1991 Subaru Legacy Oil and filter change

Collect the tools you'll need

Drain bolt wrench, drain-pan, jack, jack-stands, rags, filter-pliers, cardboard, funnel, gloves

For Subaru specifically, I'll be using a black Tokyo Roki LFS706 factory filter, sold by a Subaru as part # 15208AA100 with a new crush washer

Jack up the front of the car from the centre jack point if you have a hydraulic jack

Put jack-stands under pinch welds before gently lowering the car onto them

Check the stability of the stands before getting under the vehicle

Check your drain pan is empty and clean it out as required

Raise the hood/bonnet and open the filler cap to assist draining

Place the drain pan under the car

Climb under the car using your cardboard or a creeper

Remove the drain bolt slowly, adjusting the catch pan as it starts to flow to avoid spillage

Wait for the oil to flow from the engine

Clean the bolt

Remove the old crush washer if you have a new one

Fit the new crush washer onto the bolt

Clean the bolt mating flange on the cars oil pan

Put the bolt back into the engine and tighten to the suggested spec

Carefully adjust the now-full catch pan under the oil filter

Remove the old oil filter, using pliers or a wrench if required

I like large oil filter pliers, as they can be used also for brake jobs

The filter will be full of oil so place on your drain pan or carefully upright if your pan has no place for it

After the car mounting flange stops dripping a lot, prepare the new filter with a smear of oil on its gasket

Wipe down the mounting flange on the engine, and screw on the new filter by hand, 3/4 of a turn past when it touches the gasket

Carefully slide the now-full catch pan from under the car

Lift the car slightly and pull away the jack stands

Carefully lower the car to the ground

Push the front of the car down a few times to reset the suspension

If your drain pan has gradations you can guess approximately how much oil to put in

Or if your manual has a listing

My car takes AROUND 4.5 litres

Using a funnel, pour in 3.5 litres or so

Check the dipstick with your rag

Fill until near top of range on dipstick

Re-check there are no loose tools or rags in the engine bay, and start the engine for 10 to 20 seconds

After running the car for a few seconds, turn it off

Check the level again

The oil filter should be full now, so the level might be lower

Top up as required

Check under the car for leaks

If you used all your oil you should be able to use the empty bottle to put the used oil in

Funnel and lots of patience to transfer the oil from the catch pan to the empty bottle

You can drop off the old oil at car part places or some mechanics

Run the car around the block or so to get a temperature cycle and recheck level and leaks

DONE