One of the easiest and most worthwhile tasks pilots can perform to maintain their airplanes is changing an engine’s oil and filter. It’s allowed by the FAA under the preventive maintenance provisions of FAR Part 43 Appendix A, it usually doesn’t require special skills and typically can be accomplished by one person in less than an hour, depending on what’s involved in gaining access to the drain plug and filter mounting. If you’ve changed your car’s or lawn mower’s engine oil, there’s little else involved, and you already have the experience you need.
As the FAA requires, you should have “approved data” to ensure you perform this task using the correct oil and filter, and proper torque values. You’ll obviously need enough fresh oil to replenish the engine, a new filter, any gaskets or gasket lubricant required, a wrench to loosen the old filter and secure the new one, and some safety wire, along with safety-wire pliers to install it. Depending on the aircraft, a hose, drain pan and repository for used engine oil likely will come in handy. We’ve found draining oil from a warm engine has better results. You may also want to send out an oil sample for analysis, so you’ll need a kit from the lab doing the work.
