Operator

not again, right? well i searched the archives and all that but I couldnt really find a walkthrough.

so.. I need to change my oil, the last time I had it done by my mechanic when I had my belts/waterpump etc done but this time I would like to do it myself.

Its easy enough right? Just need a new filter, a way to funnel the oil down from around the filter when removing it, and unplug the oil pan drain hole and let it drain for 20 minutes or something? where is the drain plug though? anyone have any pictures? and after all that do I just put the new filter on, plug the hole, and pour new oil in? how much does the 944 take again? 6 quarts? thanks for everyones help in my stupidity oh yea gotta jack the car too right?

SidViscous

Drain plug is on the oil pan (the thing with cooling fins on the bottom_ and is on the passenger side facing the front right wheel.

User 462021

It sure is easy. It is best to jack it up, unless you are small enough to crawl under the car and turn a wrench. You won't need a picture of the drain plug. It is obvious when you are under the car. I believe it is a 19mm, or a 17mm. I would drain the oil completely, then pull off the filter. Let it drain a little bit or drive it for a few minutes to thin out the oil so it will run faster.

Good luck!

zehnd

[quote]Originally posted by Tim Strayer is a Guru, but at what?:
<strong> I would drain the oil completely, then pull off the filter. Let it drain a little bit or drive it for a few minutes to thin out the oil so it will run faster.

Good luck!</strong><hr></blockquote>


Not necessarily in this order

PorscheG96

[quote]Originally posted by Tim Strayer is a Guru, but at what?:
<strong>I believe it is a 19mm, or a 17mm.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Don't change oil much? 15mm.

rfuerst

Get the car up to temperature,this helps the junk in the oil to be in suspension when you drain the oil,it helps to have the car in the air but can be done without it.I believe it is a 17 or 19 MM wrench needed,loosen the drain plug and have a rag and your drain pan ready,with a little luck you will get all the oil in the pan and not burn your hands!!While the oil is draining I unscrew the oil filler cap,this may or may not help all the oil to drain out.I usually take this time to look at the drain plug for anything unusual,like lots of metal pieces stuck to it!!!!Remember to install a new gasket on the drain plug,when the car is done draining,install the drain plug with the new gasket,its now time to remove the oil filter,which is located in a way that you need fingers like a snakes tongue to remove,loosen the filter and have the drain pan located under the filter so when the oil pukes out you catch most of it.Once you have removed the old filter,take the new filter and put a little bit of clean oil on the gasket of the filter,this helps it seal,install the filter and tighten aprox. 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn past when you feel resistance.I then install 4 quarts of oil and start the car and let it idle for a minute or two and then shut off,let it sit a little bit and check the dipstick,add oil as needed to bring to the top,you are now done except for test drive,again check your oil level and for leaks,this is about a 2 beer job,hope this helped!!! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

User 462021

[quote]Originally posted by PorscheG96:
<strong>
Don't change oil much? 15mm.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I can guarentee that mine is not a 15mm. I would bet 1 millllllion dollars.

But to answer your question, not really anymore. I used to...not on mine, but I used to.

993Maineiac

Not too long ago there was a nice thread with pics on this. One suggestion that worked real well with me was to put a plastic bag over the filter before removing it to catch the excess. That way it doesn't fall on the front suspension componants. It makes the job real neet, especially if the automatic backflow preventer is kaput.

adrial

I will be going to this <a href="http://www.cmfilters.com/" target="_blank">http://www.cmfilters.com/</a> to get rid of any problems with changing the filter and making a mess. Basically the housing gets screwed in, and then you just replace the cartridges which are removed from the top. No more messy oil changes basically!! Plus they claim it filters better too, thats a nice bonus.

Incidentally I have to do another oil change soon...because last time I did it (month and a half ago? maybe 2 months) all I had was 20w50 and by the time I realized it the oil was drained...so I gotta change it out to 10w40 for the winter. What a waste of $8/quart oil though...

dk944s2

My drain plug's 15 mm too...maybe it varies from year to year.

I'll add my suggestion: Cram a whole bunch of paper towels around the base of the filter before removal. This will absorb most of the oil that leaks out. There's still going to be some mess, but I've found this minimizes it.

Good luck!

Conor

Here is another thread w/ pics:

<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/cgi-bin/rennforums/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=15&t=010272&p=" target="_blank">http://forums.rennlist.com/cgi-bin/rennforums/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=15&t=0 10272&p=</a>

Tom

Raise the headlights to improve access to the oil filter.

Dennis Wilson

Two more suggestions.

1. Get an oil filter wrench which will probably be needed to remove the old filter, but do NOT use it to install the new filter.

2. Fill the center hole of the new filter with fresh oil and let it sit for a minute before installing. This will lessen the dry start time before your oil pressure rebuilds.

Another option is to take it to your local (trusted) service station and let them change the oil while you check the brakes (for leaks), exhaust, CV boots, etc. I do my own mechanic work but feel it is worth the extra $4 or $5 and I don't have to dispose of the old oil and filter.

Dennis

Matt

It's great that you have an interest in doing some of your own work. A good thing to do would be to pick up a copy of the Haynes manual for the 944, available at many auto parts stores or at Amazon, etc. It covers lots of basic and more advanced procedures for these cars, with photos, etc. It might not satisfy all the hard core wrench users on the list, but it's an invaluable basic resource.

Matt

Matt

BTW, where are you in CT? Lots of Porsche resources around here. Shoot me an email if you want and I'll send along my phone #, I'll help if I can. I like the wrench-and-screwdriver stuff, I do my own work, tech inspector for our PCA region, etc -

Matt