Oil Change

Replace engine oil and oil filter on the 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10, including drain plug crush washer replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil filter × 1 — Mopar 4884899 or equivalent spin-on filter
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 10W-30 conventional engine oil — 11 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. If engine is warm, allow to cool for at least 30 minutes.
4. Raise front of vehicle using jack and support securely on jack stands at designated lift points.
5. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate drain plug and filter
   Position yourself under the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan at the rear. The spin-on oil filter is mounted on the driver's side of the engine block, accessible from underneath.
2. 2

   Position drain pan
   Place oil drain pan directly beneath the drain plug. Position the pan slightly toward the rear to account for oil stream trajectory when plug is removed. Ensure pan has at least 12 quart capacity.
3. 3

   Remove drain plug
   Using a 19mm socket or wrench, loosen the drain plug by turning counterclockwise. Once loose, carefully unscrew by hand for the last few turns. Remove the plug quickly and allow oil to drain completely. This will take several minutes due to the large oil capacity. Inspect the drain plug threads and sealing surface for damage.
4. 4

   Remove old oil filter
   While oil is draining, reposition the drain pan beneath the oil filter. Using an oil filter wrench, turn the filter counterclockwise to remove. Be prepared for residual oil to spill from the filter. Remove the filter completely and verify the rubber gasket came off with the filter and is not stuck to the engine block mounting surface.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Wipe the oil filter mounting surface on the engine block clean with a shop rag. Clean the drain plug and inspect the drain plug hole in the oil pan, removing any debris or old gasket material.
6. 6

   Install new drain plug washer
   Discard the old crush washer from the drain plug. Install a new crush washer onto the drain plug, ensuring it seats properly in the recessed area of the plug head.
7. 7

   Install drain plug
   Thread the drain plug with new crush washer into the oil pan by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once seated, torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Prepare 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 the gasket from sticking during the next oil change.
9. 9

   Install new oil filter
   Thread the new oil filter onto the mounting boss by hand, turning clockwise. Once the gasket makes contact with the mounting surface, continue tightening by hand until snug, then turn an additional 3/4 turn. Do not use the oil filter wrench for installation.
   Torque spec

   Oil Filter (Spin-On)20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and add oil
    Lower the vehicle from jack stands. Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Remove the cap and insert a funnel. Pour in approximately 10 quarts of the manufacturer-specified engine oil (10W-40 per factory specification for the 8.0L V10) initially, reserving the final quart for topping off after checking level.
11. 11

    Check oil level
    Wait 2 minutes for oil to settle. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert fully, then remove and check level. Add additional oil in small increments until level reaches the full mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill. The total capacity is 11 quarts.
12. 12

    Start engine and check for leaks
    Install the oil filler cap securely. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Watch the oil pressure gauge to verify pressure builds within 5-10 seconds. Let engine run for 2-3 minutes while inspecting underneath for leaks at the drain plug and filter. Shut off engine.
13. 13

    Final level check
    Wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan. Recheck oil level with dipstick and add oil if necessary to reach the full mark. Verify oil filler cap is secured.

Reassembly

1. Dispose of used oil and filter at an approved recycling facility or auto parts store.
2. Reset the oil change reminder if equipped.

Verification

• Oil level reads at full mark on dipstick when checked on level ground after engine has been off for at least 5 minutes.
• No oil leaks visible at drain plug or oil filter after test run.
• Oil pressure gauge shows normal pressure at idle.
• Oil filler cap is secure and no oil visible on valve covers.

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