The first time I did mine, I got more on the driveway than in the drain pan.
It's best to puncture the top of the old filter dead-center in the middle with a punch or screwdriver. Than let it drain about 15 minutes before removing it.
You can pre-fill the new filter if you have a fat finger to cover the hole while you line the filter up to thread onto the base. If you're quick, you will lose a little oil anyway. If you're slow, you will lose it all.
Since you're going on a road trip to take it home, there are a couple of other things you really should check (or ask about):
- How many miles are on the timing belt? If it's over 60k, you're gambling. It's an "interference" engine. If it breaks, you will not get home, and you won't find anybody on the road who can repair it.
- There's an oil line that goes from the block to the back of the alternator. They get REALLY brittle, and if it breaks on the road, you will lose your engine oil really fast. They don't last long without oil. It's best to ASK the seller if this has been replaced, or if the alternator has ever been worked on. Simply MOVING this hose can crack it inside. You may want to take a new one with you and install it before the trip. PM me if you want to know who has them.
- The transmission needs motor oil in it. I think 5w40 is the recommended weight. Lots of them failed prematurely because owners used 90w gear lube. If you can't tell what it is, it's best to drain and fill it with 5w40. It takes 1.7 quarts.
And congrats on your purchase!
Jack
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'83 Isuzu P'up Diesel LS - Original Owner
JoeIsuzu@IsuzuPup.comIsuzuPup.com