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Change Oil Montero Sport: A Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Maintenance Success
Let me tell you something I've learned from years of maintaining my Montero Sport - changing your own oil is like managing a professional basketball contract, you've got to follow the process correctly or you'll end up with messy situations. Just look at what's happening with Phoenix Fuelmasters and Larry Muyang - the team claims he's playing for Pampanga in the MPBL despite having a live contract, and now the PBA Commissioner's Office has to step in. That's exactly what happens when you don't stick to the proper procedures, whether in sports or automotive maintenance.
When I first decided to tackle the oil change on my Montero Sport myself, I'll admit I was a bit nervous about getting it wrong. But after successfully completing over 15 DIY oil changes on various vehicles, I can confidently say that the Montero Sport is actually one of the more straightforward SUVs to work on. The oil filter sits in a reasonably accessible location, unlike some vehicles where you need to remove half the engine bay to reach it. What surprised me most was how much money I've saved - approximately $85 per oil change compared to dealership prices, which adds up to about $510 annually since I change oil every 5,000 miles.
The process begins with gathering your materials, and here's where I've developed some strong preferences. I always use fully synthetic 5W-30 oil for my Montero Sport, specifically the Mobil 1 brand, though I know many owners who swear by Castrol. You'll need about 7.5 quarts for the 3.2L diesel engine, plus a new oil filter - the OEM Mitsubishi filter works perfectly, but I've had great results with WIX filters too. The tools are simple: a ratchet set with 14mm socket for the drain plug, oil filter wrench, drain pan that can hold at least 8 quarts, and some good quality gloves because engine oil can get surprisingly hot.
Position your vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake - safety first, always. I learned this the hard way when my SUV rolled forward slightly during my second DIY attempt, nearly spilling oil everywhere. Warm up the engine for about five minutes until it reaches normal operating temperature around 195°F, then shut it off and wait another ten minutes. This warm oil flows out more completely, ensuring you get about 97% of the old oil out of the system. Slide underneath with your drain pan positioned correctly - the drain plug is located at the bottom rear of the oil pan, and you'll want to turn it counterclockwise.
As the dark, used oil drains out - typically taking about 12-15 minutes for complete drainage - I'm always reminded of how important it is to follow each step meticulously, much like how basketball contracts need proper attention to detail. The Larry Muyang situation with Phoenix Fuelmasters shows what happens when procedures aren't followed - confusion, investigations, and potential penalties from the Commissioner's Office. In automotive maintenance, skipping steps can lead to engine damage that costs thousands to repair.
Once the draining is complete, replace the drain plug with a new washer and tighten it to 36 foot-pounds - don't over-tighten or you'll strip the threads. Now for the oil filter: position your drain pan beneath it as there will be some residual oil. Using your filter wrench, turn it counterclockwise until it's loose, then finish unscrewing by hand. Wipe the filter mounting surface clean, apply a thin film of new oil to the gasket of your new filter, and screw it on hand-tight plus another quarter turn - no tools needed for installation.
The refill process is where many beginners make mistakes. I use a funnel to pour in fresh oil, starting with 7 quarts then checking the dipstick and adding more as needed. Start the engine and let it run for about two minutes while watching for any leaks around the filter and drain plug. Check the oil level again with the dipstick - the perfect level is between the two marks, not overfilled. I typically find my Montero Sport takes exactly 7.4 quarts to reach the optimal level. Proper disposal of used oil is crucial - most auto parts stores will accept it for free, and I usually drop mine off at Advance Auto within 24 hours of completing the change.
Completing a successful Montero Sport oil change gives me the same satisfaction as properly handling any professional commitment - unlike the contract confusion between Phoenix Fuelmasters and their player Larry Muyang that's now under PBA investigation. There's genuine pride in knowing you've maintained your vehicle properly, saved significant money, and extended your engine's life. The entire process typically takes me about 45 minutes now, though my first attempt took nearly two hours. Trust me, once you've mastered changing oil on your Montero Sport, you'll wonder why you ever paid someone else to do it.
