Changing oil

[37chief]

I have been changing my own oil in everything with a motor, starting in 1957 with my 48 Cushman scooter. My tractors have a lot of room to move around to get the drain plug out. My cars are a different problem for me. I use ramps to drive up on, and put down a pieced of cardboard, and wiggle under on my back to perform the oil change. A little higher would a lot better. I see on the internet separate hydraulic ramp lifts for each wheel, that will pump up to 15 inches which would be a lot better for me, made in Chine of coarse. Anyone ever use something like this? I see different people selling them for $60.00 and up, for two. Seams a little cheap. A scam? Any thoughts? Stan

 

[paul]

Without a pic I’m not exactly sure what you are looking at….

Project Farm, one of the best YouTube channels out there in my opinion, reviewed something like you are describing, and as I recall it was very poorly braced and just looked dangerous to me. It bound up for him as he used it. I’m sure one else will put up a link quicker than I can find it.

I do not know if that’s the same thing you are looking at?

Paul

I edited this, as I was recalling 2 different items. Several on line reviews are middle of the road on it, but it really looks flimsy to me with flat iron instead of angle iron holding it up. Very short welds are used to keep the jacks in place, with the vehicle extended up it has a lot of side sway on those short welds. But, some like it.

 

[Tgrasher]

I do the same, and your right, a few more inches of height would make a big difference on these wore out shoulders. The trucks aren't a problem but the cars have front air dams that need a two inch board in front of the ramp to clear. I've had to make a board ramp to get on the steel ramp. Thought of putting a two by twelve under the ramps but that would compound the problem, and try to scoot on the board.

 

[wh]

You could have a set of ramps custom made. Taller and a little longer ramp would make a big difference.

 

[chvet73]

I have a set of the pump up ramps. Got them on Temu for a $110. They work just fine. Be aware once your on the ramp if you use the jack then you should also use a jack stand.

 

[used red MN]

You could have a set of ramps custom made. Taller and a little longer ramp would make a big difference.

That might work. Cars set so low and have such short wheel bases that it is difficult to make a ramp like your talking about work without the rocker panels hitting the ramp.

 

[Vito]

I've gotten soft and just take the vehicles in to be serviced. Equipment I did myself.

Vito

 

[wh]

I've gotten soft and just take the vehicles in to be serviced. Equipment I did myself.

Vito

Last 3 new vehicles i bought i let dealer service. Actually not a lot cheaper to do it myself anymore. Dealer keeps up with factory service intervals. Also if they find something they provide me with a loaner vehicle. Once got ran off interstate on a trip. Did not feel anything or notice a problem. Had a oil change the next week. Dealer found the rack was leaking. Asked me if i hit something. Told him of being ran into median. Yep. Must have hit something. Filed an insurance report and was only out $100. Gave me a truck to drive a couple days and fixed it. Still do the tractors and my 93 pick up.

 

[kencombs]

I use two good floor jacks, located at the jack/lift points located close by the rear of the front wheels on most all unit bodies, lower a-frames on some and under the axle on really old or big stuff. A couple of jack stands for safety.

Can usually get plenty of room that way. Does take of couple or trips side to side to hit on jack then the other without leaning it too much.

 

[flembo1]

When I had a boat with an inboard engine I used a hand pump with a tube to go down the dipstick hole. Worked fine I don't know why it wouldn't work on a car.

 

[560Dennis]

I would not .trust hydraulic lift like that unless it had mechanical lift locks .

 

[Caryc]

I would not .trust hydraulic lift like that unless it had mechanical lift locks .

I don't get under any vehicle unless it has good mechanical jack stands under it. Hydraulics can fail.

 

[Mule Meat]

Is your life worth a $60 gamble?