Anyone do a DIY oil change yet?

[smark]

Originally Posted by fortow

There's no need to change the copper washer.

Changing oil at 5000 miles is at least doing it twice as often as necessary - and if you are complaing about the cost of oil then the cost is also at least twice as expensive - it's equivalent to paying $56.00 for oil alone. That sounds pretty exorbitant to me.

Trust in the oil and trust in the engineers who determined the proper OCI (Oil Change Interval). Both oil and engines are much improved over when the OCI's were 3-5 thousand miles. Also, when using synthetic oil the OCI's are much longer than when using standard petroleum oils.

You maybe right about changing the oil too soon. I took the 5,000 mile oil change advice from the dealership I bought the car from, and others on this site. Even though I did the labor myself, to save a few penny's

I just talk to the Honda dealer, that I have my other 2 car serviced at. They use straight Quaker State non synthetic oil, good for about 6,500 miles. The Mobil 1 is a lot better oil, should be good for a lease 10,000 miles. I hope. Thanks for your advice!!!! ( I still always change the washer)

[mvaldes]

FWIW, even my dealer says there's no reason to change the washer. if you want them, he's happy to sell them to you, but he is also honest enough to tell you that it's a waste of your money.

[fortow]

Originally Posted by mvaldes

FWIW, even my dealer says there's no reason to change the washer. if you want them, he's happy to sell them to you, but he is also honest enough to tell you that it's a waste of your money.

Right. This copper washer is not the same as aluminum crush washers. They deform with each tightening of the drain bolt. Even they can be reused a number of times safely though. The copper is softer than steel and will seal well but does not crush the same. It can safely be re-used indefinitely. Keep a spare handy though in the event that it does need to be replaced - sometimes it may fall in the oil pan and you may not want to fetch it out. Just make certain that it doesn't remain stuck to the engine before you put another one on the bolt - two washers - not a good idea.

[donschweika]

I am confused about the oil filter. Is the stock filter not a spin on-off one? Are the filters expensive? My salesman said that a special German oil was needed. The sticker on the car says Mobil 1 is approved. I also think 10,000 miles is too long to change oil. The salesman also said something about a charcoal activated filter needing change at 10000 miles. Any help will be appreciated.

[jwight]

Your smart has a spin on filter. Smart filter runs $12 to $16 depending on dealer; aftermarket filters $6 - $10. "Special German oil" Mobil 1 is the smartUSA "approved" oil, per the sticker on your car (must be something added recently) - 0W40 good for colder climates, 5W30 will work in temperate climates. The charcoal filter is the cabin air filter, located behind the area where the 12v outlet is. Replace or clean, your option.

Why is it needed to change the oil within the 1st 100 miles vs 3K

Changing cabin air (activated charcoal) filter

[fortow]

10,000 miles is not too long for oil change intervals if you use the recommended synthetic oil and your driving is not severe service. In fact, you can go 15,000 miles with no problem. Special German oil is not needed, but you should use approved oils. You can search for a list of those or look on the oil containers for Mercedes Benz approval 229.5. The viscosity should be either 0W-40, or 5W-40.
In the newer cars the oil filter is a spin on filter. They're no more expensive than any other quality spin on filter. You don't need to use the Factory labelled filter - do a search for filter options.

Other than the cabin air filter, the charcoal filter could also be in reference to the fuel vapour purge cannister. Fuel vapours are stored in an activated charcoal filter and then sent back to the engine for combustion. I have no idea if there is a recommended replacement interval for that.

[smark]

Originally Posted by fortow

10,000 miles is not too long for oil change intervals if you use the recommended synthetic oil and your driving is not severe service. In fact, you can go 15,000 miles with no problem. Special German oil is not needed, but you should use approved oils. You can search for a list of those or look on the oil containers for Mercedes Benz approval 229.5. The viscosity should be either 0W-40, or 5W-40.
In the newer cars the oil filter is a spin on filter. They're no more expensive than any other quality spin on filter. You don't need to use the Factory labelled filter - do a search for filter options.

Other than the cabin air filter, the charcoal filter could also be in reference to the fuel vapour purge cannister. Fuel vapours are stored in an activated charcoal filter and then sent back to the engine for combustion. I have no idea if there is a recommended replacement interval for that.

This is off Mobil's site:
Mobil 1 Extended Performance is guaranteed to deliver oil performance and engine protection for 15,000 miles between oil changes. Designed for today's longer oil change intervals, Mobil 1 Extended Performance with the Advanced SuperSyn system helps keep engines running like new and helps extend engine life by reducing wear and oil breakdown. Mobil 1 Extended Performance motor oils have been tested to be fully compatible with engine seals and do not require a special oil filter.