Celica Forums General Discussion General Ok, gonna do my own oil changes

i've decided i'm gonna do it on my own because it'll cost less in the long run and I can start doing my own car work and learn something. I've found a how-to guide on this site, and my dad and I have already come up with a few things to buy:

2-4 ton jack
two 2-4 ton jackstands
a thing to catch the old oil in (my dad knows what it is)
oil filter
4 qts. of oil (though you only use 3.9 or so)

any other recommendations, suggestions, hints, etc.?

How to change: https://celicahobby.com/ubbthreads/thread.f0_57343_0_collapsed_5__1.html#57343

What oil and oil filter recommended: https://celicahobby.com/ubbthreads/thread.f0_57325_0_collapsed_5__1.html#57325

thanks amtemp, I'm also looking at this one:

https://celicahobby.com/ubbthreads/thread.f_1869888683_0_collapsed_2__1.html

how do I know when I've put enough oil in? I don't want to over fill it.

You really dont need those high-end jacks, although they will come in handy later, I didnt even use a jack for my oil change. Dont worry about overfilling it just a bit. The excess will most likely burn away. When installing the new filter, put some of the new oil on the seal around it. Once your done, take the car for a spin, and check the dipstick.

just for some info its about 4.5 liters for GTS. Not sure about the GT though.

Engine Oil 3.9 quarts for GT 4.8 quarts for GTS

Thanks for your input guys.

I have a GT, so 3.9 quarts. And I probably will get the jack just to make my life easier, and I'll definitely use it in the future. Haven't been able to find exactly where to put the jackstands to support the car...anyone know? I would guess between the two notches for the jack...

Just get under there and start looking around, just find a nice spot on the frame.

cool thanks for all your help!

dude it feels good to do maintenance work on your own car, feels so rewarding.

oh yah, you should look into some car-ramps. its way faster to drive your car up this ramp than it is to jack it up. plus the height is great and it saved me a lot of time in changing my oil.

good luck

for a GTS when I buy the Mobile 1 5 quart jug from walmart I just pour the whole damn jug and its fine

remember to leave your car runnin for like a min or two just to get the oil less dense so it'll drain out easier

there's the mud guard you'll have to take off under the car, the clips are easy to break, so handle wit care

you should twist off the oil cap on top before you unplug the oil pan screw, it'll drain out easier without it gulpin out splashin everywhere

let all the oil drain out from the oil pan first, then unscrew the oil filter (close your eyes and mouth, because oil gonna drip all over) haha... i hate that part

have fun, oh yeah, use orange cleaner to wash off the oil on you, it works better than regular soap

I just use a couple of those plastic ramps ffrom Autozone to do the oil change. Makes plenty of room to work underneath. Just be careful driving up onto them (no overshooting!), and be sure to set the emergency brake, park it in gear, and use wheel blocks. Minimum fuss.

Cool, I'll look into those ramps. Sounds a lot easier.

Thanks for all the advice and support!

you dont need all that shit...

all you need is the new oil, a filter, a big pair of channel locks and an oil drain pan...

you can use your stock jack.

I hope you're not going under your car supported by only that scissor jack.

Here's some advice for changing oil for the first time: The oil filter will be on tight so plan ahead and get a filter wrench. I couldn't fit a clamp-type in mine so I found a cup-style wrench fitted with a rag does the trick. Rub some new oil on the filter gasket and prime it to make it easier on startup. Get yourself a new plug gasket from toyota just in case you tear the old one and can't salvage it. When you're ready to fill, put in 3.5 quarts then start the engine for a few secs. Keep checking the dipstick and refill as needed.

Actually, a good-sized channel lock is plenty big to take off the small Celica filter; grips nice and tight, too. I wouldn't advise getting under a car held up only by a spare-tire jack either. You have one life; don't entrust it to a jack like that

Definitely not using my stock jack...great for changing tires, but for the amount of clearance needed for my head, i wouldn't trust it.

with some gloves you can probably unscrew oil filter with your hands

Autozone has some great 2 ton steel jackstands for $19.95...they extend to 24" which is perfect for getting under there with plenty of clearance. good luck

Get some rhino ramps. I just got mine at walmart yesterday at 30 bucks. You can get them at sears for even cheaper ($25).