Changing oil on ramps question

[ThirdeYe]

When I changed my oil for the first two times I used the ramp, started the car and backed it off the ramps, then shut it off and checked the level. I was bored and reading Castrol's website today and saw this:
"Carefully release the handbrake and allow the car to slowly roll back down the ramp to level ground (do not run the engine at this stage or severe damage will occur)."

Will severe damage actually occur by starting your engine on the ramps to back it down? I never noticed anything the last two times I did it... I don't even see how you can back it down without starting it, because just putting it into reverse doesn't give it enough power to get over the small hump to let them off the ramps.

 

[Colt45ws]

Im not sure how anything bad could happen. As long as there is the right amount in the engine it should be fine. Not like cars cant go up hills. Ive started it everytime after changing oil on ramps. Never had a problem. I just let the oil light go out before putting it in gear.

 

[ThirdeYe]

Thanks

I didn't think there would be a problem either. I know how much oil my car takes to get it right on the full line, same with the other vehicle I change. My oil light usually goes off within 2 seconds anyways, so then I just back it down and let it run for 30 seconds or so, shut it down and check the level.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

I wouldn't think the angle could be great enough for the oil pump pickup to be uncovered (with the vehicle on ramps). That's the only reason I can think of for "severe damage to occur".

I always fill mine up, then start it to back it down the ramps. I like to prefill the filter though......

 

[Donald]

I think checking the oil level on a ramp could give a bad level, so I get the oil level in the operating range and start the engine and back it down to a level area and recheck/refill.

Given my ramps have a flat section, one would need to release the brake and push the vehicle a bit to get it to roll off. My Suburban is 5000 lbs and one would need to push it with your left foot while still seated in the drivers seat. Or were they suggesting that I release the handbrake, go in front of the vehicle give it a push and maybe, just maybe run around and jump back in the seat in time to stop the vehicle.

 

[Donald]

Oh yes, and with my Suburban, my foot would not reach the pavement to push if I was seated in the drivers seat (unless I was Wilt the Stilt (basketball player from years gone by)).

 

[spinfire]

I always start the car on the ramps and then back down. Usually I start the car and wait to make sure the oil light goes off within a reasonable amount of time. Then I get out and look under the car to make sure there isn't oil spraying horribly out of anywhere

After that I back down the ramps, shut off the engine, and check the oil after waiting a few minutes. Clearly you shouldn't trust a dipstick reading taken while the car was on ramps, but I wouldn't worry about starting the engine.

 

[opus1]

If Castrol thinks engine damage can happen at this stage, one has to wonder what they think is happening when you pull the car onto the ramps at the start of the process.....especially if you're like me and have to make more than one attempt.

 

[RedDart]

Opus 1 hit the nail right on the head - if you could damage the engine backing down the ramps you could damage it going up the ramps. I just wait several minutes to make sure the oil pressure is up, I have no leaks, and oil filter is getting warm (indicating oil is flowing through it). The statement must have been written by their lawyers!

 

[Warlord]

I would never be able to get a car off of the ramps without driving it. What kind of ramps does castrol use? IMO this is actually dangerous of castrol to say because if people start pushing their cars off of ramps in fear of damaging their engine it could cause some trouble.

 

[ThirdeYe]

Quote:

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I always start the car on the ramps and then back down. Usually I start the car and wait to make sure the oil light goes off within a reasonable amount of time. Then I get out and look under the car to make sure there isn't oil spraying horribly out of anywhere

After that I back down the ramps, shut off the engine, and check the oil after waiting a few minutes. Clearly you shouldn't trust a dipstick reading taken while the car was on ramps, but I wouldn't worry about starting the engine.

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Ditto, that's exactly how I do it

Thanks a lot for the input, folks. There were a few other things on Castrol's site that seemed fishy to me as well, so I figured this might not be true.

 

[doitmyself]

Actually, on a very few select cars, the oil suction intake is at the front of the sump. When pulling onto the ramps, the system is working fine. After draining, the forward suction tube can lose prime and you are running the engine basically without oil.

Castrol is correct. The proper procedure is to put the car into neutral. Step out to the vehicle front, then push it off the ramps.

Quickly jump back into the car and apply brakes before crashing into anything. Careful not to crush yourself in the process.

Also, after using ramps, it's important to check rear blinker light fluid level also.

 

[CBDFrontier06]

That's a great way to be killed. If you insist on pushing your car off the ramps, push it from the driver's seat...don't push a car off ramps if you're not in a position to maintain control of the car when it starts to gain momentum.

 

[doitmyself]

Thanks,

I knew that I should have put in a disclaimer just in case. I guess you never know who might follow internet advice.

"Be careful when checking rear blinker fluid. Wear appropriate safety glasses".

 

[robl]

If you read again, you have to see what they are saying, I found the article, it does not say to FILL the oil up with xx amounts of oil, then back down, it says, (for some reason) empty old oil, bla bla, then back it down using the handbrake, THEN FILL, so they are right that way, because of course the engine right now according to their instructions has NO oil in it. They apparently prefer you to drain oil, then while EMPTY, back down, then fill on LEVEL ground. They must think idiots will keep adding while on the ramp to get level, so they want to make sure you are on level ground. Here is the article.

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Oil change step 6 - Add clean oil
Carefully release the handbrake and allow the car to slowly roll back down the ramp to level ground (do not run the engine at this stage or severe damage will occur).

On the top of the engine you will find the Oil Filler Cap usually marked with the symbol of an oil can. Unscrew the cap and proceed to fill the engine with the required quantity of oil, checking with the dipstick to ensure proper fill level.

Replace the cap and wipe off any spillage. The oil light should go out as soon as the engine is started.

Run the engine for several minutes, then switch it off and check the dipstick once again to ensure proper oil level. It is likely that you will have to add some more oil at this point.

Last, but not least, check under the vehicle for leaks - especially around the oil filter and sump drain plug.

Or the full link is

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/genericarticle.do?categoryId=8264013&contentId=6003180

 

[opus1]

I admit I didn't read the link itself, but now that I read the excerpt I agree that they must think we're complete idiots.

If the manual calls for 4.5 quarts, I add 4.5 quarts and then check the level after I take the vehicle off the ramps. Also, I find it easier to check for leaks when the vehicle is still on the ramps. But I guess it's not the Castrol way.....

 

[ThirdeYe]

Opus - Likewise, but usually I found it's best to add about a half quart less than what the manual states, then top off if needed. Usually putting in the level the manual states is overfilled for me. I'm sorry but i'm not going to push my car off the ramps and attempt some sort of dukes of hazzard entrance into my car and hit the brakes. I'll keep doing it the way i've been doing it, it hasn't caused any engine damage by starting it on the ramps for a minute to back it down.

 

[HawkeyeScott]

I usually get my wife to get in the car and hit the brake once it's down off the ramp. I figure it's the least she can do, especially when it's the oil in her car I'm changing. She doesn't mind. I think she's actually happy I don't ask her to do a bigger part of the job.

I agree with 3rdYe. I don't think pushing the car and then trying to jump in it is very bright. I've heard of too many people gettinig run over by tractors, etc. trying to do this. Granted, dying while changing oil would be a pretty good way to go. But if I die, who's going to enjoy that fresh oil and filter?

 

[Donald]

Is it best to leave the door open or closed, window open or closed as one is trying to jump in the car rolling off the ramps? Seems if your good at it you can leave the door closed.

 

[Tosh]

Quote:

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Castrol is correct. The proper procedure is to put the car into neutral. Step out to the vehicle front, then push it off the ramps.

Quickly jump back into the car and apply brakes before crashing into anything. Careful not to crush yourself in the process.

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I have to agree with Doitmyself in that Castrol has not thought out the consequences of their recommendation. As written, it implies that getting the car down from the ramps without starting the engine is the goal. The legal nannies have written themselves into a corner.