Newbie Question - Oil Change

[IU89]

Hi - must I lift all four corners of car to change oil? Can I just lift and support with stands the rear? Is that satisfactory? My floor Jack won’t fit under front end and don’t want to just lift from the side w/out attachment piece that I think I would need. Thank you.

[ahh911]

Hi,
Don't need to lift any part of the car, unless your car is touching the ground, at least not for my 1981, 911.

[Noah930]

You can actually do an oil change without having to use any jack or lift on a 911. It's the easiest car on which I've ever changed oil. It may be a little easier to pull on the breaker bar on the sump drain bolt if the car's in the air, but it's not necessary.

[MBAtarga]

Just prepare for the 8 qts of oil to come rushing out of the oil tank! The crankcase will likely have another 2 or so - and the remainder will be in the oil lines up-stream from the tank. You don't have to worry about those - they are typically ignored.

[IU89]

My issue is that my drain “pan” is a big 6 gallon container that’s about 8” tall. So I guess if I went with a smaller 3 gallon pan that would work. Thank you.

[MBAtarga]

I've got a drain pan like this - but cut the top opening fully open. Just don't try to use an 6 or 8 qt pan!

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-11838-FloTool-15-Quart-Drain/dp/B000AMGYNA

[RFP]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

I've got a drain pan like this - but cut the top opening fully open. Just don't try to use an 6 or 8 qt pan!

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-11838-FloTool-15-Quart-Drain/dp/B000AMGYNA

Yea! I did exactly the same thing. It works perfectly.

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by IU89

My issue is that my drain “pan” is a big 6 gallon container that’s about 8” tall. So I guess if I went with a smaller 3 gallon pan that would work. Thank you.

You can use a smaller drain pan for the crankcase sump. Usually about 3 quarts or so may come out from that.

In comparison, the oil tank (behind the right rear wheel) will have maybe 8-9 quarts come gushing out. So you need a bigger drain pan for that. But unless your car is significantly lowered, you usually can fit a bigger drain pan under there.

I use two drain pans when doing the 911 oil change.

[IU89]

I will get a drain pan more useful for my 81sc vice my 97 F350 😄.

Appreciate the advice. I have about 6” below sump and more than that below tank behind right rear wheel. So now I know and appreciate the link.

C

[dan88911]

Now the next question is which oil to use or better yet what's the best oil? lol

[Mark Salvetti]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

I've got a drain pan like this - but cut the top opening fully open. Just don't try to use an 6 or 8 qt pan!

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-11838-FloTool-15-Quart-Drain/dp/B000AMGYNA

And definitely cut out the top. My first time I tried a pan like this, and the oil doesn't drain fast enough. Quickly overflows the edges and onto the floor. What a mess.

Mark

[911obgyn]

Be careful of the splash zone on the tank, if the oil is warm the initial splash is about 2’ across! 3/4” plug lets a lot out!!!
Wear gloves and prepare to change your long sleeved shirt. And safety glasses.

[fanaudical]

Yes - It makes a big mess!

I picked up a cheap plastic mortar mixing tray from Home Depot for changing oil on the 911. It holds 12 quarts, is low profile, and fits under the car easily.

[IU89]

Thank you all! I have a large rubber “pad” that I use for these changes (1997 Powerstroke) as that has 14+ quarts and it’s always a mess.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

Again, appreciate the warnings and previous experiences.