[greg4titan]

I always like to change my oil early on a new vehicle to get rid of that factory oil and any metal particles that have suspended in the oil due to a new engine break in.

Ventured on the latter part of yesterday and this morning.

(&@#$(&@%(&@, why do they have to put these oil filters on so tight?????? I didn't think I was going to ever get it off. Eventually, I went and got a FRAM oil filter cap/wrench, and it was too big, but then I put some coarse sand paper on the bottom of the filter and shoved the wrench on it, and to my surprise, it stared to turn!!! So it you can't get it off by hand or a typical band type of wrench, the sand paper trick works!

The oil looked REALLY dark (not sure it was really dirty) only after 4 months. I have a bout 1600 miles only.

Refilled with Pennzoil Ultra Plat 0w-20 (filled the filter up with oil as well), so I used almost 7 quarts.
I really like the new Pennzoil plat series. Have run it in several trucks.

Nissan filters are hard to find locally, but surprised the new mobil1 synthetic filter was listed as an alternative (m1-110A) Looked like a high quality filter (and rated for 12,000 miles)

All is good now. I swear, the engine even seems like it runs smoother.

QUESTION! Do I need to replace this PLASTIC liner below????? Some call it a skid plate, yet its plastic (the F150 has the same piece).

Is just an aerodynamics thing for this piece? It does appear to keep things cleaner down there (and less exposed).

Seems like the engine heat would disappate better with it off..............OR maybe its for better engine cooling.

Obviously, its there for some reason..............But I wonder if there are any negative effects of just leaving it off. Its somewhat of a pain to take off (sure its harder to put it back on)????????

I have 4 oil changes every 6 months at the local dealer, so will let them do it for that duration.

 

[TheLaSwamp]

I would keep it on since it acts as protection against road debris. But that's up to you.

I find the oil change process is easier in the Titan than the Frontier. I had to remove two skid plates on the Frontier to get to the oil filter.

 

[greg4titan]

First time oil change in a newer vehicle usually takes a little longer......seeing where everything is.....leaning how to maneuver underneath......what tips and tricks to use next time to make it easier/faster.

I ended up putting the plastic shield back on. I had the truck at a little better angle where I could work a little earlier. it was only 8 screws, and they went back in easier than they came out.

i'm happy, i'm sure the truck's happy! LOL

Ended up costing about $36 for a full synthetic oil change (and I know it was done right).

 

[FishnAlaska]

Been running mobil 1 filter and oil since about 200 miles on my Titan, I go about 6-8,000 miles per change. Just bought 4 filters (9.97 each) and 6 - 5 quart jugs (25.98 per jug) at Walmart Friday, I'm set for the next 4 changes for less than $200, put a Fumoto valve on it and oil changes are a breeze. The plastic piece is a "splash guard" it certainly does protect the engine bay from having a bunch of crap thrown up into it.

 

[greg4titan]

yeah, "splash guard". Definately knew it wasn't a "skid plate". Definately all clean up under there!

I have 4 oil changes from the dealer in the next 2 years. Just wanted to do the first one myself!

I wonder if there's any way to verify/guarantee the dealer is filling these with the 0W-20 synthetic oil?
I've seen them drums in the bays, and that oil could be anything....

 

[Paskell]

Buy a pro4x skid plate

 

[greg4titan]

Mine's not a 4x4, so I guess the "splash guard" will suffice.

Buy a pro4x skid plate

 

[HMX Dave]

I had that plastic thing off when I installed my LED...takes all of 30 seconds with an electric impact. Had my first oil change done today too....at the dealer though.

 

[whchunter]

yeah, "splash guard". Definately knew it wasn't a "skid plate". Definately all clean up under there!

I have 4 oil changes from the dealer in the next 2 years. Just wanted to do the first one myself!

I wonder if there's any way to verify/guarantee the dealer is filling these with the 0W-20 synthetic oil?
I've seen them drums in the bays, and that oil could be anything....

Bought a Titan SV 4x4 today and the dealer told me that they didn't provide any free oil changes on those trucks

 

[greg4titan]

Are you "SURE" they put 0w-20 as the refill?

I had that plastic thing off when I installed my LED...takes all of 30 seconds with an electric impact. Had my first oil change done today too....at the dealer though.

 

[HMX Dave]

Are you "SURE" they put 0w-20 as the refill?

Work was done at local Nissan dealer...the tech mentioned to me that "standard oil change was not available for this truck because it takes 0W20 synthetic". I highly doubt they would put something else in....it's their warranty, I don't care. You can cook burgers at home hoping you get good beef, but even doing that it could be kangaroo meat in the package for all we know....

 

[Quartz]

Every new car I have ever owned had the oil filter installed by a gorilla. Hand tight then a quarter turn. How difficult is that?

 

[greg4titan]

Hope the dealer doesn't try to skimp on my "4 included oil changes".....

What defines a "standard oil change"?

Work was done at local Nissan dealer...the tech mentioned to me that "standard oil change was not available for this truck because it takes 0W20 synthetic". I highly doubt they would put something else in....it's their warranty, I don't care. You can cook burgers at home hoping you get good beef, but even doing that it could be kangaroo meat in the package for all we know....

 

[greg4titan]

Machine installed with no oil around the gasket i'm sure.

Every new car I have ever owned had the oil filter installed by a gorilla. Hand tight then a quarter turn. How difficult is that?

 

[danman]

Hand tight as good as you can has always worked for me, no leaks and never loose. If you ever have a hard time getting a filter off, just jam a screwdriver through it and giver er the beans. You'll either cut the filter in half or it will come free...if you don't have a filter/strap wrench of course..

 

[greg4titan]

If this happens, THEN what you do, you got a crushed filter with sharp as razor metal in 1/2.
you definitely got less to work with at that point.

Hand tight as good as you can has always worked for me, no leaks and never loose. If you ever have a hard time getting a filter off, just jam a screwdriver through it and giver er the beans. You'll either cut the filter in half or it will come free...if you don't have a filter/strap wrench of course..

 

[danman]

If this happens, THEN what you do, you got a crushed filter with sharp as razor metal in 1/2.
you definitely got less to work with at that point.

Yes, if it tears in half, you might have some hazardous problems. However with the guts exposed you can easily use any number of common hand tools to squeeze, twist, hammer or cut the reminants of the filter off. It isn't rocket science.

 

[Pale Rider]

wow

 

[HMX Dave]

Hope the dealer doesn't try to skimp on my "4 included oil changes".....

What defines a "standard oil change"?

Non-synthetic oil.

 

[greg4titan]

So, if a dealer quoted one "4 free oil changes" over 2 years (one every 5,000 miles), you'd think they'd have to put the recommended oil in the truck (0w-20).

Non-synthetic oil.