11 replies to this topic

[Saber]

My SpeedyT is just about passing its first 10.000 km/~6.000 miles and I am considering changing the oil for the first time. I have bought a new filter and some oil (Mobil1 0W-40 fully syn.), and now I have some few questions: 1/ I have not yet been bothered taking off the engine undertray, so where is the engine oil drain plug located - in the oil sump pan, I guess ? - anyone has some pics ? 2/ Is it even necessary to remove the engine undertray, or can the engine oil be drained and the oil filter changed after removing the right hand rear wheel (...and liner) ? 3/ What type of oil does the car come with as standard (read somewhere it's semi-syn. ) ? 4/ Would it be a good idea to flush the engine also (e.g. when switching to fully synthetic) ? ...it seems people have different opinions on this topic... BTW I have done a search but didn't really find what I was looking for (guide for the Turbo) , so I'm thinking about putting a guide together with some pics (for the forum FAQ)... - or can someone please link me to what I apparently cannot find ?

[etrusco]

HI Saber, yes the undertray needs to come off as it would be a good idea to change the oil filter at the same time. Although if you really just wanted to change just the oil, the undertray can stay on as there is a cutout to acces the drain plug on the oil pan. If you look under the rear you will see the aluminium drain plug peeking out. It is a TORX 45. The tightening torque is 10Nm. For the oil filter it is 15Nm. The oil filter is located to the right of the oil pan and slightly above, but easily accessible.

[etrusco]

Oh yeah, to answer your engine flushing question; if you decrease your oil change intervals to 3K miles, you're essentially flushing the engine anyway. This in consideration that it is a turbo motor that essentially obliterates the oil like no aspirated motor ever will Essentially the Vauxhall crap oil you run from the factory is what they call their long life, grandma-no-hassle 15K km oil. If you drive your car conservatively no prob. But if you attack or drive the occasional tarck event, go fully syntec as you have alreaady done, and change oil every 3K miles to keep your motor flushed and running happy for a long long time

[Pidgeon]

Undertray off? VX service mine without removing it. Never changed the filter myself, but little point in being able to drain the oil with the u/tray on if you cannot also change the filter. As to flushing, anyone whose opinion I respect says it is a waste of time.

[LazyDonkey]

On the NA it is entirely possible to change the oil and the filter with the undertray on. Although apparently the filter can be a bit of a PITA. Clearly I've not tried it as I'm mechanically incompetent, but that's what my tame Elise mechanic told me !

[Thorney]

Oil change can be done without understray off, just remove the drivers side rear wheel arch. Engine flush? Generally they are considered a waste of time and just a method to fleece money out of customers however if you're moving from semi to full synthetic (the two should not be mixed) then there is an argument for you to 'wate' some oil by putting fully synth in then letting it drain. However, if you're intending to change it after 3k miles then I can't really see a problem.

[etrusco]

I prefer the undertray off method as it takes no more than three minutes to take with a power driver. Not to mention you get to clean periodically the upper side of the undertray. You woudn't believe the road grime sand and oil mixture that accumulates there over time. The wheels help the dirt get there while rolling. A good idea to give it a wipe every oil change.

[jayworth2]

Yes the Turbo oil filter can be changed without removing undertray. I just put lots of old rags under the oil filter when removing it mine was really tight and I could not remove it by hand for this I would recommend an oil filter claw wrench which was well worth the £8.

[Boombang]

Sure the OP appreciates that advice almost 10 years later

[tbs30stm]

Sure the OP appreciates that advice almost 10 years later

 

You never know, maybe he never got around to doing it

[Mani]

Lol

[slindborg]

Yes the Turbo oil filter can be changed without removing undertray. I just put lots of old rags under the oil filter when removing it mine was really tight and I could not remove it by hand for this I would recommend an oil filter claw wrench which was well worth the £8.

 

 

claw wrench.... FANNY!!! just stab a screwdriver through the old filter