Edit: The main issue I came across...is I don't think all the engine all came out...either because I didn't have both the plug and filter off at the same time (I never do, haven't since I first changed oil in cars) OR because the angulation of the vehicle...just wondering if I should change the oil next time with the rear up as well.

OK...last night I changed the oil on my newly acquired Z...did the usual, jacked her front up...took off the oil cap, took out the drain plug. When the drain hole stopped flowing, I closed her. Then I removed the Oil Filter...and put the new filter on....

But barely any oil came out....about 2 liters or so...but I know my oil level was good...so whatever, I put her back down, put another 2 liters in, and its full again...I run the engine, and the oil isn't clean again...so I must not have drained all the oil. I'm wondering is there any special way to do it on a Z (ie do I have to drop the car back down to drain it or anything, but it doesn't seem like it needs to, the way the oil pan is shaped. Maybe I shouldn't put the drain plug back in before I do the filter?; but I've always done it this way)

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Eric

 

It sounds like you did it okay... I don't speak in litres though...

 

I can't wait to see this develop... I don't know where to start.... Why did you only put in 2 liters? I believe it holds at least 4. No man, there is nothing complicated about changing the oil in the Z, unless you make it that way. Pull the CORRECT plug, all the engine oil drains out. Put the plug back in. Remove the filter, put a new one on. Pour 4 liters down the oil filler neck. Did you think about checking the owner's manual?

 

I only put in 2 liters, cause I checked how much came out. Then before I started the car, I checked the level, and after I started, I checked again, and the level is good...the deal is not all the oil drained out. I changed the oil like I've done on my previous 5 vehicles, but just this time, it was very obvious all the oil didn't drain out. Don't know why.

 

did you have it jacked up really high??? making it impossible to drain out the last 2 liters or so, i have done my oil changes with the car on a hoist sitting level and i get the same coming out that i put in.

 

I wouldn't say it was jacked REALLY high...but it was definately not low...that may be why...I'll look into it on my next oil change, maybe in a week or so since I only got less than half new oil in there. It was at a height where my jackstands were almost fully extended...I normally don't put it that high but I was doing other work too...that was my own opinion...just wanted to see if anyone agreed Thanks

 

You're not telling us the whole story. We all jack the car up, or drive it on ramps, to get to the drain plug. And all the oil does come out. Did you have it standing on the rear bumper, or what?

 

Just front jack stands. The front jackstands were almost fully extended. But thats probably the problem...

Anyways thanks for the input...it can't be anything else I don't think...just thought maybe there was something special

 

You could be burning oil and there wasn't that much oil to drain, especially if you have a 35th anniversary or '06 MT.

 

try warming up the car a bit before draining. the freezing temps up in canada can make it slow to drain.

 

^^^ +1

 

what year is it? 6spd or auto?

 

jacks in the front should be sufficient, i'd wouldn't raise the rear. isn't the plug at the BACK of the oil pan? unrelated, but i had to take a brand new toyota corolla back to the dealership once because it wanted to accelerate max throttle all by its self. the dealership found a plastic cover for the throttle body keeping the butterfly wide open (made in japan, assembled in u.s.a.). i would drain the oil again and probe/feel/look inthe drain hole.

 

I had the same issue.. i knew there were more oil in there, so I raised the rear left jack stand higher. about 1/2 quart or little less came out.

 

What ever happened here?

 

i never knew an oil change could get so complicated. 2 liters = roughly 2.1 quarts. your car should have 2 and a half that amount. i would leave the drain [plug and filter off for awhile to drain. but by the sound of it, its drinking up your oil like its goin outta style

 

gti303, did you ever figure out what went wrong? Even if it's something stupid, please post it so others may benefit. Trust me, we've all done stupid things. I once drove a brand new 4Runner 30 miles with no oil after I did an oil change (forgot the last step of the procedure). Yes, it seized up.

 

Unless it is leaking out on your driveway, you have some sort of oil consumption issue. I would pull your spark plugs and take a look in there for a better view.

 

Some people should not be allowed to own tools.

 

Wow maybe check the OWNERS MANUAL before doing an oil change... it clearly says how much oil is contained in the motor.

Also try the top 100 questions thread...

And it really doesn't matter if every last drop of oil gets out... it will get mixed in with the new oil and filtered with the new filter.