Oil change

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 11:07 pm

The other reason is that the dealer I bought the car from (and trust more than the dealer that is 5 miles away) is about 30 min away. So to take it to the dealer would actually take more time than changing it myself.On another subject. i currently use Quaker State High performance 5W-30 oil. I've been thinking about switching to a synthetic blend. What would you recommend, keeping in mind that I have done two oil changes with the above mentioned oil. I also use Fram oil filters. And I faithfully change my oil every 5000 miles. (Every time, the first two on the vibe though were at 2000, and 5000, with the next one at 10000). I want an oil that I can buy from a local store also.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 11:09 pm

Nope the numbers are with a filter change. I would hate to see how much oil they would put in my vibe gt with their math. 5.5 qts?

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 11:10 pm

How much does that run a qt? For 5 qts of oil and a filter, I am currently hovering on 12-13 for the change.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 11:20 pm

Thanks, I look into that in about 4000 miles, shouldn't be more than two weeks I bought the car on March first with 50 miles (kinda high, but one of the only gt's in the area so lots of people were test driving it) and I have 5950 as of this morning. At this rate my 36k mi warrenty isn't going to last much longer than a year and a half

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 11:23 pm

I used Mobil 1 SynTec last time I did a change -- $18.88 for a 5 qt bottle at WalMart. Cost me a bit more than I expected. Next time I'll probably use a synthetic blend as silverawd26 does. I used a Toyota filter as well, paid $5.50 for it at the local Toyota dealer. Next time, though, I think I might just get the AC/Delco filter. I'm not sure there's a huge difference.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 11:34 pm

I'm pretty sure the rated 3.9 quart capacity includes the filter. When I change mine, it takes almost four, and that's with a filter change. Some of the threads on oil filter selection indicate that different makes of filters are bigger than others so maybe that's the difference.There's probably several reasons to not overfill, such as keeping the oil in the pan low enough that the crank doesn't froth it up, but there's a low and a high mark on the dipstick, and that's the range I go for. The owner's manual recommends checking your oil level every time you get fuel, but you never see people checking under the hood at gas stations. Sounds like the difference is not big enough to get too worried about, but it would be a good idea to check the level at some point.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 11:37 pm

I try to check my oil level every two weeks or so.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 11:42 pm

quote:I use Mobil 5w-30 synthetic blend. I was thinking this oil.http://www.quakerstate.com/pages/produc ... hhorse.asp

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Jun 12, 2003 11:47 pm

Do you have over 200HP?

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Fri Jun 13, 2003 12:04 am

No, I just saw that too. I guess that won't work. Have to keep looking. Or I will just stay with the peak performance that I have been using.http://www.quakerstate.com/pages/produc ... rmance.asp

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Fri Jun 13, 2003 5:34 am

That's just not true. From quakerstates web page. There are two basic types of crude oil, naphthenic and paraffinic. Most conventional engine lubricating oils today are made from paraffinic crude oil. Paraffinic crude oil is recognized for its ability to resist thinning and thickening with temperature, as well as its lubricating properties and resistance to oxidation (sludge forming tendencies). In the refining process, the paraffinic crude oil is broken down into many different products. One of the products is wax, and others are gasoline, kerosene, lubricating oils, asphalt, etc. Virtually every oil marketer uses paraffinic base stocks in blending its engine oil products. Many people believe the term paraffinic to be synonymous with wax. Some have the misconception that paraffinic oils will coat the engine with a wax film that can result in engine deposits. This is not true. The confusion exists because paraffinic molecules can form wax crystals at low temperatures. In lubricating oils, this wax is removed in a refining process called dewaxing. Wax is a premium product obtained from crude oil, and in order to ensure that we produce the highest quality base stocks available, Quaker StateÂ® removes the maximum amount of wax possible during the refining process. The end result is a motor oil product formulated with premium lubricating base oil.I also work for BP (they own Castrol). Castrol uses the same base oil.From Castrol's webpageCrude oil is a complex mixture of light and heavy hydrocarbon chains with different shapes and properties (paraffinic, aromatic, phenolic chains). Before "using" them, they have to be narrowly selected and purified. Distillation involves the series of refinery processes whereby unwanted components in crude oil are removed. The first stage of refining is heating the crude oil until it boils. The boiling liquid is separated by weight into different liquids and gases in the distillation column. These liquids are used to make up petrol, paraffin, diesel fuel etc. Distilling base oilsLubricant base oils are made from the higher boiling fraction of crude oil which remains after removal of the lighter fractions (fuels such as diesel and gasoline). Components that would reduce the thermal and oxidative stability of a lubricant are removed, along with wax, which would cause a lubricant to solidify at low temperatures. Hydrocracking - a different methodA different approach to obtaining lubricant base oils from crude oil uses a chemical process known as hydrocracking. The process reacts a crude oil fraction with hydrogen to break up many of the molecules. This removes the unwanted molecules and reduces the wax content.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Jun 13, 2003 9:37 am

quote:I Just got back to the dealer. Found out all dealers have been putting in 4.5 quarts of oil in the Base and AWD Vibes. That's kind of scary. It's bad enough for me to not read the manual, but you expect the dealer service department to know this basic stuff. Was that just the dealer you go to, or did they say that it was all GM/Pontiac dealers? I hope I don't need any warranty service anytime soon. I guess I now have another reason why I change my own oil.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 6:31 am

quote:All of GM.. That is what they told the dealers to do.They fixed the problem and stated to make sure next time they do oil changed to put in only 3.9 and 4.8.The power of genvibe compells them! You should go back to the dealer, have them estimate the number of Vibe oil changes GM provides in a year, and tell them you want a percentage of the cost of all the oil they would have wasted. (right, like that would work) Thanks for setting them straight!Anyone with a GM oil change on their Vibe should check the dipstick...

Kissfan79 · Post by **Kissfan79** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 7:44 am

I do all of my own oil changes myself so I know exactly what is going on with my car. My quandry is that the GT is supposed to take 4.8 qts. I noticed that every time I put that much in, I have to pull some out because it is over the line on the dipstick. The last time I changed my oil, I put in 4.25 qts and it was filled right up to the line. The only thing I can think of is the oil filter. I usually use a Purolator filter which is smaller than stock. This last time I used the Car Quest brand being as that is where I bought my stuff. The CQ brand filter is even a bit smaller than the Purolator. Now whether or not the filter can make up that extra half quart or so to equal 4.8 qts......I don't know.

Kissfan79 · Post by **Kissfan79** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 6:58 pm

How much do they run? There is a Toyota dealer on my way to work. Just ask for a filter for a Matrix/Vibe with the 2ZZ engine correct? Wouldn't Pontiac have the same filter as well?Jim

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 1:41 am

I paid 4 or 5 bucks ofr the toyota filter for the 1ZZ engine...can't imagine the 2ZZ costing that much more...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 2:02 am

And it's a toyota engine, so might as well get the toyota filter...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Nov 07, 2003 2:54 pm

Here's a handy "How To" on changing your own oil:http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/articl ... 2213DF1A22

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sat Nov 08, 2003 10:09 am

Here's an article on how some of the quick oil change places try to rip you offhttp://www.nbc4.tv/automotive/2615014/detail.html

DavidPIL · Post by **DavidPIL** » Sat Nov 08, 2003 5:19 pm

hi Kissfan...Yeah, I always put in the 4.8 and end up being about a quarter inch over the mark. My first Oil Change was done by a "Quick Lube" type place and they put in 4.7 quarts. Was still over the full line but I didn't notice till I had driven about 8 hours to Kansas. The problem I had because of this was the car didn't seem to have much "pick-up" to pass or merge. the power just kinda petered out then once it got going, it was fine. Anywho... I'm going to start putting in 4 quarts, let it run a little, then fill to the line.I last used a Fram filter which was the same width of the OEM filter but was about 3/4" longer. Still was over filled. My next change I'm going to use a Mobil M1-102 Filter which is slightly wider (yes, the gasket will still will seat correctly, I checked).I had 3 oil changes by the dealer... they fill to the line but the filter seems too small... Oh well...Dave

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Wed Jan 14, 2004 3:28 am

Just a reminder to everyone who changes their own oil, and actually to everyone who has their oil changed also.Nobody's perfect, mistakes happen. After your oil is changed, it is important to check for leaks. It is also important to periodically check your oil level. It's an easy thing to do, but worth the effort.Case in point from http://www.matrixvibe.net/foru...=4336, owner changed his own oil and didn't follow up.Quote Â»I need help. I took my Matrix in to the dealer because I heard the valves knocking. Apparently I was loosing oil from around my filter and the engine was dry. According to my dealer, the "aftermarket" oil filter voided my warranty and I need a new motor. Neither the check engine or low oil pressure lights came on. Even when the mechanic at the dealership moved it into the bay, and I knew it was bone dry. I am wondering if anyone knows of a salvage company or anywhere I can get one for less than the $5000 my dealer quoted me

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Wed Jan 14, 2004 3:38 am

if the filter was faulty, i would talk to the filter company about this. who the hell has an aftermarket oil filter??

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Wed Jan 14, 2004 4:14 am

Now I feel compelled to run out and check the oil level in my car ...

ZubenElGenubi · Post by **ZubenElGenubi** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 7:22 am

Made my first oil change this past weekend. See if this sounds familiar:09:00 Put the Vibe on ramps.09:10 Begin draining oil (into oil collector, thank you)09:20 Drive to WalMart..........$9.74 Fram XG Filter (7000 miles)..........$19.49 5qt Mobil1 5w-3009:45 Leave WalMart; go to grocery10:20 Leave Grocery10:30 Starbucks (Tall Mocha Frappuccino w/Whipped Cream)10:40 Back Home10:45 Plug oilpan10:50 Start removing oil filter10:55 Realize that %@#@ filter is too small for my smallest wrench!11:00 Suck down frappauccino and swear.11:10 Start taping band of filter wrench with duct tape to "thicken it up"11:20 Try removing filter with modified wrench11:40 Swear and give up.11:45 Finish off frappuccino and wash up11:50 Drive back to WalMart (with new filter) to get new wrench12:00 Tested all wrenches/caps: The only one that fit was the most expensive!..........$7.96 New Wrench12:15 Get home12:20 Removed oil filter12:25 Installed new filter12:30 Finished adding new oilTotal time: 3:30 hours (actual changing time: about 30 minutes)Total cost: $40.26 w/tax, plus overpriced frappuccino.But, I can say "I did it myself!"

mojo_jojo · Post by **mojo_jojo** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 7:36 am

Too Funny!!! I especially can relate to the "taping band of filter wrench with duct tape".

excel45800 · Post by **excel45800** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 7:39 am

I have a couple of 4x6 blocks that i pull the girlfriends Vibe up on. I can slide the drain pan under and reach the drain plug just fine. I change the oil filter from the engine compartment. 05, 1.8 spin on filter.

star_deceiver · Post by **star_deceiver** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:53 am

http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=38351For the 2009!

vibedrivermatt · Post by **vibedrivermatt** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:45 pm

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 Â»They wanted to charge me 2 bucks for a crush washer today at the dealer.. I know this post is like 5 years old or something but.. seriously? that's ridiculous. they supposed to just give you those for free especially when your buying a filter. Most of the time the guy will just give you one for free so he doesn't have to bother with the cash register.

Oil change

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Oil change

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