Oil Change problem

[taz1004]

Okay, so I've decided to do the oil change myself on my 2003 CR-V EX. Got the oil and all the stuff needed to do it myself but hit a road block right from the start. Can't seem to loosen the oil drain bolt. Manual said it should be tightened with 30lbs of force but no way that thing's 30lbs. I think the quick lube place I went to before over tightened it. Anyway, I tried my best to loosen it but all I seemed to have done is wear out the corners of hex bolt. What is the best way to remove it?

Also, how difficult is it to remove the oil filter? I can see it from the bottom but it's not easy to reach. Do I need special tool to remove it?

[Carbuff2]

If the bolt has been overtightened that's bad.

You did not mention what type of tool you were using to remove the drain bolt, but I recommend a SIX-POINT socket (not a twelve-point). Use a breaker bar to remove, or a very stout ratchet. If rounding is still a problem, a Gator-Grip type socket might be just the ticket.

http://gator-grip.com/

You would be well-advised to replace the drain bolt with a new one to preclude future problems. Also, make sure you use a NEW crush washer so that the joint will remain drip-free at the recommended 30 ft-lb torque.

If you don't feel confident about doing this, buy the new drain bolt and have the quick-lube place replace it when THEY remove the bolt.

+++++

The oil filter is easily reached from the right-front wheel well. See if you can reach it OK by turning the wheel full-left...if you cant, then jack up the car and remove the right-front wheel. (Make sure the car is on jack stands when you are underneath it...)


Good Luck and Have Fun.

[earthbound]

A friend of mine was crushed under his car a few years ago while he was jerking on a stubborn bolt. The 2 cheap jackstands he put under the car must have tipped off center just enough to lose their strength, and their triangular sides bent like rubber bands. Spend a few extra bucks and get decent jacks!

[Carbuff2]

Something I always do when working under the car IN ADDITION TO JACKSTANDS is to put the tires I remove under the car.

That way you won't trip over them, and if the car does fall off the stands, the tires will catch the car, hopefully allowing the unfortunate mechanic to crawl out.

I'm really into safety, a friend's son was killed while working under a car with inadequate safety.:(

[brotherc20]

it is worth the $25 to pay to get it changed by someone, as long as you can find someone you can trust to do it.

[2RedV's]

it is worth the $25 to pay to get it changed by someone, as long as you can find someone you can trust to do it.

Just insist that you stand by and watch.

[craig78681]

Can't seem to loosen the oil drain bolt. ...I tried my best to loosen it but all I seemed to have done is wear out the corners of hex bolt. What is the best way to remove it?

I use a common, everyday plumber's pipe wrench (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=pipe+wrench&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2) in this situation. Those teeth will grab a bolt that has slightly rounded corners just fine.