Question

Difficulty: MediumLubrication System

An automotive technician is performing a routine engine oil and filter replacement on a passenger vehicle. What is the correct sequence of steps to perform this service properly from beginning to end?

  1. 1Position a catch pan beneath the engine, remove the oil drain plug, and allow the used oil to drain completely from the pan.
  2. 2Unthread the old oil filter, apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the new filter's rubber O-ring gasket, and thread the new filter on until seated hand-tight.
  3. 3Reinstall and torque the oil pan drain plug, then pour the recommended volume and viscosity of fresh motor oil into the engine filler neck.
  4. 4Start the engine to circulate oil and verify the oil pressure warning light turns off, then shut off the engine and check the dipstick to verify the final level.

Answer

The correct sequence is: (1) Position a catch pan and remove the drain plug to drain the used oil, (2) Replace the oil filter while lubricating the new gasket, (3) Reinstall the drain plug and fill the engine with fresh oil, and (4) Run the engine briefly to prime the system and verify the final level with the dipstick.
A standard engine lubrication service must follow a logical sequence to protect engine components and prevent fluid loss. First, the contaminated oil is drained from the oil pan while warm. Second, the oil filter is replaced, making sure the new rubber gasket is lubricated with clean oil to prevent tearing upon installation. Third, the drain plug is reinstalled and torqued to specification before pouring in the specified amount of fresh motor oil. Finally, the engine is started to build oil pressure and prime the dry filter canister, after which the engine is shut off to allow oil to settle for an accurate final dipstick reading.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evacuate the used engine oil.
Contaminated engine oil drains into the catch basin.
Old oil containing suspended soot, acid, and metal particles must be completely removed before servicing the rest of the circuit.
2
Install the replacement oil filter.
The old filter is removed and a new filter with a pre-lubricated rubber gasket is secured hand-tight.
Applying clean oil to the new filter gasket prevents friction bunching during tightening, ensuring a proper seal against the engine block.
3
Seal the sump and refill with clean oil.
The drain plug is torqued into place and new multi-grade motor oil is poured into the crankcase.
Closing the sump prevents fresh oil from escaping onto the shop floor when filling the engine.
4
Pressurize the system and verify fluid level.
Oil pressure is confirmed on the instrument cluster, the filter media is primed, and the dipstick confirms proper capacity.
The new filter holds a significant volume of oil; circulating fluid before the final dipstick check ensures the engine is not underfilled during operation.

Key Concept

Engine Oil and Filter Service Procedure
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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