PATHFINDER OIL CHANGE

An oil change is the most commonly required fluid replacement for most vehicles. Although the savings of doing it yourself is not the highest as compared to other jobs, the task is over all pretty easy.

Get everything that you need before starting the work
Of note some 5W-30 and the filter are critical. I am using a K&N HP-1010
Normally I remove the oil filler cap before draining the oil, though sometimes I forget
Remove the oil drain plug with a 14mm socket or wrench and have the oil catch pan under the oil pan
Once the plug is removed the oil does shoot out fairly far
While the oil drains, remove the bolts that are holding the oil filter coverplate in place
With the plate removed you can easily see the oil filter, although it is still hard to reach
Reach in and turn the old filter off. You may need a oil filter wrench if it is tight
Ensure all the rubber gasket came off with the filter. Ensure that the oil filter mounting surface is clean and smooth
The K&N filter is taller than the Nissan one, indicating it may have more filter material
Drip some oil into the filter to oil the rubber gasket
Rub the oil onto the rubber gasket so that it is properly lubricated
Install the new filter, making sure that you don't cross thread it
Follow the directions on the box, generally once the rubber gasket makes contact with the engine block, you must turn the filter 360 degrees to properly seat it
That is what the filter looks like once it is in place
Put on a new crush washer, normally given out for free at Nissan
Install the drain plug and crush washer. I went to 25 foot pounds
Wipe off any oil drips so you can see if it is leaking
Put in at least 4 liters of oil before checking the level
Get the oil to the "Full" position on the dip stick
Secure the oil filler cap
Start the vehicle and let it run for a couple of minutes to cycle some oil into the empty oil filter
While engine is running make sure there are no leaks from the filter
With the engine running also make sure the oil drain plug isn't leaking
Put the filter cover plate back on
I don't have a torque spec on these, but just put them on snuggly
Turn off the engine, and check the oil level, you likely need to add some after running the vehicle for a few minutes
Add some oil until the dip stick reads that it is "full"
Re-install the engine oil filler cap
Put the old oil in some appropriate containers and bring them to a recycle centre

Tool List:

Mobile 1 5 W 30 Synthetic Oil – https://amzn.to/2UV7qaR
K&N HP 1010 Oil Filter – https://amzn.to/35ZDtg6
Funnel – https://amzn.to/2H6cplw
Shop Rags – https://amzn.to/3kDmzb1
Oil Catch Pan – https://amzn.to/3lEz1bR
Vinyl Nitrile Gloves – https://amzn.to/3mgdZke
Oil Plug Washer – From Nissan
14 mm Socket – https://amzn.to/36YvfE0
10 mm Socket – https://amzn.to/3m3S7sh
Eye Protection.

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