If you prop your G up on front wheel ramps to drain the oil and swap the oil filter, do you wait until it's refilled and on level ground before subsequent startup?

I recently did an oil change on another vehicle that I propped up with ramps. I refilled while still up on the ramps and restarted the vehicle. I noticed the low oil pressure light stay on for longer that I felt comfortable with. After thinking about it, the oil pump is in the front of the engine (for the G at least). If the car is on front wheel ramps the oil pump would be dry (i assume) from the drain. Is this something to consider? Or does the subsequent refill of oil flow past the pump chamber / sump and re-prime the pump? Or maybe the oil in the pump doesn't fully drain...and I'm over thinking this?

This never came to mind with my last vehicle cause I never propped it up for oil changes.

 

Just changed mine a couple weeks ago and I had it up on jack stands for refill and initial start. Didn't have any problems with it... the way I see it is you want it propped up still for that first start in case the pressure shows a leak in the filter/drain plug. If that were the case and you already had it lowered, you would need to prop it back up. While not very hard with ramps, it's kind of a pain with jack stands

 

Did you notice if the low oil pressure light stayed on longer than the usual? It usually comes on when you switch to ON to let you know that it is working.

On another note, the oil gravity drains back into the pan.

Maybe I should drive it up on ramps, change the oil and filter, then lower it with the jack....

Thanks for the reply.

 

No, I never had a low oil pressure light come on at all.

 

Don't be lazy. Drop the car back on level ground before refilling and checking oil level. Always.

 

do you need a new washer everytime u change the oil thats what the tech at infiniti said is that true

 

Yeah. your supposed to use a new copper crush washer everytime. Do I.. No but I do not reuse more than 1-2 times.

 

I have a 96 Maxima that I've never used a new crush washer on it in 14 years and it's never leaked a drop. However, you can buy a pack of 10 of them for $7 bucks online, so go ahead and buy them.

Drain Plug Washer - Oil Pan - 2000-2004 Xterra V6/SC - 10 Pack Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com

 

Roger that!

 

I've never replaced the copper washer, I would only replace it if I see cracks or if its damaged in any way.

I use ramps on my car and haven't had any issues with the light. The only thing I did notice was if you still have it up on the ramps, and refill with new oil, the dipstick will read as if you need an extra quart, when in-fact you have enough oil. 6 qrts.

 

Never replaced a washer on any vehicle.

Tip: always at least semi-fill the oil filter with new oil before installing it. That will keep the oil light from coming on and prevent the delay of fluids from reaching the engine.

 

Check it out next time you do your oil change. Observe the low oil pressure light on the start right after you fill, presumably while your car is up on ramps. I noticed the light stays on longer than it does on subsequent startups.

 

Yeah, I got one a 10-pack the first time I changed the oil so I just add a new one every time. The cost is so low, there's no reason not to. The manual says to replace it every time, might as well follow it on the (extremely small) chance something goes wrong without. I'm guessing the only risk would be a slow leak or something.

That said, I wonder if oil change shops (other than the dealership) always or ever bother to replace them. It certainly shouldn't keep you up at night if you choose not to.