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97DakCC
Dodge Dakota
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4/25/2007
16:09:39
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 Subject: Changing my oil for my first time
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Hi, I just got a 1997 Dakota CC 4x4 with a 5.2L V8. :D It was kind of a birthday present, but I paid for half. Anyways, I want to do oil changes myself, and not take them to some drive-thru place like Oil Changers. I've never done it before, but I think I should do well. Here's what I know so far:
1. Set the oil pan underneath the oil drain plug
2. Undo the plug, let the oil drain, put plug back on
3. Remove the oil filter, let oil drain out of there
4. Replace with new filter
5. Pour in new oil
6. Recycle used oil
That's what I know, but I have a few questions. How many quarts do those 5.2Ls take? Also, is replacing the oil filter difficult? Oh, and if I made a mistake in my steps or if there's something else I need to know, please correct me and fill me in! Thanks for the help in advance.
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Jimmy9190
Dodge Dakota
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4/25/2007
20:20:51
| RE: Changing my oil for my first time
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You got just about all the steps down, but you might want to smear a thin coat of new oil on the rubber gasket on the new filter before installing it. This gives a better seal and makes removal a lot easier at the next oil change. And as you recycle the old oil, you can also recycle the old filter. Most any tire store or oil change place will have a barrel for collecting old oil filters for recycling. Personally, I keep all my old filters in an old drain pan and when I get a bunch together I take them to a tire store and throw them in the recycling barrel.
The only other thing to mention is maybe get some of those static-cling decals to write the next change interval on and put on the inside of your windshield to remind you when it will be time for the next one. I get those from a local garage.
And always after you change the oil, park on level ground, let the engine run a minute and check for leaks at the plug and the filter, shut it off, give it a few minutes for the oil to settle back in the pan and re-check the oil level.
Changing the filter should not be hard. Just get the right filter wrench. I like the one that fits on a 3/8" ratchet and goes over the end of the filter. Just don't over-tighten the new one or the rubber gasket won't seal right. 3/4 to 1 turn after the filter contacts the block is plenty tight enough. And make sure the rubber gasket on the old filter is not stuck to the block or you will have problems. It's always a good idea to wipe the filter boss with a rag before putting on the new filter, and then you will know for sure the old gasket came off with the old filter.
If you really want some oil change info, check out www.bobistheoilguy.com.
Jimmy
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Jimmy9190
Dodge Dakota
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4/25/2007
20:29:33
| RE: Changing my oil for my first time
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Owner's manual, Haynes Manual or anyone who owns a 5.2 here on the board can tell you how many quarts your engine holds. My Haynes book doesn't list the 97 5.2, it only goes back to 2000 model year. You can also call the Dodge dealer to find out.
One other thing, you might want to replace the drain plug every so often when the rubber gasket gets worn. The plug & gasket are one piece. Mine (2001 3.9) is $2.98 at Advance Auto Parts.
Good luck.
Jimmy
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97DakCC
Dodge Dakota
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4/25/2007
20:36:28
| RE: Changing my oil for my first time
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Thanks for being a big help! :D
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Jimmy9190
Dodge Dakota
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4/25/2007
20:40:28
| RE: Changing my oil for my first time
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You're welcome. Glad to have been able to help.
Jimmy
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Trevor
Dodge Dakota
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4/25/2007
22:45:10
| RE: Changing my oil for my first time
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The capacity of oil is in the owners manual. But always double and triple check that it's right...with mine I'm pretty sure that what the book says is too much.
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WOWzers
Dodge Dakota
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4/26/2007
04:33:01
| RE: Changing my oil for my first time
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Forget the oil filter wrench. I dont even own one and have been changing oil in my many different vehicals for years. You may need one to get the exsisting filter off, then when you install the new one, spin it up tight and then just a little extra, maybe an eight turn. No need to crank it on. It wont leak and you will never need a filter wrench...EVER
But that's just the way I do it...do what works for you.
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Bob Lincoln
Dodge Dakota
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4/26/2007
08:15:23
| RE: Changing my oil for my first time
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Asbestos fingers...
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Flippy
Dodge Dakota
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4/28/2007
02:16:15
| RE: Changing my oil for my first time
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Message:
same here,never had a use for those oil filter tighteners, just use rubber gloves and get a good grip on it when you tighten it, also my 3.9L uses 4 liters of oil, so your prolly uses like 4 1/2 to 5 but who know you would have to ask a person with a 5.2L
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Ky_man
Dodge Dakota
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4/30/2007
23:16:09
| RE: Changing my oil for my first time
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Message:
The 5.2 in the Dakota takes 4.5 quarts of oil, without the filter. So,
to be safe, I always just put 5 quarts in. And remember, if you have
one of those plastic oil pans with the hole in the center with the
cap, make sure you take that cap off too. lol. Trust me, it's the
scariest theng when the top bowl is filling up and you're saying
"crap crap crap CRAP CRAP!" and putting your hand in old oil trying
to get that cap off before the oil fills up over the bowl. lolol. Don't
be like me!!! lol. Have fun.
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