How to Change the Oil in a 50 Year Old Car

Changing the oil on an antique car isn't much different from changing the oil on a new car, but you need to be sure about the products and parts you are using. Consult your car manual or an auto parts expert if you're unsure about any details, and follow a few safety guidelines to change the oil on your 50-year-old car.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ratchet or open-ended oil wrench
• Oil drip pan
• Mechanic towels
• Latex or other gloves
• New oil
• New oil filter
• Jack
• Stop blocks
• WD40
• Flat cardboard box
• Funnel

1. Check with your local auto parts store to make sure that a new oil filter is available for the make and model of your car. Also, do not work on a car that has recently been running because the engine will be hot. Make sure that the engine is cool to the touch of your bare hand before changing the oil.

2. Pick a location to change the oil that will not put you or others in danger. Never leave your car or supplies unattended. It is always good to try to have an extra set of hands to help you if an accident should occur. Try not to do this alone.

3. Jack up your vehicle on a flat, level, paved or concrete surface. Place the stop blocks behind and in front of the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling while you are under it. Lay on the flat cardboard box to make your work area as comfortable as possible. The cardboard is also perfect protection if you have any spills.

4. Lubricate the drain plug of the oil pan with WD40 to help with the removal later. Rust or deposits may have built up over time and can cause the hazard of either stripping or breaking the drain plug during removal. Let the WD40 sit for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. You may either lower the car and remove the jack during this wait time, or supervise the vehicle.

5. Use your ratchet to remove the drain plug when you are certain it has been lubricated adequately.

6. Break the oil filter loose to help the oil drain faster but do not remove it completely. Remove the drain plug and drain out all of the old oil. Be sure to use a recycling oil pan so that when you drop the drain plug it will sit on top of the screen rather than fall into the oil drip pan.

7. Replace the drain plug when all the old oil has drained out.

8. Remove your old oil filter with the oil wrench. This is normally done from underneath the car but on some makes and models, you can remove it from the top of the engine.

9. Replace the old oil filter with the new one. Be sure to lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with the new oil before placing it into the engine. Fill the filter with about 2/3 of the new oil before placing it.

10. Screw the new oil filter into place, keeping it upright. You do not need to use a wrench for this process. There are wrenches available to place the oil filter but they are not necessary.

11. Fill your engine with the new oil using your funnel. Research how much your engine holds prior to filling and also what type of oil is ideal for the make and model of your car. Note that climate is also an important factor in what type of oil you should use.

12. Check your oil before replacing the oil cap to make sure that you have the proper levels. Remember to replace your oil cap before driving off.

Tips & Warnings

• Overtightening of the new oil filter can strip out the threads and cause it to leak. Tighten it just enough with one hand to be sure of not overtightening.