DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE - ENGINE AND CHASSIS
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter		 Do-It-Yourself Maintenance - Engine and Chassis - Checking the Engine Oil LevelDo-It-Yourself Maintenance - Engine and ChassisDo-It-Yourself Maintenance - Engine and Chassis - Checking the Engine Coolant LevelSupra Handbook
 

Changing the Engine Oil and Filter

  1. Warm up the engine for a few minutes and then turn it off. Remove the oil filler cap.
    1. Park the vehicle on a level spot. Warm up the engine until the engine temperature gauge shows a rise. (Warm oil will drain faster and more thoroughly.) Turn the engine off.
    2. Remove the oil filler cap. This allows air to enter the engine as the oil drains.
  2. Remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain fully.
    1. Place a drain pan under the drain plug.
    2. Using a wrench, remove the drain plug. Allow the oil to drain fully.
CAUTION:

The oil may be hot - be careful not to burn yourself.

  1. Remove the old oil filter and install a new one. Reinstall the drain plug.
    1. Using an oil filter wrench, (Any of several common types will work), loosen the oil filter. It turns counter-clockwise. Once loose you may unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. When removing it, hold up the end so that the oil does not spill out.
    2. With a clean rag, wipe off the mounting surface on the engine so that the new filter will seat well. Make sure that the old gasket has not stuck to the mounting surface. If it has, remove it before installing the new filter.
    3. Smear a little engine oil on the rubber gasket of the new oil filter.
    4. Screw the new filter into place and tighten it until the gasket contacts the seat. Then give it an additional 3/4 turn to seat the filter with the oil filter wrench.
    5. Reinstall the drain plug and a new gasket. Tighten the plug with your wrench, but do not force it and strip the threads.

    CAUTION:

    Be careful not to touch the hot exhaust manifold.

  2. Add oil and install the filler cap. Start the engine and check of leaks at the filter or drain plug.
    1. See the following "Engine oil selection" for proper engine oil selection. Engine oil additives are neither needed nor recommended.
    2. After adding the oil, make sure that the filler cap is installed hand tight. You should double check the oil level on the dipstick.
    3. With the engine running, look carefully for any small leaks from around the oil filter or drain plug. Any leak indicates a faulty installation.
    4. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes. Check the oil level again and add oil if necessary.

    CAUTION:

    • Used engine oil contains potentiall harmful contaminants which may cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact with it. To remove engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
    • Do not leave used oil within the reach of children.
    • Dispose of used oil and filter only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil and filter in household trash, in sewers or on the ground. Call your dealer or a service station for information concerning recycling or disposal.

Engine oil specification.
Use engine oil of API grade SG or better. (If it is impossible to get SG or better grade, you may use SF grade.) Recommended viscosity is as follows.

Recommended Viscosity (SAE):
Recommended Viscosity SAE
Temperature range anticipated before next oil change.