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Old 03-15-2009, 01:37 PM
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talon90
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Default C6 Oil Change DIY

I know that this is run of the mill for most. I also realize that it may not be intuitive for everyone. I did an oil change on my Corvette this morning and I figured that I'd just go ahead an document the process for anyone that could use it. Sometimes having pictures along with a description can make a job go that much smoother. I also recall that there is another very good tutorial on the web written by Bugman but I wanted to do this for my website Tech Tips section and thought that I would share with the forum in the process. I have attached the DIY in pdf format below. Also please realize that his procedure is appropriate for coupes and convertibles but does not apply to the Z06. The procedure for changing the oil with the Z06 dry sump system is considerably different. It is also worth noting that my C6 is a 2005 so things under the motor on the oil pan may not look exactly as pictured but it will get you started in the right direction.

Enjoy,
Paul
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Last edited by talon90; 03-16-2009 at 06:27 PM.
Old 03-15-2009, 01:42 PM
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edved
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Thanks talon90, I'll be getting some usage out of this!
Old 03-15-2009, 01:45 PM
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Default nice job

Nice post--thanks for your effort.
Old 03-15-2009, 01:48 PM
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Thanks Paul. It takes me about 20 minuets but I guess the first time could take longer.
Old 03-15-2009, 01:55 PM
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Outstanding Paul. I added this to the C6 FAQ under Fluids and Maintenance.
Old 03-15-2009, 02:01 PM
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That's a great write-up!

One thing I have tended to do is to raise the passenger side up a bit more when the oil is draining. I think this helps to better facilitate the draining.
Old 03-15-2009, 02:13 PM
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What about resetting the oil life timer?

While the display is revealing the % of oil life remaining, hit the RESET button and hold down until the display resets to 100% (5 to 10 seconds).
Old 03-15-2009, 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by snkeskiner
What about resetting the oil life timer?

While the display is revealing the % of oil life remaining, hit the RESET button and hold down until the display resets to 100% (5 to 10 seconds).

Ugh, I can't believe that I forgot to add that. Be right back with a correction.

O.k. The document above is corrected to include the process for resetting the oil life monitor. Thanks for the catch.

Last edited by talon90; 03-15-2009 at 02:24 PM.
Old 03-15-2009, 02:20 PM
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Am I glad I purchased a 4-post lift about 8 years ago.
Old 03-15-2009, 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by RRVettes
Outstanding Paul. I added this to the C6 FAQ under Fluids and Maintenance.
Rich,

Thanks! I hope you can keep this FAQ file going. I know it is a lot of work but truly appreciated.


Thanks everyone for the kind words. I hope it helps someone.
Old 03-15-2009, 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by GCD1962
Am I glad I purchased a 4-post lift about 8 years ago.
I bet you are. My current garage won't work with a lift. My new garage is designed with a lift in mind.
Old 03-15-2009, 03:15 PM
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Run of the mill or not I think it's great. I wish more people documented installs/maintenance/mods etc.. I enjoy looking at them and it helps more people than you think. I did it for GCA splashguards which is really run of the mill but got a lot of good feedback from it. Great job. Thanks
Old 03-15-2009, 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by talon90
Rich,

Thanks! I hope you can keep this FAQ file going. I know it is a lot of work but truly appreciated.
My pleasure Paul. I've been doing some remodeling in the FAQ and bringing it current.
Old 03-15-2009, 03:34 PM
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Thanks for the write up!
Old 03-15-2009, 03:46 PM
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nicely done.

I am sure lots of folks would like to change their own oil, but have no way to figure out how. Been doing my own on multiple cars for 40 years.

I suspect that you may get lots of comments on tips and ideas how to do easier, better, etc.

I have one editorial comment: blocking a wheel is chocking not chalking. Do with that comment what you want.

One tech comment - I like your idea of turning the ramp around for access - adding that tip to my routine next time. That's the only major difference between your way and mine (although I use a wide mouth drip catch pan, plus I have a metal pan with a 1/2" lip, about 3' x 4' that I use under cars during repairs, vice cardboard - really helps when doing messier jobs such as trannies, etc.



P.S. Where is Alvaton? (grew up in KY back in teh day)
Old 03-15-2009, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by talon90
I bet you are. My current garage won't work with a lift. My new garage is designed with a lift in mind.
I debated for a few years because it was a close fit in my barn (150+ tears old). Once I got it I wished I bought it years before. One of the best investments for cars I made. I did it once your way with my C-5 and I know its a real procedure. The lift is also great for working on trans, rear, etc. I replaced the frame on my '62 a few years ago using the lift to get the body on and off by myself. I'm getting too old to lay on my back and work under the car!
Old 03-15-2009, 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Easy Rhino
nicely done.

I am sure lots of folks would like to change their own oil, but have no way to figure out how. Been doing my own on multiple cars for 40 years.

I suspect that you may get lots of comments on tips and ideas how to do easier, better, etc.

I have one editorial comment: blocking a wheel is chocking not chalking. Do with that comment what you want.

One tech comment - I like your idea of turning the ramp around for access - adding that tip to my routine next time. That's the only major difference between your way and mine (although I use a wide mouth drip catch pan, plus I have a metal pan with a 1/2" lip, about 3' x 4' that I use under cars during repairs, vice cardboard - really helps when doing messier jobs such as trannies, etc.



P.S. Where is Alvaton? (grew up in KY back in teh day)
Thank you. I appreciate the editorial correction. Of course I knew that (now that I read it) but of course I wrote it wrong. Despite my various careers and vocations, spelling has never been a strength I'm embarrassed to say.

I like the idea of the larger metal pan, I'll have to find one that I like..."Honey, where are the baking trays?"

Alvaton is a border town to Bowling Green to the southeast. South Central, Ky about an hour north of Nashville, Tn on I65. After Kentucky you live in the only other place in the world that I really, truly want to live. My wife and I try to get to Oahu at least once per year.

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Old 03-15-2009, 04:38 PM
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Nice Write up..


Anyone else notice NO MATTER what U do.. U can never keep an Oil Change from dripping on the floor at least a coupla drops... I have taken to using a cut-off oil drum.. and the oil still manages to get on the garage floor.
Old 03-15-2009, 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by talon90
Thank you. I appreciate the editorial correction. Of course I knew that (now that I read it) but of course I wrote it wrong. Despite my various careers and vocations, spelling has never been a strength I'm embarrassed to say.

I like the idea of the larger metal pan, I'll have to find one that I like..."Honey, where are the baking trays?"

Alvaton is a border town to Bowling Green to the southeast. South Central, Ky about an hour north of Nashville, Tn on I65. After Kentucky you live in the only other place in the world that I really, truly want to live. My wife and I try to get to Oahu at least once per year.
Hey, I totally suck at spelling (insert Kentucky school jole here), and if it weren't for spell checker . . . (I probably have to edit half of my posts for spelling alone).

Grew up in the burg of Berea, a long, long time ago.
Old 03-15-2009, 04:50 PM
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Talon........very nice write up -- very clear and to the point. I really appreciate the idea of turning the ramp around at the driver's wheel...I think that everyone who reads this is going to think (I did..)...DUH!, now why didn't I think of that?
What do you think of letting the driver's side down a bit with the jack (taking the ramp out) while the oil drains so that the drain hole is lower? Last time I did that, some more old oil came out....probably not the safest thing to do, but as long as I left the jack there, and did not lower the car all the way down on that side, it seemed OK.....


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