First - I'm at work and can't go outside to get the answer to my question.

Second - Don't give me any Sh*t, I just need a quick answer

Okay, normally I have my oil changed at the dealership. I recently moved and now it isn't as convenient, so I'm going to change my own oil (I have done this before). I haven't looked, so I have no idea where the oil filter is. My question is - how easy is it to get to the oil filter (and the oil plug for that matter)

Thanks
Stu

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Stu
2001 Silver Ice SE 4x4
"Nobody makes Sheriff Buford T. Justice look like a possum’s pecker!

It's extrememly easy to get at both. The oil filter is just above the skid plate and can be accesed from the side without removing the skidplate. You can even get such a good hold on the filter with your hand that you probably won't even need a filter wrench (I didn't). Easiest oil change ever.

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Eric Konarske & Lara, my X
'01 Solar Yellow XE 3 Pk. 4x4

I have to agree - this is the easier car I have ever had to change the oil on.

The Drain Plug is really easy to find - it is right on the drain pan and should be easy to find.

Like ILUVMYX said, the filter is easy to get to. I like to take the skid plate off, but either way, it doesn't matter.


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RonB
Weapon X - 2000 Blue Xterra SE 2WD
SWXC - Hill Country Chapter Member

I went to get my oil changed and the mechanic came into the waiting area and told that it would be an extra $5 for removing the skid plate. I became very angry. I shoved the mechanic out of the way, grabbed a wrench out of his tool box and took the skid plate off in about 15 seconds. Then, I stood there and watched them change the oil. Afterwards, I told them that they "should be ashamed of themselves" and left. I usually change my own oil, but I happened to be getting a front-end alignment anyway. Just goes to show you how the skum of the earth will bleed you for every nickle you have.

Anyway, the oil change is extremely easy, whether you remove the skid plate or not.

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Next time I might remove the skid plate too. It's easy to get to the filter, but I managed to make a pretty good mess that I probbly could have avoided if I had taken it off.

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Eric Konarske & Lara, my X
'01 Solar Yellow XE 3 Pk. 4x4

X-cellent, thanks for your help!

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Stu
2001 Silver Ice SE 4x4
"Nobody makes Sheriff Buford T. Justice look like a possum’s pecker!

If I can do it- anyone can. Just use the owners manual

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XROCK
www.hxoc.net
Super Black Xterra-
The Peoples Champion

I change my own oil... it's extremely easy on the X... I do reccomend ya drop the skid plate.. That wat ya don't spill any oil onto the driveway... Ya can't miss the filter once ya drop the skid plate.. it looks ya right in the eyes..=-)

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- Josh
'01 SuperBlack XE 4x4 V6 3pak
Utah Xterra Owners Club -
http://www.uxoc.org

All done - It was really easy. That skid plate is the hardest part.

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Stu
2001 Silver Ice SE 4x4
"Nobody makes Sheriff Buford T. Justice look like a possum’s pecker!"

Ok Stu, now here is the trick with the skid plate. Notice that the center rear bolt location on the plate is not a hole - there is a slot. So what you say.
So what you do next time is remove the five other bolts but just loosen that one. The skid plate will slide out because of the 'slotted hole'. To put the plate back on, slip it under the loosened bolt. That will help support the plate, kinda like a 'third hand' then, while one hand positions the plate and the other starts a bolt.

dave and Xtoy - now it's real easy

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Dave, that is a good tip. I will have to tell my mechanic next time he changes my oil.



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There are only three sports-Mountain climbing, bullfighting, and motor racing-all the others being games. --Ernest "Papa" Hemingway

Another good tip is to apply an anti-seize lub to the skid plate screws. So when your running thru water, mud and snow the screws don't rust lock the skid plate to the fram.

I like the copper anti-seize lub its so smoooth!

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[This message has been edited by danno66 (edited 03-09-2001).]

I actually noticed the thru-slot on the center-rear bolt hole when I was putting the thing back on. Made it really easy! Taking it off sucked.

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Stu
2001 Silver Ice SE 4x4
"Nobody makes Sheriff Buford T. Justice look like a possum’s pecker!"

about the oil... its seems whenever I try to remove the filter to change it, TONS of oil still comes out of it and spills all over the suspension and frame parts... Even putting some kind of catch basin doesnt work, the oil just flops all over the place.

Is there anyway to reduce the amount of oil coming out of the thing?

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2001 XE 5SPD 4WD PSU

That's because your filter has an anti-drainback valve in it. The oil between the filter and the top of the engine stays up in the engine, so the top end gets fully lubricated faster when you start it.

Brent