Re: [DML] Oil Change

[Mark Noeltner <mark@xxxx>]

[Moderator's note: you'll notice the engine takes just under 7 quarts of oil so don't forget that's how much will be drained out. Have a big enough pan or it's going to get messy on your garage floor.]



Oil change basics for a DeLorean:

1) Order a filter and a Snap-On drain plug adapter from any of the parts
suppliers (Houston, Grady, etc). There are cross-references on the filter,
but since this is your first time you want things to go smoothly. Same for
the adapter. It is for the drain plug which has an 8mm square hole in it
instead of a hex head like most plugs. The adapter fits a 3/8" drive
ratchet and has the square end for the plug. You can make a tool for this,
but it takes some mechanical know-how to do it. Much better to buy the tool
and have it.

2) Once the parts get to you, run the engine for a bit to get it to
operating temperature and also to circulate the oil so that all the crud
and dirt get suspended in the oil and will drain with it.

3) You could put the car up on ramps, but I find it works better to just
use a jack and jackstands. You don't need to lift it far. I have done an
oil change on mine without even jacking it up, but it was a tight fit.
However you do it, just BE SAFE!!

4) Put a pan under the oil pan and take out the drain plug. It faces the
front of the car so you can't see it unless you get under it. Use the
adapter you bought to remove the plug. Once the oil has drained to just a
trickle, clean the plug off with a rag and put it back in. Snug, but don't
over tighten.

5) Remove the old oil filter. It is on the right side of the engine next to
the alternator. Very easy to get to and easy to spot if you just look up
from under the car. I recommend an original type filter for this first
time. After that you can consider some of the cross-reference filters if
you want to. But if you want to be absolutely sure of things, just use an
original every time. It's more expensive, but not by enough to really
matter. Anyway, remove the old one. Go to your local auto parts store and
get a basic loop type filter wrench. There is lots of room on the DeLorean,
so you don't need anything real special. Have your drain pan under it as it
will leak oil. Wipe the sealing surface at the engine block off with a rag
to remove any dirt. Dip your finger in one of your new oil bottles and
smear a light coating on the gasket of the new filter. This lubricates it
so it doesn't pull off while tightening. Screw the new filter on. It should
be hand tight. Not too loose, but don't put a wrench on it and really crank
or you won't get it off next time.

6) Add the new oil. The filler is on the left side of the engine and
doesn't look like most fillers. It is the thing sticking up with a couple
of hoses running into it. It just lifts out. The engine should take right
at 7 quarts of oil with a filter change. I usually add a little over 6.5
quarts, then start the engine for a couple of minutes. Stop it, check for
leaks at the filter, then use the dip stick to determine just how much oil
to add to top it off properly. What type of oil??? You'll get about as many
different answers as there are people on the list. The Owners Manual lists
4 different weights of oil for temps ranging from 2 deg to 102 deg F. I go
with the 10W-40 recommendation. I personally use Castrol GTX oil. Really
any major brand will do. You could even go with a synthetic. I don't on
this car due to it's age. Older seals are slightly more prone to leaking,
and with a synthetic you tend to leak more due to all the molecules being
the same size. I stick with a conventional oil. If you change regularly it
will be just fine.

Hmmm ... I got kind of wordy, but I think this covers everything. Just be
careful when you are under the car. BE SAFE! And double check yourself on
things like putting the drain plug back in. Always check for leaks after
running the engine for a few minutes.

Mark N
VIN 6820

At 08:20 PM 3/31/01 -0500, Kevin Abato wrote:
>Ok...don't blast me for this....This is a whole new thing for me!
>How do you do an oil change on a DMC? I have never done anything
>mechanically to my cars before, and I know some of the basics, like:
>
<snip>

>Anyone fill me in on the details?
>
>Kevin Abato
>VIN# 16680
>Plate: BCKNTYM
>Mechanic Skills: Zero! :)
>