I've been driving a sedan for the last few years, so, because it was not that exciting to me, I had the work done at shops, oil, everything. I think I want to take care of this myself with the Z, but I am wondering, where does everyone take the used motor oil after changing? Do they charge?

Also, FYI, I am an attorney and in the last 3 years I have handled 4 pro bono cases for acquaintances where these lightning lube/rocket lube/quik lube type places seriously screwed up some cars. One put auto transmission fluid in the master cylinder. Another overtightened the transmission fluid plug at the bottom, causing it to all leak out and blow this guys 3 month old new pickup transmission. Another forgot to . . . . put oil back in the car once the filter was changed! I will not be ever using one of these places again.

 

Taking a cue from Homer Simpson, I usually dump it on my neighbors flower bed.

OK, OK, I usually take it to the dump, but here in MA, stores that sell oil are required to take used oil back.

 

OK, OK, so Anyone2u beat me to the punch. So, I'm a slow typer. He had the right answer, though.

Here was my original answer---------->

Several auto parts stores have drums in the back (warehouse area) where they will allow you to pour used oil. All I've had to do was sign the log and enter the quantity. They send it off to a recycler. No charge so far for the customer.

Also, many county waste collection sites (read, dumps) now have recycle areas for used oil, car batteries, etc.

You just have to look for these places.

P.S. - I caught a drive in oil/lube place not changing the oil filter on a Chevy Blazer one time. The guy in the pit knew the filter was accessible from the top, so he obviously couldn't change it. The guy on top assumed the filter was accessible from below, so he didn't change it either. When questioned about it, that was the story they gave me. They did drain out all of the new oil, before I could tell them to do it, and did the job right the 2nd time. That was the last time I went to one of those places.

Also, I've caught them acting like they were checking the tire pressure. When I asked the guy how many PSI he put in the tires, he said 32 (the door seal and manual both required 35). I borrowed another workers guage and it still had 35 PSI in the tires, just like I had when I pulled in.

I feel sorry for people that use those places that may not know that much about vehicles.

WayneTN

 

I always do my own maintenance. It aint rocket science. Just
take your oil to any gas station -- either they collect it there or
they will at least be able to tell you where you can take it. They
get asked this question all the time, so they'll know.

Make sure you change the oil when it's hot!

 

Lucky for me, the garbageman (who is affiliated with a recycler) picks up used oil. I just leave it in a container on the curb and he picks it up with the garbage. How convenient!!! Not to add he leaves two empty container for future oil disposals.

 

My local R&S Strauss takes used oil for free. All you have to do is give them your name/address and how many gallons you're turning in. (I have no idea why they need this, but I'm OK with it).

Usually, I'll bring in three gallons of used oil, and buy a new case. Works out quite nicely!

 

Like everybody else said, auto parts stores, dumps and even Wal-Mart stores will take it.

 

Anyplace that sells oil is required to accept used oil to recycle. I drop mine off at the AutoZone where I buy oil.

 

Changing the oil on the Z (at least on my Track model, is it the same for all models?) requires you to remove one of the plastic panels covering the bottom of the engine. This must be done in order to access the oil filter from the bottom. I can see some bozos man handling/breaking off this piece, or just leaving it hanging afterward.

At least the oil drain plug is easily accessible through a cutout in the plastic right under it.

 

Acid burn, Or to whom ever: Do you have to run the Z up on ramps to get underneath? I know I have to with my z28.




CS Track comeing Nov 7

 

Are you less than 4.7 inches high when laying down?

 

Relax.....thought perhaps you could get an arm in somewhere.

 

I will NEVER EVER take my car to jiffylube/quiklube/quik____.

I once heard somebody say, "If you want something done right, do it yourself."

 

I was joking. Notice the ?

 

I think that was somebody who couldn't get a date that came up with that one

 

Yes I run the car up onto ramps, although there is a jacking point in the center of the front cross member, I doubt you can reach it properly. I used ramps made of recycled tires, but I had to build little wooden pre-ramps that I put in front of them. This raises the car high enough before reaching the main ramp, otherwise the bumper hits the ramp.

 

Does anyone just use a floor jack with blocks behind the rear wheels to change the oil and filter? Oddly, I have never changed my own oil, but I want to now. I have done many more complex repairs and maintenance, like plugs, wires, timing belt change on my z32 tt, but never changed the oil. I really don't want to have to store ramps. Do those little metal braces on each side work well for safety?

 

Coming from past experience changing oil on a 4Runner and an Accord sedan, I would just put the front of the vehicles on jack stands using a 3 1/2 ton floor jack. I think its much safer this way having the vehicle rest on the stands. Couldn't I also do this with the Z??? Does anyone forsee any problems doing it this way?? Are there good locations for the stands???... I usually used the bottoms of the lower control arms (A arms).

Thanks...

 

Yep. It applies to all situations...

 

When my new Z arrives, I would really like to do most of my own routine service - I have done this on my Celica for many years. I have the low ramps and all equipment to do oil changes, so I was wondering exactly how easy they are to perform on the Z ?? Are there any hints or comments from those of you who have done oil changes? Are the filters available on-line or from auto stores?