[spdlmtna]

Being a total Newb to the Insight, can someone direct me on how easy or not easy it is to change your oil and filter. I know you use 0w20 oil, but I would also like to know 3 things:

1) How many quarts? (I dont have an insight yet, so I dont have the manual yet either)

2) Where is the oil drain valve and filter? (pics would be great)

3) Do you need to remove any paneling from underneath the car prior to draining?

Thanks everyone

 

[HafNHaf]

2.6 qts with a filter change.

drain valve is on the aft side of the engine. i can reach it by going over the top of the engine on the passenger's side and reaching all the way down to the bottom edge of the oil pan. take a look with a light and a mirror to get familiar with the area. i made a small, metal trough that lets the oil get to the center of the car and then into a small tub.

the filter is on the forward side of the engine. you need to take off the front under-body cover to get to it.

sorry, no pics...

 

[b1shmu63]

Be careful with the oil plug. It threads into the magnesium casting that forms the the bottom of the engine. Magnesium is relatively soft. Too much torque will strip the threads. This is a very expensive part to replace or repair. Some Insighters have installed drain valves in place of this plug to eliminate any potential problems. The issue has been discussed at length on this site. I suggest using the search function for further info.

 

[kapps]

Just remember to use a new aluminum crush washer on the drain plug (available at dealer or online). It's hard to explain how much to torque the plug but just give it a little tug. Use a small rachet so there's less likelihood of over-torquing it.

 

[Dougie]

Be careful also about the bolts holding on the underbody panels. They're small and go into aluminum, and you can strip them very easily.

When you get done, tell us how you decided to allocate the randomly placed short and long underbody bolts!

 

[bfivelover]

There's an even easier way. Buy an extractor. I use a Pela 6000, put the tube in the dipstick and just suck the oil out. No worrying about a crush washer or stripping the plug.

 

[b1shmu63]

The extractor sounds like the way to go for simplicity.