Oil Change -- What Should I Do?

Hey Y'all,

I'm wanting to start doing my own oil changes. The place I go to charges around $50 and I feel that an oil change is something that I need to do myself to ensure it is done correctly.

They currently fill my truck up with Mobil Super High Mileage and slap on a filter they have there. My truck has 271k miles and runs great with no leaks.

I have been reading that synthetic is the best, but I shouldn't switch because it could cause leaks. Also, why change if there isn't a problem?

Should I keep running the same oil? What oil filter should I use? What oil filter wrench tool would work the best with these 1st gens?

Thank you in advance!

 

walmart super tech 5w30 oil and a OEM filter, don't forget to grease the u joints

 

I use cheapo Supertech 10w30 conventional with no problem...

My .02: use what you're comfortable with. At least stay with the same weight though. I have the 2.4 but it is my understanding from trolling this site synthetic doesn't get along with the 3.4 too well.

If you have the 4 banger you'll have a fun time with the filter given its location... I use those grip wrenches to get mine off. I dunno the v6 setup.

Hope this helps.

 

I’ve run penzoil high mileage for probably the last 10 years and a fram filter. I have a 5vzfe and have never needed a filter wrench.

 

Don’t need a wrench really..just go through the driver side over the tire. It is at just a slight angle..getting it from below is not near as easy(IMO)! just need to remove one clip so you can get your hand through..
That is on the 3.4L
I only ran synthetic from 1st oil change. I would just use conventional oil at that mileage..or a high mileage if you wish..

 

Fake news, the 3.4l engine runs fine on synthetic oils I had 260k miles on mine running Super tech 5w30 full synthetic with the FRAM orange can of death oil filter all bought at Walmart

 

Usually it’s best to stick with the oil you’re using. But I don’t think it’s too big of a deal if you switch. If needed just a plain Jane filter wrench should do the trick. Filters are purely preference IMO. My dad swears by fram, I try to go oem or equivalent.

It’s a fairly simply job with these trucks. The 3.4 filter location is stupid, however. Once you get a routine going you’ll be glad you started doing them yourself. Easier and sometimes cheaper. Plus, you know what is going into your truck. Good luck!

 

when removing the oil filter on a 3.4l its best to remove the wheel well guard flap and get it thru the drivers side wheel well, its a little bit of a reach but its the best way I found. also stuff a bunch of rags under the filter to sop up the oil when u crack the filter off it holds about 1/2 quart, or it will run down the side of the engine, its a messy process

 

Like has already been said, Walmart is the best consistent price. The Supertech Walmart brand is good oil. I've used it in a lot of different vehicles with great results. The type of oil is up to you and how much you want to spend. The dino Supertech is the least expensive. For a little more there is the Supertech synthetic for still under $20 for a 5 quart jug. If you want a brand name, the Quaker State synthetic is also just under $20.

Generally the more you spend on a filter the better it is. You will find a few different selections.

If you go with non syn you can do the whole job for under $20.

Don't forget some rubber gloves to keep the oil off you hands and replace the oil drain gasket from time to time.

I put over 300k on my previous 89 Toyota pickup with the infamous 3vz-e. Never put synthetic in that motor and mostly that inexpensive Supertech oil. The engine was still purring like a kitten when I sold it.

 

Doing your own oil change is very easy, and about the only thing thats going to be tough is removing your first oil filter as I would suspect the folks you payed to do it prior probably over torqued it down so that it will be hard to remove by hand alone (Hopefully not though). Only thing that means though is that you may need a oil filter tool to get it out or spend a good while working it off, and for desperate measures you just hammer a nail on the filter and use that to leverage off the filter (or hammer).

I use both supertech conventional and synthetic oil for my vehicles, though honestly any 5w30 (and 10w30) oil will work given its not from a completely dubious source. Depending on your engine condition synthetic may work well for you, but you won't know until you try it as every engine is different and some just don't do well with it. If you do try to go for synthetic though, I'd also would have a set of conventional on hand just in case it does go badly, and you have to switch right back (If it does like the synthetic you can just return the conventional oil).

As for filter, I prefer using the oem ones (

$58 90915-YZZD1 Oil Filter 1 Case (QTY 10)

90915-YZZD1) you can cheaply get from ebay in sets of 10. They also often come with drain bolt gaskets which are definitely a good thing to have as I've found after doing 2-3 oil changes on the same gasket may end up causing it to deform and essentially fuse/deform with the bolt causing leaks and a pita time scraping it off.

 

OEM filters are great quality and very economical, even moreso if bought in 10 packs on Amazon or eBay as others mentioned.

I preferred the metal cap style filter wrench used with a ratchet. Just bring one of your new filters into the local auto part store and match it to the correct size cap.

Check the first gen forum for stickied threads on the procedure and on the oil filters.

 

Use whatever oil you want, won't make a difference. Syn is a waste of money imo. No need for a wrench. Pound a screwdriver through the old one to twist it off. Then as tight as you can get the new one by hand is good enough. No need to really Torque them down

 

I run mobil 1 synthetic in my 2.7l and it's running great.

Since you are using high mileage oil, I would suggest you stick with it because these high mileage oils use additives that cause gaskets to swell (in case you have some worn out gaskets). If you stop using high mileage oil, the gaskets may unswell and it may cause leaks

and talking of gaskets... synthetic does not cause leaks, it just highlights worn out gaskets issues (which would have eventually turned into leaks anyway, even with conventional oil)
Synthetic has smaller molecules than conventional oil. Your old gaskets can be worn out and cracked, but due to the larger molecules of the conventional oil, it wasn't leaking, but now that you switched to synthetic, oil seeps through cracks in the worn out gasket.

 

This ^^^

 

Synthetic causing leaks is an old myth, it doesn't and never has, people just want a reason to blame something else for negligent maintenance is where that stems from. But I don't see a reason to change now with that many miles. Use any high mileage oil and quality filter of your choice. I really like Pennzoil's and Castrol's high mileage brews over the rest.

 

I use Napa brand dino oil (rebranded valvoline). It goes on sale $13 for 5 qts. I also get the Napa Gold (rebranded Wix) #1348 filter. Strap wrench on my 2.7 as its hard to get to. Shouldn't be more than $22 I think if I catch the sales.