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[I_want_an_Omega]

I'm tempted to have a go changing the oil on my V6. I know its got the screw on filter so would welcome any comments as to how easy it is to change on a cold engine without getting too far under the car? Is it possible just by jacking it up and removing the NS front wheel for access?

Thanks

[Andy H]

I find that I need to get my head and one arm directly beneath the downpipe on the passenger side in order to see the darned thing and then to be able to get to touch it.

I use a claw type removal tool and a 1/2" ratchet but it would be a lot easier with the correct sized cup that fits over the oil filter canister.

I raise the front of my car and stand the front wheels on ramps. I wouldn't be happy to work under it if it was only supported on a jack or axle stands.

I wouldn't bother touching the front wheel, it is the chassis that is really in the way........

[I_want_an_Omega]

Thanks - I suppose I could jack it and then put something under the wheels and lower the wheel onto that?

I've never had much luck with ramps TBH.

Is the sump drain hole at the front or back of the sump, just wondering if raising the front will help or hinder the oil draining out?

[Andy H]

I have never managed to drive a car up onto ramps, Perhaps they used to work with Austin 7's & Morris Minors? The valance on an Omega would hit the ramp long before the wheel started climbing the ramp.

I have always jacked the car up and lowered it onto the ramps because car ramps seemed relatively stable. I have used lengths of railway sleeper (but they are a lot heavier).

I think the drain plug IS at the back of the sump but can't be certain without going out & having a look.

[Andy B]

I have never managed to drive a car up onto ramps,  ......The valance on an Omega would hit the ramp long before the wheel started climbing the ramp.
 .....

Which is why you need to make some kind of extension for your ramps so that the angle is less severe. I made some years ago from 1" angle iron that drop onto the 2nd or 3rd rung of my ramps so I could drive my Senator up ramps.

[holtender]

I've got two sets of ramps, small and large, it can be a little hairy driving up them and stopping!

You just need another person to guide you on.

Once you are on the ramps you are totally safe and have plenty of room for working from below.

[Elite Pete]

If your going to jack it up make sure you use some axle stands, don't be tempted to get underneath with just a jack.

[holtender]

I once had the experience when I was a young apprentice of lifting an articulated lorry on a bottle jack , I crawled underneath and the jack slipped!

It happened in a flash and  I was lucky to survive, don't ever risk it mate. I was a fool, but I learned never to do it again.

[Entwood]

I concur with the above ....

Many years ago I had to attend the funeral of a friend who died, probably in great pain, when his car fell on him whilst he was working on the exhaust with just a jack. He left home at 11:00 am to work at a remote lock-up, and was found at 6:00 pm because he had not come home for his tea. Apparently his finger nails and the underseal showed he had struggled a great deal to release himself but he eventually bled to death.

RIP

Always, but always, properly support your vehicle. No ifs or buts. End of.

[ffcgary1]

If you change the oil when it is cold you will not get all the old oil out due to it being thick, so run the engine untill up to normal op tempreture or go for a drive then change the oil and filter. you will then have nice clean oil and your v6 will love you for it.

[Agemo]

Totally agree with all the above, and these are my "Ramps to get on my ramps" :-

[robson]

Did My V6 oil change yesterday Turn wheels so that passenger side wheel is turning slightly left ie front away from car .  jack up passenger side with trolley jack preferably ,  Take off wheel,  I place wheel under side of car for safety. an axle stand as well would be double safety. In this position you can access the filter through the steering rods fairly easily The sump plug is at back I always fit a new plug washer. best of luck   Ron

[CaptainZok]

Did My V6 oil change yesterday Turn wheels so that passenger side wheel is turning slightly left ie front away from car .  jack up passenger side with trolley jack preferably ,  Take off wheel,  I place wheel under side of car for safety. an axle stand as well would be double safety. In this position you can access the filter through the steering rods fairly easily The sump plug is at back I always fit a new plug washer. best of luck   Ron

No an axle stand is the MINIMUM you should use.

[Andy B]

Totally agree with all the above, and these are my "Ramps to get on my ramps" :-

Just the same as mine ..... but wood!   
I find that it's easier to get the car on the ramps with them and use them for the Astra too - even though I don't need to. The shallow angle attack means you get the weight of the car on the ramp sooner so helping to prevent them from being pushed forwards as you try to drive up them. 

[Entwood]

Did My V6 oil change yesterday Turn wheels so that passenger side wheel is turning slightly left ie front away from car .  jack up passenger side with trolley jack preferably,  Take off wheel,  I place wheel under side of car for safety. an axle stand as well would be double safety. In this position you can access the filter through the steering rods fairly easily The sump plug is at back I always fit a new plug washer. best of luck   Ron

[size=20]NO NO NO[/size]

An axle stand is MANDATORY - do NOT rely on a jack .... see my post above ... it can kill you.