Changing the oil on a chevrolet silverado truck? Great tips and tricks here in this how-to guide. - One thing I have picked up over time is that if you ...

One thing I have picked up over time is that if you have a little extra clean oil, pour some in with the drain plug out. You will get a little more dirty oil out of the pan. It's tough though when whatever vehicle you're working on takes an even amount, but it's normal practice for me now.

Well I dont know about anyone else, but I still go with the old 3000 miles between oil changes unless im doing all highway mileage then I usually extend that to the 5000 mile mark. Engine oil life depends on lots of factors, but when I used to drive primarily local It would get changed every 2500 miles religiously. But when I started doing 150miles round trip a day I would go to the 5000 mile mark before changing my oil.

I am from the old school, and just can't make myself go more than 5K miles between changes. And that, is with a full synthetic oil. I do it myself, so it only costs less than $40 for the oil and filter. Just peace of mind for me on a $43K truck. I know that the experts say that the newer oils last longer, but I do a lot of stop and go driving. So, I go by the severe service change interval. Takes me 5 or 6 months to put 5K miles on it anyway.

Not sure where your guys oil filters are, but mine is dirctly in the middle of my driveshaft. Its a juggling act to get the filter down without spilling oil all over my face(happened more thatn once) I'm religous when it comes to oil. 3,000 to 5,000 no matter what kind of driving im doing.. I know i could get 7,000 or more with my big block but i don't wanna risk it.

On the newer 5.3, the filter is at the back left corner of the engine. The oil pan kind of has a notch in the corner of it, and the filter is screwed on vertically into this notch. Pretty tight area, and if you don't make a hole in the filter for it to drain, there is excess oil above the filter that runs all over your hand and arm. Other than that, there is really nothing in the way on my 4x4. One of the more messy ones to change, at least that I have run into. Am sure that there are many worse out there, I just have not had experience with them.

Also, dont forget to put some oil on your new filters gasket.

Just out of curiosity, why not 20w50? Just wondering because that is all we ever use in our vehicles. Will go by the manual but was just wondering what the reason is behind it.

Thanks

The guy at Valvoline told me not to steer from what GM Recommends cause the oil pump won't be able to handle the thicker oil very well. Said it will still pump it but not as easy.

2007-11 5.3 motor =6 quarts
4.3 motor=???
4.8 motor=???

The newer gas engines were designed to run on thinner weight oils. Many even use a 5w or 0w-20 now. Trying to run a heavy oil in them is not good for the engine as it will not get proper lubrication, and will affect fuel economy to a small degree.