Changing the oil is one of the times I can commune with my engine with the
cowl off. While the last dribbles run out of the engine I can take a close
look for loose wires, exhaust cracks etc. I would rather do it that way
than hassle with getting the plane to someone else to do the job. The
biggest challenge has been getting the filter safety wire on snugly, but now
I can do it without cutting it off and redoing it several times. Owner
maintenance is part of my satisfaction with owning an airplane.

--
Best Regards,
Mike

http://photoshow.comcast.net/mikenoel

I'm a uniter, not a divider. - GWB, 1999.

"Viperdoc" wrote in message
...
It all sounds like a lot of work, storing the used oil, taking it to the
dump (or having a large holding tank). My mechanic does an oil change with
10 qts and a new filter for around $125.00.

I can buy oil in bulk for around 3.50 a quart, and a filter is around
20.00 (as far as I remember). With his shop helper he can do the change in
an hour, while it takes me around twice as long doing it alone. Add in the
cost, time, and hassle of storing the used oil or going to the dump to get
rid of it, the price may just break even. (Three plus hours of time to do
the job and get rid of the oil may be worth the extra 55.00)

It is three hours that could be spent flying, sleeping, drinking beer, or
doing some other worthwhile activity like helping coach my son's hockey
team, etc.

I still favor the idea of driving down a rural road at night and dribbling
out a little at a time. It helps keep the dust down in summer. (at least
that's what they said when I saw them do it in a grass strip in Vermont,
where I learned to fly).