1991 Subaru Legacy Oil and filter change

ID: 113139

Description: A detailed look at changing the oil and filter,...

Steps:

1. Collect the tools you'll need
2. Drain bolt wrench, drain-pan, jack, jack-stands, rags, filter-pliers, cardboard, funnel, gloves
3. Check what drain bolt size and type your car uses before starting
4. For Subaru specifically, I'll be using a black Tokyo Roki LFS706 factory filter, sold by a Subaru as part # 15208AA100 with a new crush washer

5. Jack up the front of the car from the centre jack point if you have a hydraulic jack
6. Put jack-stands under pinch welds before gently lowering the car onto them
7. Check the stability of the stands before getting under the vehicle

8. Check your drain pan is empty and clean it out as required
9. Raise the hood/bonnet and open the filler cap to assist draining
10. Place the drain pan under the car

11. Climb under the car using your cardboard or a creeper
12. Remove the drain bolt slowly, adjusting the catch pan as it starts to flow to avoid spillage
13. Wait for the oil to flow from the engine

14. Clean the bolt
15. Remove the old crush washer if you have a new one
16. Fit the new crush washer onto the bolt
17. Clean the bolt mating flange on the cars oil pan
18. Put the bolt back into the engine and tighten to the suggested spec
19. If you don't have a torque wrench, don't over-tighten the bolt

20. Carefully adjust the now-full catch pan under the oil filter
21. Remove the old oil filter, using pliers or a wrench if required
22. If it's too tight and you don't have the right tools, you can hammer a screwdriver through the side and rotate it... But hope you have the right replacement!
23. I like large oil filter pliers, as they can be used also for brake jobs
24. The filter will be full of oil so place on your drain pan or carefully upright if your pan has no place for it
25. After the car mounting flange stops dripping a lot, prepare the new filter with a smear of oil on its gasket
26. Be 100% sure you've removed the old gasket before installing the new filter
27. Wipe down the mounting flange on the engine, and screw on the new filter by hand, 3/4 of a turn past when it touches the gasket

28. Carefully slide the now-full catch pan from under the car
29. Lift the car slightly and pull away the jack stands
30. Carefully lower the car to the ground
31. Push the front of the car down a few times to reset the suspension

32. If your drain pan has gradations you can guess approximately how much oil to put in
33. Or if your manual has a listing
34. My car takes AROUND 4.5 litres
35. Using a funnel, pour in 3.5 litres or so
36. Check the dipstick with your rag
37. If you hold the large oil bottles sideways they won't glug as much
38. Fill until near top of range on dipstick
39. Re-check there are no loose tools or rags in the engine bay, and start the engine for 10 to 20 seconds

40. After running the car for a few seconds, turn it off
41. Check the level again
42. The oil filter should be full now, so the level might be lower
43. Top up as required
44. Check under the car for leaks

45. If you used all your oil you should be able to use the empty bottle to put the used oil in
46. Funnel and lots of patience to transfer the oil from the catch pan to the empty bottle
47. You can drop off the old oil at car part places or some mechanics
48. Run the car around the block or so to get a temperature cycle and recheck level and leaks
49. DONE