OCBen

You are probably not a structural engineer and so you may not understand the fundamentals here.

By your logic, you would use a second set of jackstands in case the first set fails, and maybe a third set to back up the second.

Car ramps are rigid structures, just as jackstands are. By law any ramps (and jackstands) that are sold in the US must have a minimum safety factor of 3 for ductile materials and 5 for non-ductile materials. That means that these ramps that are rated for 8000 lbs must be capable of supporting 24,000 lbs without failure!

OCBen

I spoke to the service tech at the dealership and he assured me that the dark oil is normal.

Also, even though the engine takes 9 qts of oil with the oil filter, you may not be able to drain it all completely - which makes sense. That's why in my case 8-1/2 qts were sufficient to take it to full.

996toomey

This is a great post for anyone interested in a DIY oil change.

mdrobc1213

Hey Ben thanks...I did the oil changes on my M3 and wanted to add my 996 to that when I had it and thought of doing my 997 myself but I was slightly scared to touch it from my dealer's hype/advice. Will definately put it on my To Do List now. What oil did you use?

mdrums

Ben, you need to drive more!

Thanks for the excelent write up though! I am confused as to how you backed the car up the ramps and kept it horizontal. You you use jack stands on the front to level the car?

thanks, Mike

jhbrennan

His driveway was inclined.

OCBen

Mobil 1: 0W40


Yep.

Changed the oil in my Mini today. The grade on the driveway (a standard grade no doubt - someone here probably knows the degree angle) allows for a near perfect level stance, as shown in the pic below:

mdrums

OK...so....I live in Tampa where everyhting is flat. Any ideas on how to jack up my 997S to keep it flat?

jhbrennan

I changed mine without lifting. You can get under there with no problem. Only issue is height of the drain pan - if you can find a high volume, low profile, it'll be that much easier. BTW, the filter wrench from my H-D worked on the P-car filter housing.

rmklaw

Great post Ben. I now feel embarrased. I had an oil change done today (3,830 miles) and cost me 165.00. Could have done it myself. Thanks.

Crazy Canuck

Hey I bought some drinks next door at the convenience store for my friend and his guy.

Why work hard when you can work smart?

OCBen

You're very welcome, Richard.
It's one of the easiest oil changes you can do.
Unless you happen to own a Mini! ... Then that is by far the easiest.
Didn't even spill a drop. It was actually a real pleasure to do.
Can't wait for my next oil change.


I'm sure you also invited him over for one of your famous pig roasts on the river bank, right Chris?

Pugnacious

I pre-filled the oil canister with oil and didn’t get any low oil warning upon start-up. Just make sure you press the oil filter down to where it is seated inside the canister first and you won’t spill a drop.

larrytrk

I didn't pre fill canister, vey brief oil light, all is fine!
Easier and less messy than my old 964, but I still prefer a spin on filter!
Add my thanks to Ben for removing fears!

OCBen

That's absurd. I wouldn't recommend that at all. You'll just make it more troublesome to install the oil filter housing. Besides, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having the "low oil level" warning coming on when you first start it. All cars do that. Oh, I wouldn't mention it to your local Porsche technician that you do that.

As for your second statement there, I think you might be confused. The oil filter cartridge does not seat inside the housing. Are you sure you changed the oil yourself on your Porsche???