Miata Mailing List: August 1992, Message #23
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   From: (none)
Subject: Oil Changes
   Date: (none)

Hello Miata aficionados,

    I have a 91 Blue B package, and I recently had my oil changed
at Jiffy Lube.  (That's right, I let some one else do the work.  Whenever
I work on a car, I break something else, usually something more expensive).
I have a few questions for everyone.

    First of all, what are your thoughts on oil changes at these chain
service centers?  I've been taking various cars to these for some years
now and never had any problems.  I always watch what they are doing and
I always bring my own filter from the dealer.

    Also, the service guy there told me about something new they introduced.
They replace your drain plug with a special plug ($9.95).  This plug has
a special valve that they can attach a suction tube to.  When you have
your oil changed, they attach a hose and apply suction to suck all of the
oil and gunk out of the oil pan.  They say that it sucks all of
the dirty oil out of the engine.  The drain plug can be removed just like
any normal drain plug.  It sounds like a good idea if what they say
is true, but I'm concerned that the suction could damage the engine
or that the plug may leak.  Do any of you have any more details about
this process?  Is it recommended?  Should it be avoided like the plague?
Is this just another gimmick for customers to spend money?

Thanks in advance for your responses,
Tim Kelley
tkelley@sunny.dab.ge.com