Here’s a tip - you know those spouts you push into the can of oil and you deform the cardboard with your force. Tap a screwdriver into the metal on the top on both sides and then push in the nozzle. The other side small holes let’s it flow easier.
This tip might be 45 years too late.
I always stack the quarts or jug on the engine or engine bay if it's hot. That way you can't shut the hood without at least noticing them. If you go to move them out of the way, and they're full of oil, your engine is not.
Jaynen said:What is the valve you guys are talking about I hate messy oil changes
The Fumoto a number of people have mentioned is well-regarded. I chose the Stahlbus because I preferred the smaller size and self-sealing design, plus it's steel vs. brass.
From personal experience
1. Put drain plug in before filling with new oil.
2. Put a filter on before starting the engine.
I use a form a funnel for difficult oil changes: https://shop.formafunnel.com/products/general-purpose
It's been helpful for the Odyssey (filter directly above a frame rail) and Mustang (filter above the power steering rack). I also use it for our tractor and generator.
For the RAV4, life was easier once I got the metal filter wrench (the plastic ones just spun).
I've also found it helps to wait until the filter cools down a bit before trying to remove it.
And the best tip I got in another thread was from Woody, who suggested to drill additional holes in the drain pan to prevent splashback.
Change the washers, use the proper wrench or socket size. Band style filter wrenches are awesome if you can use one. If not buy a 3 prong claw that attaches to a 3/8 extension and use it. Make sure you don't double o ring and don't overtorque the plug. The number of aluminum pans I've had to tap or heliciol to repair is crazy. It's a drain plug not an axle bolt.
Appleseed said:I always stack the quarts or jug on the engine or engine bay if it's hot. That way you can't shut the hood without at least noticing them. If you go to move them out of the way, and they're full of oil, your engine is not.
Thank you for this. I always take off the oil cap to remind myself I haven't added oil. One time I laid it on the washer fluid reservoir. I heard the plastic crack when I shut the hood letting me know I had forgot to put the cap on after filling the oil. oops
I came here to recommend Garage Boss drain pans. They are a re-release design of one I have had for about 20 years.
https://www.amazon.com/GarageBOSS-GB150-quart-Drain-Funnel/dp/B01I7275GY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527643613&sr=8-2&keywords=garage+boss
Here's something I've always done. I always run a half quart of new oil through after I drain the old oil and before I put the plug back in. My thinking is it flushes out any heavy contaminants that settled near the drain. It's reassuring to see the oil coming out go from heavy and black to thin and clear. Not sure if it helps or not but it makes me sleep better at night.
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