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Hey guys here is a step by step idiot’s guide to performing an oil and filter change on the Nissan SR20DET engine. I did this example on my 1994 180sx.

What will you need?
- Socket set
- SR20DET replacement oil filter
- 4/5 litres of fully synthetic oil of your choice (I went for Halfords 5w-50 fully synth)
- Some kind of oil collector (I bought a 5 quid Halfords can)
- Halfords ‘the claw’ oil filter removal tool
- Trolley jack
- Your car with an SR20DET engine

Instructions
- Jack your car up from the front
I drove onto bricks as my bumper is too low, and I used the big crossmember behind the engine to use as a jacking point.

- Undo the sump plug and put the oil collector below where it spills to catch your used oil
The SR20DET sump plug bolt is 14mm, be carefully not to thread this when you undo it as it will cause you some problems if you do!

- Drain your engine of all of its used oil
Consider jacking it down to get every last bit out of the engine

- Refit your sump plug
Do it up tight but do not over tight. Be careful not to thread!

- Remove the oil filter
The oil filter is located directly underneath the inlet manifold. This is very hard to get access so use the oil filter removal tool that you purchased from Halfords or borrowed from your mate. Use the tool attached to a strong ratchet as pictured below and unscrew the oil filter. All you need to do is break the seal and then you can unscrew it by hand. Make sure a tray or something is underneath the oil filter on the ground so you don’t stain your friends driveway like I did.

- Attach your new oil filter
This is very straight-forward just smear some fresh oil over the connecting face of the filter and then screw it into place on the side of the block. Do it up hand tight but no more.

- Unscrew the oil cap on the rocker cover and put in approx 3 litres of the new oil into the engine. Let this settle and take at least 3 readings of the level from the dipstick. Top up until you are just under ‘max’
Be sure to try not to spill any oil onto your rocker cover.

- Be sure all caps are sealed, the oil filter is locked in place and the sump plug is tight then start the engine
Hey presto your all done! No more of this for another few thousand miles!