steviej

iTrader: (1)

so tight that it won't leak and not so tight that you can't get it off the next time.

I always put the plug in with my hand for at least 3 full revolutions to make sure its not crossthreaded. Then use a standard 1/2 inch drive ratchet, bring the plug tight till it stopped with little to no force, then smacked the end of the ratchet once with the palm of my hand. I've never had one leak in 18 years of changing oil. I'm sure the shop manual has torque specs if you want to go that far.

I have never filled or partially filled a filter with oil.

steviej

gebo

Per VVT-i, the oil drain plug should be tightened to 29 ft/lbs.

elclassico

do not fill oil filter, some jackass at the autostore told me it was good. just made things a little more messy. besides that, smooth sailing. i just tightened it on there good, not too tight. thanx to all!!!

elclassico

i was told change oil every 5,000 miles? anyone know if thats true?

Threxx

With a good synthetic oil 5000 is the earliest that it would make any sense for you to change. Realistically unless you beat the living crap out of your car you can wait up to 12,000 miles and it'll never make a difference. After 12k it all depends on your driving habits but you run the risk of starting some damage. It diesal engines it's not all that uncommon to see people running synthetic oil for over 80,000 miles!