I changed my oil for the first time and what a mess i made! When i took out the plug oil went shooting about 3 feet towards the rear of the jeep. Now this was my first ever oil change. Is this normal? What can be done to prevent this?

 

yes this is normal it happens all the time.

 

Just takes practice....You get a feel for how far it shoots out, and have your oil pan in that general area...and just move your pan there as quick as possible...and keep moving it until its drizzling. Just follow the stream basically.

Unless you have a pit with a very large pan to catch the oil, it just becomes an imperfect art....you'll usually always spill a little..but the more you do it, the less you'll spill.

Don't worry, everyone makes a mess the first time. Just part of the learning curve. But don't you feel rewarded that you've done it yourself now?

 

get a bigger catch pan. Keep cardboard handy under the pan.

 

think of the mens room and a urinal.you have to adjust the oil pan to were you think the oil will go.just like the mens room at first you have a lot of pressure then it slows down then a drop or two then your done.put the oil pan out 3 feet and move it in as the pressure/flow drops.after a time or tow you will be a pro.

 

Keep an eye out for a cardboard box that a refrigerator or say a washing machine are delivered in. Flatten the box and use it under your JEEP and other vehicles to catch drips/spills when you do oil/fluid changes. When finished with that cardboard box save it for next time. One cardboard box will last years and save your driveway from spills, drips and such. Cardboard is quite absorbent.

 

Yes...if you have a hard time catching it in a smaller one like this:



Switch to a bigger one, like this:



I like the smaller one because it's easier to take up to a oil change place to empty....and please, take it to an oil change place or autoparts store to empty. Not your trash.

 

it was extremely rewarding. Also did the airaid cai and chicken wire grill guard, next i am putting on solid diff covers. Before long i will be a bonifide wrench head.

 

or you can buy an "Tempo OilBoy Fluid Extractor" and will make NO MESS whatsoever

here is the link for it: http://www.amazon.com/Tempo-Oil-Boy-.../dp/B0000BYP0L

with this, you don't even need to un-plug the oil plug from the oil pan, just suck out all the oil, and change your filter...simple and clean..plus..you don't have to crawl underneath your jeep

 

Isnt it kind of hard to get to the filter off if you dont get underneath the jeep? Is it really that easy to put on from the top?!