Oil Change

Replace engine oil and spin-on oil filter on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327ci V8, refilling with 5 quarts of 5W-30 conventional motor oil.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil filter (spin-on type) × 1 — AC Delco PF24 or equivalent
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 5W-30 Conventional Motor Oil — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Allow engine to warm to operating temperature, then shut off and wait 30 minutes for oil to cool slightly and drain back to pan.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands placed under the front frame rails.
5. Verify vehicle stability before working underneath.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate drain plug and position drain pan
   Locate the oil drain plug on the driver's side (left side) of the oil pan at the lowest point. Position the drain pan directly beneath the drain plug to capture the oil flow, accounting for approximately 12-18 inches of forward stream as oil initially exits under pressure.
2. 2

   Remove oil drain plug
   Using a 15/16" box wrench or socket, loosen the oil drain plug by turning counterclockwise. Remove the plug completely by hand for the final few turns, pulling it away quickly to avoid the oil stream. Allow oil to drain completely for at least 5 minutes until flow reduces to occasional drips. Inspect the drain plug threads and sealing surface for damage.
   ⚠Oil will flow quickly once plug is removed. Keep hands and arms clear of the drain stream.
3. 3

   Remove old oil filter
   Locate the spin-on oil filter on the driver's side of the engine block, near the distributor. Reposition the drain pan beneath the filter. Using an oil filter wrench, turn the filter counterclockwise to loosen and remove it. Expect approximately one cup of residual oil to drain from the filter. Allow to drain completely.
   ℹ️The filter housing may be hot. Use caution when gripping the filter body.
4. 4

   Prepare engine block and drain plug
   Wipe the oil filter mounting surface on the engine block with a clean rag, ensuring the old filter gasket has been completely removed and no debris remains. Clean the drain plug threads and sealing surface with a clean rag. Discard the old crush washer and install a new crush washer onto the drain plug.
5. 5

   Install oil drain plug
   Thread the drain plug with new crush washer into the oil pan by hand until it seats. Using a torque wrench and 15/16" socket, tighten the drain plug to 35.0 Nm (26.0 lb-ft). Verify the plug is secure and the crush washer is properly compressed.
   Torque spec

   Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Prepare and install new oil filter
   Apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the rubber gasket on the new oil filter using your finger. This ensures proper sealing and prevents gasket damage during installation. Thread the new filter onto the engine block mounting stud by hand, turning clockwise until the gasket makes contact with the mounting surface. Continue turning by hand an additional 3/4 turn past gasket contact (approximately 270 degrees). Alternatively, use a torque wrench to tighten to 20.0 Nm (15.0 lb-ft).
   ℹ️Do not use an oil filter wrench for installation. Hand tightening plus 3/4 turn or torque wrench application is sufficient and prevents gasket damage.
   Torque spec

   Oil Filter (Spin-On)20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Lower vehicle and add engine oil
   Lower the vehicle from jack stands and remove jack stands. Remove the oil filler cap located on the driver's side valve cover. Using a funnel, pour 4.5 quarts of 5W-30 conventional motor oil into the engine. Replace the oil filler cap.
8. 8

   Start engine and check for leaks
   Start the engine and allow it to idle for 30-60 seconds. Observe the oil pressure gauge or warning light to confirm oil pressure has built up normally (gauge should read 30-40 psi at idle when warm, or oil warning light should extinguish within 5 seconds). Shut off the engine. Immediately inspect under the vehicle for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are present, correct before proceeding.
   ⚠If the oil pressure warning light remains illuminated after 5 seconds or the gauge shows no pressure, shut off the engine immediately and investigate the cause before continuing.
9. 9

   Check and adjust oil level
   Wait 2-3 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan. Remove the dipstick (located on the passenger side of the engine block), wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then remove it again and check the oil level. The level should be between the ADD and FULL marks. Add oil in 0.25 quart increments if needed to bring the level to the FULL mark. Do not overfill.
10. 10

    Final inspection and documentation
    Reinstall the dipstick fully. Start the engine again and let it reach normal operating temperature. Shut off the engine and perform a final inspection underneath for any leaks at the drain plug and filter. Wipe away any spilled oil from the engine and frame. Record the mileage and date of the oil change for maintenance records.

Reassembly

1. Ensure oil filler cap is securely installed on the valve cover.
2. Verify dipstick is fully seated.
3. Dispose of used oil and filter at a certified recycling center or automotive parts store that accepts used oil.

Verification

• Oil level on dipstick reads at or near the FULL mark when checked on level ground with engine off for 2-3 minutes.
• No oil leaks visible at drain plug or oil filter after running engine to operating temperature.
• Oil pressure gauge shows normal pressure (30-40 psi at idle, 50-60 psi at 2000 RPM when warm) or oil warning light remains off during operation.
• Engine runs smoothly with no unusual noises related to oil starvation.

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