoothly. The filter is a bit of a *****, but I was able to get it off with my hand. Has anyone started using Mobil 1 0W40??? I think I will use the 5W30 for a little while longer, but then I am thinking of switching. Is everyone replacing the plug gasket for each change, I didn't realize that it was the crushable type, but I reused it anyhow.

PB

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Did you have to jack your car to do it? Someone mentioned you can get the oil filter from up top. I know you'll need a little room to loosen the oil plug though.


------------------
- JC -

2000 Sentra SE 5-spd, Sunroof, in Radium

 

[rschauby]

Yes you do have to jack the car up to change the oil. I reccomend getting ramps. Ramps are much easier and they reduce the risk of a falling car or putting a jackstand through your floorboard.

I also reccomend getting the filter from underneath. That is the way it was designed to get out. It is right on the back side of the engine and is easy top get a grip on. It is however usually tight.

------------------
rschauby

2001 Sentra SE w/PP auto (radium)
1998 SE-R 5spd

 

[adc100]

PB. I don't believe Mobil makes a 0W-40. They have 15W-50, and 0W-30. I would stay with the 5W-30. This will give you the best economy. They tell you to replace the gasket on the plug. You can easily get away without doing it. I agree that ramps probably make the job easier. I don't have any right now. Gave mine away a few years back.

------------------
Plain Jane Cappuccino SE
with AutoTrans