OK, performed my first DIY oil change at 3K and found it one of the easier changes I've performed. The oil was a 'dirty' clean, and I'm glad I did this way before the MB recommened 10K interval.
I did have to use a substantial moment arm to break the drain plug seal (expected) and had to use a wrench to break the oil filter seal (not expected). 3.3 qts of Mobil1 "European Formula" 0W-40 and a new oil filter later, and after reading past posts, I'm left wondering:
1. Why on earth would anyone torque an oil filter the way the factory did? Is this to prevent some yahoo from easily vandalizing the engine, given the relatively exposed location of the filter, (I tightened my the way I was taught: contact plus .75 turn)? And,
2. Did I err in using Mobil1 0W-40, vice 5W-30? There appears to be some contention on this subject. And,
3. Why is replacing the copper drain plug gasket always mentioned? I inspected the original, found it appeared servicable and re-used it. Of course, I'll keep a close eye on it, but is a new replacement always needed?
... 2. Did I err in using Mobil1 0W-40, vice 5W-30? There appears to be some contention on this subject. And,
3. Why is replacing the copper drain plug gasket always mentioned? I inspected the original, found it appeared servicable and re-used it. Of course, I'll keep a close eye on it, but is a new replacement always needed?
Tom
No error - you have the prerogative to intelligently choose your oil viscosity (your '09 smart OpMan now sez so). The Mobil 1 0W-40 push is the result of Roger Penske and Penske Racing's business interests. As of the update a few days ago, there are now 84 oils of various viscosities provided by 56 brands on the holy M-B Sheet 229.5, and specified for 12 different engines (including USA smarts, ROW smarts**, SLR, Maybach, AMG and eight other M-B gassers). Not exactly tailor-made for smart. Only the M155, M156 and M285 engines require 40-weight (smarts are designated M132). Mitsubishi doesn't use "sheets."
The copper washer isn't a one-time-use "crush washer;" you can re-use it as long as it isn't damaged.
** USA smarts have M-B Sheet 229.5 only designated. ROW (Rest of World) smarts have sheets 229.3, 229.31, 229.5 and 229.51 designated. The 229.3and 229.31 are older specifications and not totally full-synthetic.
Great, thanks for the reassurance: The issue of proper ol viscosity, in my mind, gets VERY complex when one starts mixing technology with marketing with OEM propietary protocol.
And I suspected that was going to be the call on the copper gasket.
The copper washer isn't a one-time-use "crush washer;" you can re-use it as long as it isn't damaged.
I'll just replace mine, as I think it's a relatively small price to pay every 10K miles to ensure you don't have loss of oil in your smart and have an unsightly oil puddle on your garage floor.
I'll just replace mine, as I think it's a relatively small price to pay every 10K miles to ensure you don't have loss of oil in your smart and have an unsightly oil puddle on your garage floor.
I'll sleep at night too!
Hi Mr Panda! Would you mind saving all your used copper washers so that I might drop by someday and pick them up? Thanks in advance!!
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