2006 Chevy Impala 5.3L Oil Change

Do It Yourself (DIY) Oil Change 2006 Chevy Impala SS 5.3L V8


This post serves two purposes

  • Step by step guide to changing oil on a 2006 Chevy Impala SS 5.3L V8
  • Unlocking the truth about Amsoil.  Is it is as good as they say it is?  As an Amsoil Independent Dealer this is very important to me as I sell products to personal friends, co-workers, and family.

As of 6/16/2010 this car has 31,937 miles and has been running conventional oil change intervals of 3000 miles.  My customer is very busy. He operates a business full time, has two young children, married and likes to spend time doing things he enjoys on the weekend.  Currently he puts an average of 18,000 (he has not owned car since new) miles a year on his car.  With this kind of mileage he was changing oil 6 times a year, on the weekends at a lube center, when he would rather be spending time with his family. He is thrilled that he will have to only change once per year with the occasional top off – all backed with a warranty and an oil analysis.


What I Hope To Achieve?

  • Save my customer time and money by not changing oil six times per year. By doing so he will also be producing a lot less waste oil.
  • Using oil analysis at the end of one year roughly 18,000 miles. Take an oil sample and provide the results here online to show that Amsoil does last 17,500 -35,000 Miles or one year based on driving habits.
  • Show everyone that oil changes can surpass 3000 miles. GM Oil Monitoring Systems already recommend 5,000 -7,000 mile oil change intervals on conventional oil.  Is it really hard to believe a quality synthetic can go 17,500-35,000 miles before changing? (Keep in mind that you have to change the oil filter per manufacturers recommendation.)

2006_Chevy_Impala_V8_5.3L

2006 Chevy Impala SS 5.3L V8


Oil_Change_Mileage_And_date

6/16/2010 – Car with 31,937. I will be doing an oil analysis (read more at the end) and changing the oil 49,937 Miles or one year whichever comes first.



Amsoil_SSO_oil_Change_intervals

Here is the back of the Amsoil SSO 0W30 Full Synthetic Bottle. My customer will be following the severe service guidelines.  This is the Chicago area… All driving is severe!



Amsoil_EAO_32_Oil_Filter_Box

Here is the box for the Amsoil EAO 32 Oil Filter. It is a 1 Year 25,000 Mile filter.


  • Remove oil cap and pull out dipstick.  On some vehicles this may help the oil drain faster. It is also a nice reminder once you return the car to the ground that you still need to full it.
  • Jack up the car, and use jack stands to support the weight, or use drive on ramps. Never let the jack support the weight of the vehicle. Believe me jacks DO fail. In shops I have seen cars that were on professional lifts come down – this could be avoided by simply using the safeties that are built into these lifts.  As a do-it-your-selfer your safety is the jack stand! Here is what I did.. Place a 2×4 behind the right rear wheel.  Jack underneath the cradle (engine and transmission support that bolts to body) at the left front of the vehicle behind the front tire. My aplogies.. no pic Then I placed my jack stand near the front left of the cradle and lowered jack to allow stand to support weight of vehicle. I did not need to raise the right side because I had plenty of room to change the oil and filter lifting only one side.

13mm_snap_on_wrench

Once the car is up locate the engine oil drain plug.  For this application I used a 13mm Snap On wrench.  Any 13mm socket with ratchet or wrench will do. Not all tools are created equal. Most of the tools found at the big box hardware stores or Sears will do just fine.  Some of the cheaper brands break and strip out or round out the fastener you are trying to remove.  When this happens you usually need to pull out a pair of vice grips right after you bandage your bloody knuckle from slamming into a metal object.


oil_draining_and_oil_filter_wrench

Here you have a nice pic of the oil draining and an OK view of the oil filter with a oil filter wrench . Location – Front dead center underneath car.

What’s nice about this oil drain and oil filter location is that you can place the pan underneath both and remove at the same time.  Remember “righty tighty lefty loosy”


filling_Amsoil_eao32_oil_filter

While the oil is draining I take the time to fill the filter.

From the picture above you may have noticed the filter is installed in an upright position.  This is not always the case. This allows me to fill the oil filter prior to installing to get oil pressure quicker.  Many people do not do this and while it may not be necessary, or even possible on other cars it can not hurt so I choose to do it.


Full_amsoil_EAO32_oil_filter

Here you can see the oil filter is full.  You will also notice that I have applied oil to the black gasket.  This will help the filter seal, and more importantly make the filter easier to remove when it needs to be changed. BE SURE the filter you removed has the gasket attached to the filter before installing your new filter. Double gaskets will not work..I have to mention it because I have seen it done many times.. I have to admit I did it once or twice12 years ago when I started. This is why you always check for leaks before driving off!

The oil filter not to tight – contact – then another full turn should do.  You really should not need to use an oil filter wrench ( you may damage it) on a filter this small since your grip should be good.  Big trucks sometimes require a little help from an oil filter wrench.

Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil drain plug gasket at oil change.  This is rarely done, but if you feel that it is necessary most part stores will carry them. Obviously if the gasket is torn, missing, ripped etc… replace it.



oil_drain_pan

Here is the type of drain pan I recommend you use.  You can seal it at all ends which eliminates the need to fill bottles to take off to the local recycling center, just seal it up and put in it your car. (you may want to put it on a dirty towel, cardboard etc..) Always recycle your oil. Many parts stores will take the oil as well as most lube centers and repair shops



Impala_oil_refill_amsoil_sso_0W30

After lowering the car fill it up.  This car takes 6.1 Quarts.  I added 5 (already have some in the filter) to start with. Install cap and dipstick and start it up.  What you are looking for is your oil pressure light to go out on the dash (should happen real fast) and then go around to the front of the vehicle and peek for leaks.  If you have any leaks that are not residual leftovers from changing the oil turn it off immediately and find the source of the leak..  Did you tighten the oil filter? How about the drain plug?


Now that you have verified no leaks it would be a good time to reset the oil maintenance light and/or and fill out an oil change sticker.

To reset the oil maintenance light for this application you turn the key on (don’t start) press the gas pedal to the floor three times and the indicator should go back to 100% oil life.  This info is also in your owners manual.

Now that a few minutes have gone by you need to check the oil and add as necessary until you reach near the full mark.  For this car it was 6.1 quarts. Here you can find specs for oil fill, and drain plug torque specs for this application.


Amsoil_dipstick_tag



Now that the oil has been changed here is what I am going to do.

I will update any information that my customer gives to me.  Any concerns, testimonials, increase in MPG or anything that is relevant to this post.  I will also provide any info including date, mileage and amount of oil that needs to be added to make it 18,000 miles.  I know my customer will be changing to the Amsoil Ea Air Filter in the near future.  I will also post date and mileage when this happens.

To eliminate any skepticism regarding the oil analysis I have included a Poll that has three different oil analysis companies and I will let the viewers decide.

Vistiors Pick The Oil Analysis Company

I would really like this to be an open place for viewers to comment.  Also since this is a year long test you may forget to come back here to see what is happening.

You can book mark this page here.
Bookmark and Share

You can also place a comment and subscribe to updates This will keep you in the loop.  Comment Now

Increased Engine Efficiency With By-Pass Filtration

By-pass oil filtration introduces a high-capacity secondary filter to an engine’s lubrication cycle that is designed to eliminate nearly all contaminants in the oil. Though widely known that ultra-fine bypass filtration reduces engine wear and extends drain intervals, few know that its continued use can also increase engine efficiency.

During normal engine operation, tiny airborne dirt and internally generated metal particles elude even the most efficient full-fl ow oil filters. Wear particles can reduce fuel efficiency through a variety of scenarios.

Anti-wear Additive Depletion

Anti-wear additives guard against metal-to-metal contact if a full lubricating fi lm either does not develop or ruptures. These instances may occur at start-up or during periods of heavy load, especially in the contact areas between cam lobes and lifters, and piston rings and cylinder liners. In diesel applications, high wear particle levels in the oil can impair the performance of zinc anti-wear additives. Some industry research suggests that soot and dust particles display polar absorbencies that can “tie-up” anti-wear additives, hindering their ability to control friction, which leads to reduced fuel efficiency.

Energy Lost to Friction

Under normal engine operation, some of the energy created during the combustion process is lost to friction. However, when wear particles breech the clearance between moving parts and rupture the oil film, friction worsens. The problem especially affects the piston ring/cylinder wall contact areas where the oil film can be as thin as three microns.

Oil Thickening

Wear particles contribute to oil thickening, especially in diesel applications where soot is more prevalent. The thicker oil increases internal fluid heat, which can prematurely degrade oil additives and accelerate oxidation. Thicker oil also requires more fuel to circulate, reducing efficiency.

Stiction Losses

Particles can agglomerate with soot and sludge to create deposits in the microscopic clearances between valves and guides. Called stiction, the process interferes
with the timing of the port openings and closings, causing incomplete combustion and power loss.  Stiction can lead to burned valve seats and reduced fuel efficiency.

Combustion Efficiency Loss

Wear particles can scour away piston liners, cam lobes, piston rings and other engine parts, reducing combustion efficiency and causing the engine to burn more fuel to produce maximum horsepower. Wear in the valve train can disrupt timing and valve movement, while ring, piston and liner wear reduces volumetric compression and contributes to blow-by.

By-pass filtration that removes particles smaller than 10 microns directly correlates to reduced engine wear and optimum efficiency. In the article “Clean Oil Reduces Engine Fuel Consumption” on Machinery Lubrication magazine’s website, the author surveys a number of studies that confirm this. Studied over 50,000 miles of service, buses fitted with Cummins six-cylinder 8.3 liter turbocharged engines achieved 2 to 3 percent gains in fuel efficiency while operating with six-micron by-pass filtration. A second study of a six-cylinder diesel engine saw dramatic improvements after installing a by-pass filter rated 75 percent efficient at six microns: oil contamination dropped 98 percent, friction decreased 2.9 percent and fuel economy increased 5 percent.

98.7 Percent Efficiency at Two Microns

Offering even greater efficiency, AMSOIL Ea By-Pass Filters (EaBP) feature synthetic nanofiber media to reduce engine wear and increase engine efficiency. By filtering oil on a “partial-flow” basis, AMSOIL Ea By-Pass Filters draw approximately 10 percent of the oil pump’s capacity at any one time and trap the extremely small, wear-causing contaminants that full flow filters can’t remove, including 98.7 percent of wear particles two microns and larger (ISO 4548-12).
AMSOIL By-Pass Filtration Systems have a high pressure differential, causing the oil to flow through them very slowly and allowing for the removal of up to 39 percent of soot contaminants less than one micron (ISO 23556).

AMSOIL ACTION NEWS / JUNE 2010


Click Here to learn more about Amsoil EA Oil Bypass Filters and Bypass Filtration Systems

Aggrand Introduces New Product..Wildlife Food Plot Formula.Help Feed Your Grazing Animals Naturally. No Chemicals http://ping.fm/YgzEc

NEW PRODUCT! – Wildlife Food Plot Formula

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Wildlife Food Plot Formula

Natural Fertilizer 4-3-3

The Power of Food Plots

Just like humans, animals are healthier and feel better when they eat nutrient-rich foods. When wild animals are offered a food source that provides greater protein levels, they will favor that food source over others. That’s what makes food plots so powerful. Proper seed selection coupled with effective soil preparation greatly increases protein levels over natural forage. AGGRAND Natural Wildlife Food Plot Formula helps boost nutrient levels, including protein, by enhancing natural soil microbial activity while providing the primary, secondary and micro-nutrients plants need to flourish. Improved habitat and easy access to succulent, nutrient-rich food will help attract more wild game and help grow larger, healthier animals.

See Product Application Guide

See Pricing Information

See the Food Plot Formula Label for Treatment Rates (PDF)

Available Sizes:

(1) 2.5-gallon bottle (singles)

(2) 2.5-gallon bottles (twin-packs)

Food_Plot_Formula

Natural Wildlife Food Plot Formula

Sustainable Agriculture

Proper soil care is the root of sustainable agriculture. Chemical fertilization ignores the soil and feeds the plants themselves. Water-soluble nutrients are delivered plant-ready and are expended quickly, resulting in the need for additional fertilizer applications. Nutrients not immediately used by plants leech into groundwater, causing nitrification of drinking water. They can also runoff into waterways, causing algae blooms that result in hypoxic dead zones that can’t support aquatic life. In addition, chemical fertilizers that are high in salt are toxic to soil biology. Reduction of soil biology leads to compaction of soil and increased susceptibility to erosion. AGGRAND Natural Wildlife Food Plot Formula Fertilizer feeds the natural soil biology. Often referred to as the “livestock of the soil,” this army of soil life breaks down the components of AGGRAND Food Plot Formula into plant-available nutrients. Their steady release ensures nutrients remain in the soil to support growing plants. AGGRAND Natural Wildlife Food Plot Formula is manufactured from the finest natural ingredients available, including fish, bloodmeal, Norwegian kelp, sulfate of potash and a host of other essential natural ingredients for a truly excellent all-purpose product.

Increase Nitrogen Levels

Increased nitrogen levels in the soil result in increased soil microbial populations and increased nutrient uptake in crops for healthier, more resilient plants.

Milton Daily

Increase Sulfur Levels

Proper sulfur levels provide high levels of protein in seed crops, forages and legumes, producing crops animals prefer.

Feed Beneficial Micro-Organisms

Beneficial micro-organisms produce plant growth stimulants and can produce digestive enzymes that attack and kill undesirable fungal pathogens, resulting in larger, healthier plants.

Increase Potassium Levels

Potassium enables efficient use of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, regulates plant tissues and fluids and is a prime requirement in chlorophyll construction, resulting in more of the large, nutrient-rich plants that animals prefer.

Increase Phosphorus Levels

Phosphorus is important in flower, seed and fruit development, essential for vigorous growth of plant reproductive parts and facilitates efficient energy storage and transfer. That means plants produce more seeds and fruit, providing more for wildlife to eat and allowing plants to re-seed themselves for better-established stands of vegetation.


Effective Delivery

Fine particle size and liquid application ensure rapid penetration to plants’ root zones, ensuring crops get the nutrients they need for optimum growth. AGGRAND Food Plot Formula is effective for use in both foliar and soil applications.

AGGRAND State Registration List (52k PDF).

MSDS: AGGRAND Wildlife Food Plot Formula ( PDF – coming soon)