Grease Monkey Report...

[nfpgasmask]

OK, with all this talk about oil consumption, and my recent switch to Mobile 1 synth, I decided to take the VX back to the Jiffy Lube next to my work. As per several recommendations from you guys out there, I changed the oil after my switch to synthetic after only 1500 miles. So, hopefully any gunk that might have been loosened up by the switch to synth is now gone.

Before they even started, I asked the Jiffy Lube guy to look at my dip stick and tell me if my oil level looked low. (I wanted to make sure I wasn't crazy when I looked at it yesterday). He immediately said it looks damn near empty and asked me when I got my oil changed last (as if it had been 8 months). I told him I was in for a change less than 1500 miles ago, and he looked at my cross-eyed with surprise.

Apparently my VX ate up so much Mobile 1 5W-30 over the last 3 weeks that my dipstick was almost dry when we checked it today! So yeah, I am slightly freaked out. The grease monkeys at Jiffy Lube filled up my VX with Mobile 1 15W-50 synth. Can anyone tell me if this is ok? I hope this weight is ok to use during the summer months here. If anyone sees a problem with this, please let me know so I can take care of it. 15W-50 is what the tech recommended. When I switched to synth 1500 miles ago, they used 5W-30.

The Jiffy Lube guy also noticed that I had new tires and said that since they are slightly larger, this could contribute to some of the excess oil consumption. Anyone have input on that statement? The new tires I have are only slightly larger than stock, on stock 18" rims. See my page here for a view:

http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/vxhome.htm

Also, tonight I will swap out my PCV Valve and report back with any changes.

Slightly alarmed, but maintaining composure,

Bart

[kpaske]

I don't see how your tire size is relavent, except for that your engine is being worked a little harder. This may increase oil consumption slightly, but it certainly doesn't explain the type of loss you are experiencing.

Isuzu recommends 5W-30. While running AMSoil 0W-30, I was experiencing significant oil consumption, but switching to 5W-30 and fixing my intake manifold leak seems to have brought that consumption way down, from about a quart every 1000 miles to probably about a half pint (1/4 quart). It seems reasonable that in a warmer climate / season you might be able to run a bit heavier oil, but I wouldn't deviate too far from the Isuzu recommendation. I'm sure some others will chime in - and I trust this community's judgement over the best Jiffy Lube "mechanic's" any day.

[Triathlete]

For one I would NEVER take any of my vehicles to Jiffy Lube! Him telling you tire size will increase oil consumption just validates that!!!!!!!!

[nfpgasmask]

Well, I am really no mechanic, and the Jiffy Lube is right next to work. If anyone has a better recommendation for oil changes, let me know. I would like to learn and do it myself, I but I honestly don't have the space/tools. Hopefully soon though.

So, I guess now, should I be worried about the Mobile 1 15W-50 I am running now? Its been quite hot out here in Chicago for last week or so and I expect it to be this way for the next month or 2 or 3.

Bart

[Cyrk]

http://www.nbc4.tv/video/9152183/detail.html
More reasons not to do business with these Jiffy Lube crooks.

[nfpgasmask]

http://www.nbc4.tv/video/9152183/detail.html
More reasons not to do business with these Jiffy Lube crooks.

NICE! This makes me feel awesomely stupid!

Sooooo, I guess it would be very beneficial for me to learn how to do this myself.

I will say this however, I did not passively sit in the waiting room. I watched them as closely as I could.

Bart

[Joe_Black]

1) Asking a JiffyLube employee automotive advice is roughly equivalent to asking an armadillo the nature of nuclear fission.

2) Allowing JiffyLube to service your vehicle will put the contents of your wallet dangerously close to a mass extinction event.

That being said, for a small investment in a Fumoto Engine Oil Drain Valve and an inexpensive drain pan will allow you to change your own oil and filter in less than 20 minutes without the use of any tools. Between Wal-Mart and AutoZone.com you can get the consumables and if you're still not comfortable with the process I'd personally be more than happy to call and walk you through changing your own oil. It's amazingly easy.

The comment about larger tires causing more oil consumption is bunk. Fuel consumption yes, anything else no.

[mjd709]

Changing the oil yourself is literally a 10-15 min job. It's nice to have a vehicle with some ground clearance!

[Ldub]

Changing your own oil is the ONLY way to know it's done right. That being said, there is also a feeling of satisfaction from any job done well.
If there is ANY way possible, no one but me will ever turn a wrench on my baby...I know not everyone likes to get dirty, & thats ok...but at least check your oil at EVERY fill up. All right...rant over.
I'm going out & under to change my oil now.

[kpaske]

I wasn't much of a mechanic before I purchased my VX about 7 years ago, but thanks to a willingness to experiment and this forum, I can say that nearly all of the work that has ever been done on my VX was (ultimately) done correctly and completely by myself. My timing belt turned out to be the most difficult job I've done, but only because there was incorrect information in the shop manual. Others fortunately have the benefit of learning from my mistakes, as I documented everything here. Nearly every problem you will ever run into can be solved here with some patience and perseverence. So if you are considering learning to work on your VX, I can say that my experience with this forum has made all the difference in the world.

Learning to do basic maintenance like changing your oil requires very minimal tools and will save you some money, but more importantly it will save you from a great deal of frustration dealing with the Jiffy Lube monkies. You'll know that your vehicle is being serviced properly and you'll gain the confidence to do increasingly complex mechanical work. In my opinion, the VX is actually fairly easy to work on, and sometimes it's even fun!

I recently put a down payment on a new vehicle (an 06 VW Jetta TDI) and I fully intend to do all my own work on that vehicle now also. I've found an enthusiast's forum similar to this one where I'm sure I will find solutions to any common problem I may run into (and probably the uncommon ones too).

The diesel community seems to be fond of oil extractors, which allow you to pump the oil out of the motor (usually through the dipstick hole or oil fill hole). Many claim that they get a lot more oil out that way. The process is very simple. One company that sells these is Pela. I think the Pela 6000 is about $60.

The only issue I have with the Fumoto valve is that since it protrudes from the oil pan a lot more than the OEM drain plug, there is more potential for it to be damaged. If you regularly take your VX offroad I personally would NOT recommend this valve, as knocking a hole in your oil pan leaving all your oil on a boulder somewhere would not be a pretty sight. On the other hand, if you never leave the hardball these things are great and the Fumoto appears to be much better made than any that I've seen at the auto parts stores.

[mbeach]

... if you never leave the hardball ...

LOL, you said hardball...

I love the idea of the tool-less oil change, but I've shunned the Fumoto valve for the same reason. Face it, you're going to need a wrench to remove the oil filter -might as well toss a 17mm (or is it 19mm) wrench in the kit as well.

Way back when I started changing my own fluids, I would stick my head under the car/truck/bike 3 or 4 times a day for 2 weeks -just in case I caused a leak. After a while it goes away, and you'll learn to develop confidence in your own work. I wish that I could say that about my home plumbing -I look under the sink every night before bed...

[Joe_Black]

Just a minor comment about the Fumoto: Since our oilpan drain is on the corner the installed Fumoto sticks out at a 45 degree angle about 1 inch further than the stock drain plug. It's only about 3/8" lower than the bottom of the pan, so if you hit something nasty enough to knock the valve out you'd be holing your pan anyway. In other words this is a moot point.

Also, for those worried about accidental or malicious opening of the valve there are a couple simple solutions. The industrial Fumoto advertises using a common spring clamp to place on top of the valve which locks it in the closed position. This works on the vehicular Fumoto as well, and is removed for service with common hand pliers. For the more paranoid the valve can be more securely kept close with the simple application of safety wire. Safetly wire pliers and wire can be had from most hardware outlets and even Harbor Freight has a decent set for less than $20 including a spool of wire. Simply snip off when ready to drain and spin on some new when done.

Now Kyle I hope you don't think I've picking on you but I wouldn't recommend using an oil extractor. They're more ideally intended for withdrawing fluids that aren't easily accessed of serviced in a normal fashion, such as in a marine or industrial environment. Of course there's a contingent of folk who just don't like getting dirty or crawling under machinery who realized they can use this equipment to meet their "needs". When you gravity-drain fluid though a great thing happens: Particulates come out with the flow. When your suctioning it out these particulates usually stay where they are in the bottom of the pan and various galleries. Plus it's almost impossible to get the flexible pickup hose, usually just cheap vinyl or Tygon, fully on the bottom of the pan leaving a good deal of contaminant-laden oil still in the engine. Gravity flow is nice, simple, thorough and best of all it's free.

Oh, if you need a wrench to get your oil filter off that's a built-in clue that you're putting it on too tight.

[nfpgasmask]

OK everyone, thanks for the help. I will be doing my next oil change. Many of you hit on some areas that have kept me from doing any auto work myself. The main one:

CONFIDENCE

I am a computer tech and I have absolutely no fear of machines, and I can easily dive into a PC and fix any issues with not a lick of concern. I hope to someday be at least 50% this way with my VX. I actually do enjoy getting dirty, so long as I do it right. I don't ever want to eff something up with my VX, and on the same token, I don't want some looser mech to eff it up either. Anyway, I can certainly relate. Taking your computer to Best Buy to get it fixed is a sure way to have your wallet raped.

Thus far, I have just been trying to do the right thing, the best I can. I changed my PCV Valve an hour ago and it was a snap! This is something I would not have done without this forum, and it only cost me $4.34. Also, I am not a total fool. I take everything the grease monkeys tell me with a grain of salt. I was however (and still am) concerned about the burning oil problem.

So, If anyone wants to make a photo tutorial of their next oil change, I would be one person you would make very happy and more confident! And, I would much rather spend $100 on tools to do the job right and learn something in the process.

This forum has been a tremendous help, and I have only been a member (and owner) for about 2 months. Thanks again everyone.

Bart

[WyldWeasel]

The only reason I take my vehicles to an oil change place or mechanic to get the oil changed is that I really don't want the hassle of having to dispose of the old oil and filter in an ecologically sound manner. So it's worth it to me not to have to do the oil change, tho I bring them the oil, the filter, the PCV valve and watch them while they do all the work.

[Joe_Black]

The only reason I take my vehicles to an oil change place or mechanic to get the oil changed is that I really don't want the hassle of having to dispose of the old oil and filter in an ecologically sound manner. So it's worth it to me not to have to do the oil change, tho I bring them the oil, the filter, the PCV valve and watch them while they do all the work.

You definitely need to grab a $5 oil basin from Wal-Mart. It's got a little spot to put the old oil filter so it can drain overnight, then the next day you pour the old oil out of the basin spout right back into its original container then drop it off at your local auto parts place. Put the caps back on the basin and store out of the way until the next change. You're clean, the garage is clean and you've got your green on too!