I read all the posts about break in oil, when to do your first oil change, what oil to use and finally pulled the trigger.
I did my first oil change at 1500 miles and used Mobil1 Extended Service 5w30. I got 6 quarts and a filter for $39, not too bad.
Mostly a good experience but here are a few observations.
The first thing I noticed was the low quality of the drain plug. I grabbed my metric sockets and went under the truck to remove the plug. None of them fit correctly and I thought they might have actually used an SAE size. So I grabbed a 9/16 and 5/8 wrenches but these didn't fit either. I went back with a couple of metric wrenches and found the closest fit. It's disappointing how loose the correct wrench fits. Even with a six point socket or wrench there's an unusual amount of play. I plan on replacing the plug with one of the valves so I guess it doesn't matter.
The oil was somewhat dark and murky, almost like it had a metalic sheen to it. It didn't look dark like old oil but it wasn't as clear as new oil. The oil does drain fast but I was ready for it, thanks to other posts I'd read.
I had the pan positioned near the tire to catch the first flood.
I was really surprised by how small the filter is. Maybe this is a new trend, but it the smallest oil filter I'd ever seen. On first inspection I did not see any metal bits in my filter. I will be cutting it open to take a closer look.
I had a hard time lifting the filter/housing out due to the proximity of the engine cover and a hose running on the other side. The oil filter housing/cap wouldn't lift straight up through the round opening in the engine cover and I had to pry the hose to the side to get enough clearance. What am I missing? Kind of hard to lift it out without dripping oil on things.
When I removed the filter from the housing/cap it left the round black rubber seal in the housing. I used a pair of pliers to remove it, but if you didn't notice it and put the new filter in without removing it you'd be in trouble. Something to watch for.
When tightening the filter cap it went on smoothly but bottomed quite suddenly. I didn't get that feeling like it was snugging up, it just stopped turning. I hope it doesn't loosen up too easily. I know the o-ring will keep it sealed but ...
After I got it all back together and started to fill the oil I had one more surprise. In all my other vehicles I'd put a funnel in the oil fill hole and pour away. Usually the fill is right in the valve cover, no concern for spilling or overflowing. But the way they've designed the oil fill you have to be very careful or you can spill oil all over the engine. You have to pour very slowly or the oil will overflow the small reservoir because of the small side exit channel. A funnel would need about a 70 degree bend in it to fit into the oil fill path.
Does anyone have a good oil funnel that seals onto the oil fill? Another method to fill?
Anyway, change complete, counter reset.
Still love my Colorado.
I did my first oil change at 1500 miles and used Mobil1 Extended Service 5w30. I got 6 quarts and a filter for $39, not too bad.
Mostly a good experience but here are a few observations.
The first thing I noticed was the low quality of the drain plug. I grabbed my metric sockets and went under the truck to remove the plug. None of them fit correctly and I thought they might have actually used an SAE size. So I grabbed a 9/16 and 5/8 wrenches but these didn't fit either. I went back with a couple of metric wrenches and found the closest fit. It's disappointing how loose the correct wrench fits. Even with a six point socket or wrench there's an unusual amount of play. I plan on replacing the plug with one of the valves so I guess it doesn't matter.
The oil was somewhat dark and murky, almost like it had a metalic sheen to it. It didn't look dark like old oil but it wasn't as clear as new oil. The oil does drain fast but I was ready for it, thanks to other posts I'd read.
I had the pan positioned near the tire to catch the first flood.
I was really surprised by how small the filter is. Maybe this is a new trend, but it the smallest oil filter I'd ever seen. On first inspection I did not see any metal bits in my filter. I will be cutting it open to take a closer look.
I had a hard time lifting the filter/housing out due to the proximity of the engine cover and a hose running on the other side. The oil filter housing/cap wouldn't lift straight up through the round opening in the engine cover and I had to pry the hose to the side to get enough clearance. What am I missing? Kind of hard to lift it out without dripping oil on things.
When I removed the filter from the housing/cap it left the round black rubber seal in the housing. I used a pair of pliers to remove it, but if you didn't notice it and put the new filter in without removing it you'd be in trouble. Something to watch for.
When tightening the filter cap it went on smoothly but bottomed quite suddenly. I didn't get that feeling like it was snugging up, it just stopped turning. I hope it doesn't loosen up too easily. I know the o-ring will keep it sealed but ...
After I got it all back together and started to fill the oil I had one more surprise. In all my other vehicles I'd put a funnel in the oil fill hole and pour away. Usually the fill is right in the valve cover, no concern for spilling or overflowing. But the way they've designed the oil fill you have to be very careful or you can spill oil all over the engine. You have to pour very slowly or the oil will overflow the small reservoir because of the small side exit channel. A funnel would need about a 70 degree bend in it to fit into the oil fill path.
Does anyone have a good oil funnel that seals onto the oil fill? Another method to fill?
Anyway, change complete, counter reset.
Still love my Colorado.
