Did my own oil change this weekend. Went about as planned. The oil (which was warm) really gushes out so if you haven't done this yet be prepared. I even left the fill cap on in hopes that it would slow the flow but nope. Had alot of splashing so you may want to spread some newspapers around and underneath your catch pan. A $3 14 flute filter wrench worked just fine. Torqued to specs from a previous article. Took right at 8.5 quarts of M1 0W40.

Here's the question: Where do you put the record of the oil change in the maintenance record book? Planned to keep the receipts and record the mileage and date but there doesn't seem to be a specific area for oil changes. How have all of you documented your DIY oil change?

I just write it in to one of the blanks in the service book (where the dealer normally stamps their service). I also keep track in my Cayman Club Track Logbook.

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I cut the top off the box the oil filter comes in, and I write the date, mileage, and the oil brand & weight on the back of it. If I do other fluids at the same time I record that too. This not only provides a record, but some tangible proof that the service was actually performed.

Receipts plus log/journal. Continued use provides credibility.

That is a great idea, I plan on doing the same. THANKS !

I keep a clip board with a lined pad in the garage. I record the dates that the CS was waxed, wheels pulled,cleaned, & waxed, & the seats treated with Lexol.
Also have a mileage schedule for oil changes,dealer service & cabin filters. When each is completed, I put the date & mileage next to it.
Also keep a list of any repairs by date & mileage..ie: clutch slave cylinder recall.
Not very high tech...but it works for me.

I too cut off the box top of the filter, keep reciepts of oil, date, time, etc. and attach as addendum to the maint record as I change the oil more frequently than factory recs.

I just did my first oil change this past weekend. I was stunned at how fast 0w-40 pours and runs. It's like olive oil, maybe thinner. When I was filling my car with oil, I really couldn't believe it. I actually called my wife over to see. "Sweetie.... Comer here.... Quick... Have you ever seen anything so weird.....?" (blank stare telegraphing the thoughts "You're freaking kidding me right....? You called me over here to watch you pour oil............?") OK, OK, so she wasn't that interested.....

I took an oil sample and sent it to Blackstone labs. For $22.95 they'll provide an analysis of the oil. That print out will be my documentation that I actually performed the change and when. Great idea on keeping the box top. I'm mad that I didn't think of that.....

I really enjoy working on my car and I am very capable of doing so. Regardless, I also made an appointment with my dealership to preform an annual check up (basically a first service minus the oil change and pollen filter, which I've already done). It seems my car is suffering an identity crisis. My car is a 2007, which should have a 2 year 20,000 mile service interval. Yet my service reminder is telling me "Service due in 17 days, 1,900 miles". I have just passed 10,000 miles. So it's warning me based on the 2008 intervals. Thats fine by me. I wouldn't have followed the 2007 schedule anyway.

I think it's important for our cars to visit home at least once a year so the experience Porsche techs can look for the obvious defects that I wouldn't know to look for, apply any Service Campaigns and/or software updates, reset the service reminder (which I could do myself with the Durametric software) etc... No to mention, that visit will also get me a stamp in my book and help me maintain a healthy relationship with my service department at a low cost.


Edit: BTW, I must add something. This was one of the easiest and most enjoyable oil changes I've done. No covers to remove, and the filter housing is very close to the drain plug and totally vertical, so any spillage goes right into the drain pan. I strongly recommend that anyone who wants to do their own oil change purchase the right tools, which consist of:

1. A good set of ramps
2. A drain pan
3. A decent torqure wrench (plug to 37 ft-lbs, filter housing to 19 ft-lbs)
4. An 8mm hex drive socket that will fit your torque wrench
5. An appropriate oil filter wrench/socket that will work with your filter housing and torque wrench

If you've got those things, there is no reason you can't change the oil in this car.

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I agree about how easy the oil change is!!! I did my 2008 today with 8K miles on it and it was so simple. I had a 914 (1974-1990) back before kids and it was a pain in the rear to get the filter off. The Cayman has everything right there and it's easily accessable!!! I do miss the gas mileage on my old 914 though!! But the Cayman is light years ahead of it performance wise!!

[quote=Gator Bite;274769][*]A decent torqure wrench (plug to 37 ft-lbs, filter housing to 19 ft-lbs)

QUOTE]

19 ft-lbs? Is that even hand tight?

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The spec is 25Nm (18.5 ft/lb) which is more than hand tight. Use a torque wrench to avoid over tightening which can damage the gasket or the plastic filter case.

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