Changing the oil in a 1993 Chevy Silverado K1500 4X4 can be completed in a few easy to follow steps. Before beginning the oil change, there are a couple important things to know. In order to remove the most amount of waste oil from the engine, it should be slightly warm. However, it's important to note that you should never attempt to change the oil if the engine is hot. Doing this can cause severe burns if it comes in contact with your skin. Running the engine for no more than three minutes is recommended.
While changing the oil in the vehicle, ensure that any and all spills are tended to immediately using your extra rags or absorbent material. Allowing oil to absorb into the cement or ground is against the law in many states and can work its way into the water table. Once all components are together and preparation is complete, you can begin the oil change.
Park the vehicle on a level paved surface free from debris. A level surface is extremely important to get all waste oil out of the oil pan.
Locate the oil pan drain plug. Open and place the waste oil container under the vehicle, so that once the oil pan drain plug is removed the oil flows into the container without spilling.
Check the temperature of the oil pan before continuing. It should be lukewarm to the touch; otherwise wait until it cools enough to touch without concern.
Use the crescent wrench or socket set to loosen and remove the oil pan drain plug. Ensure you have the extra rags or spill absorbent material within reach in case the waste oil container is not positioned properly. The stream of the waste oil should be poured directly into the center of the oil container. Monitor the flow of the oil.
Adjust the position of the waste container as necessary to ensure no spills occur as the stream of oil diminishes. Once the oil has come to a very slow drip, re-install the drain plug and tighten.
Locate the oil filter attached to the lower left (drivers side) toward the rear of the engine from under the vehicle. Re-position the waste oil container directly under the oil filter.
Use the oil filter wrench or by hand, loosen and remove it. Quickly place it into the waste container and allow to drain completely. Ensure any spills are immediately cleaned up the with extra rags or absorbent material.
Place the filter into a sealable plastic bag once it has completely drained into the waste container. Secure the waste oil container and discard both as appropriate by local laws.
Remove the new oil filter from the box. Place one to two drops of waste oil on he rubber O-ring. Spread oil around the surface of the O-ring until thoroughly covered.
Install the new filter onto the engine. The filter should be hand tightened and do not over tighten. Over tightening can cause the threads inside the filter to strip and not allow the filter to stay securely attached to the engine.
Locate and remove the oil filler cap on the valve cover located on the driver's side of the engine. Place the funnel into the opening of the valve cover and slowly add the new oil into the funnel. Once complete, remove the funnel and re-install the cap.
Verify that the oil pan drain plug and oil filter are both tight and no oil is leaking. Locate the oil dip stick on the passenger side rear of the engine. Remove and check that the oil level is above the operating range.
Start the engine and let idle for three minutes then shut off. Wait another five minutes before checking the oil level again. The excess oil from the previous reading will have filled the oil filter during the idle and should now read in the normal operating range.
