Changing the oil on a chevrolet silverado truck? Great tips and tricks here in this how-to guide. - What all did you switch over to AMSOIL?

Trumpster1 wrote:We need to find an updated diagram of the oil pan. Mine does not drain straight out the back, it goes towards the passenger side for some reason. I'm taking a break right now because it's too freaking hot under there to be working on it. Even with my M-Pac gloves, its's too hot (yes, I have 'office' hands).

FINALLY putting in my AMSOIL!!!!

What all did you switch over to AMSOIL?

I have used full synthetic in my 2011 since I purchased new. I have to change the oil long before the computer says to. Ive been changing it at 7,000 and it still has 35-40 percent oil life remaining.

The first oil change I had done was at 1000 miles after new purchase. Ive had it changed twice at 8,000 and 15,000. I now have 20,000 and it tells me 49% oil life remaining.

Should I continue with the 7,000 mile schedule or at what percentage of oil life remaining? I read where people were getting 10,000-12,000 miles on a change, but want to protect my $35,000 investment.

Mybeagles

LonestarEMT wrote:Did'nt really take anytime at all. Next time I know not to put the drain pan directly under. I forgot about gravity pressure, Had a small mess to clean up but it was worth the money I saved.

I did the same thing my first time lol

Good tip about the old filter gasket. Always wipe the filter area and make sure no dirt is present. I'd like to pass on this oil change tip from many veteran mechanics and rebuilders of engines with 1/2 million miles. Always fill the oil filter to the top with oil. wait for it to soak in, and fill again. This prevents the temporary air lock and momentary loss of oil pressure while doing an oil change. Long drain times get the worst dirtiest oil out as well.
Please dispose of old oil at a recycling facility and drain oil filter as much as you can.

mybeagles wrote:I have used full synthetic in my 2011 since I purchased new. I have to change the oil long before the computer says to. Ive been changing it at 7,000 and it still has 35-40 percent oil life remaining.

The first oil change I had done was at 1000 miles after new purchase. Ive had it changed twice at 8,000 and 15,000. I now have 20,000 and it tells me 49% oil life remaining.

Should I continue with the 7,000 mile schedule or at what percentage of oil life remaining? I read where people were getting 10,000-12,000 miles on a change, but want to protect my $35,000 investment.

Mybeagles

Follow this link: [FAQ] GM Oil Life Monitor System

lzn197 wrote:6 quarts. BTW, that info is available in the owners manual or the online manual here. A little word of advice. Pay close attention to the installation instructions on your oil filter. Nothing worse than having a filter leak or fall off later. I hope this helps. Don't forget to clean the magnet on the end of your drain plug.

Gordon

6 qts? Damn... I put 5. Will get 1 more qt later.

boy i will tell you changing the oil on my Silverado is not as easy as my previous 05 Tacoma. The oil filter is not the easiest to get to IMO. The tacoma filter was in the engine bay next to the battery. And the drain plug came out to the rear. I am surprised at how difficult it is to get a grip on the silverado filter and the side discharge distance of the oil from the plug.

I know what you mean, it took me a while to find a filter wrench that would even fit. None of the local auto parts stores, or wally world had one. And the first time I removed the drain plug, I thought that I had hit a gusher. Oil all over the floor, and my front tire. Have never seen oil come out like that, and I have been changing my own oil for over 40 years. I know what to expect now though.

Be careful that you dont enjoy too many cold beverages in this process..You may forget the last step and forget to add you engine oil

plow78 wrote:boy i will tell you changing the oil on my Silverado is not as easy as my previous 05 Tacoma. The oil filter is not the easiest to get to IMO. The tacoma filter was in the engine bay next to the battery. And the drain plug came out to the rear. I am surprised at how difficult it is to get a grip on the silverado filter and the side discharge distance of the oil from the plug.

The filter is a pain. Putting it on is easy, but taking it off is a chore. I usually poke a screwdriver through it and let the oil drain before removing it. That reduces the mess a little bit.
And yes, the oil from the drain plug shoots out darn near all the way to the passenger side front tire. You have to be ready for that!