I have for the most part changed oil in our vehicles since 1968, however when I purchased a 2007 Buick Lucerne, the front spoiler was too low to use the existing drive on metal ramps that I have used for many, many decades.

Therefore I had to go to plan B; either purchase another set of ramps for a low profile vehicle or have someone else change the oil/filter and we are getting to my short story.  I used the services of Tony Barber since then and totally pleased with his service, however, he recently closed his shop.

After looking at the prices and reviews of low profile (long taper) drive on ramps, I finally decided that I would purchase a pair of drive on ramps via Amazon (BISupply Vehicle Service Ramp Set – 6.6in Car Lift, 5 Ton Heavy Duty Truck Ramps for Vehicle Maintenance, 2 Pack) and do the oil/filter changes myself.  I continued to do the oil changes in an ole 1997 Ford Min-Cab Ranger using the metal drive on ramps and this should not be a problem for the Buick Lucerne.

I received the drive on ramps on 07-08-2022, of which was delivered to the wrong address, two house up the road from us and received a call that my package was at their house.  It had been raining and the package was very heavy, but the lady did drag it onto her porch.  I was hoping the ramps would work ok, since if I had to return them back to Amazon, the shipping package was soaking wet, like wet noodles.

Now finally getting back into my story, I got everything set up early on 07-09-2022 and the ramps worked great; the spoiler cleared the front of the ramps by several inches.  I was also able to get my thick profile (grin if you must) underneath the engine to access the oil pan, etc.

As stated earlier, this should not be a problem being routine car maintenance, however things have a way of not going 100 percent as expected which is a part of life for sure.  I give God, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Praise, Honor and Glory in all things!

I have only minimal tools in metric sizes and the oil pan plug took a 13mm socket, however the oil pan was so close to the transmission fluid pan, I was not able to get the shallow well 13mm socket onto the bolt.  I finally had to purchase a 13mm open end wrench and was wanting a 6 point wrench, but had to settle for a 12 point wrench.  I was not able to budge the oil pan bolt and had to get a lineman's hammer and tap the end of the wrench until the bolt finally started moving.  Yes, I said a prayer for our Lord to help out on this issue and he came through indeed!  After that, everything went fairly well until I noticed that the right rear tire was about half flat.  It was not half flat the first time I drove the vehicle onto the ramps, or (I simply didn't notice it) since I used a piece of stove wood as a scotch for that tire, therefore the tire must have gotten something in it during the trip to the parts house to obtain the 13mm open end wrench.

Tony Barber when changing engine oil on a vehicle, he used an overhead lift and was able to get some torque applied to the oil pan bolt while standing.  Well, that sounds like a good excuse for myself not being able to loosen the bolt (not wanting to lose man points) without some added assistance from the lineman's hammer while lying on my back!

After crawling out from under the vehicle, I sat up and got off balance and just went to my left, letting gravity take over until I settled on the pavement without any injuries, other than a little loss of pride......another grin is in order and Yes, I grinned at myself.  I am sure the date on my birth certificate has a lot to do with such personal antics!

While changing the oil/filter, ants were having a feast on my back and sides since I was lying directly on the asphalt pavement.  My bad for sure since I have some cardboard and could have used it as a barrier, but that is the way it goes sometimes.  Later, when I shaved and took my daily shower, my bride counted five (5) places the ants had their lunch and she applied some Red Oil aka Jesus oil to the places which helped subside the pain.

After changing the oil and filter, resetting the gauge that monitors the remaining oil life, I will keep an eye on the right rear tire pressure. The tires have some age and wear and will order tires as soon as possible from Danny Bowers and get them put on.  I checked the condition of the cabin and regular engine air filters which are not that old and used the air hose on them.

NOTE:  I called Danny Bowers at Moore's Garage where I purchase my tires and he stated that he had a stroke last month, not working since and is improving and I believe was still in the hospital.  I told him I would be praying for him and have him on our prayer list!  I will have to go to plan B on getting tires.

PICTURES

Everything needed except a 13mm open end wrench.  I need to purchase a set of metric wrenches, but guess I am too frugal.

As stated earlier, the drive on low profile ramps worked great giving enough clearance to get under the vehicle.  There was some haze about and/or my camera lens had a little moisture on it.  Our home is located at the end on a dead end street, therefore no problem or bother with excess traffic to interfere with the oil/filter change.

With all the shade in the above pix, it is easy to ascertain where the term "shade tree mechanic" came from.  Our Pastor Sam Abee uses the term "Shade Tree Warriors."  With all the technology in newer vehicles with a bunch of functions controlled by computer chips, the shade tree mechanic is becoming a relic of the past.  I remember being able to sit on the fender well of my 1964 Chevrolet Biscayne and 1973 GMC truck while changing out the spark plugs since there was plenty of extra room under the hood; not anymore!  

I need to dust the engine cover off for sure!

MEMORIES FROM THE PAST

While doing this short story, it brought back a few memories when my bride aka Joyce and myself use to drive from Wadesboro, NC to Norfolk, VA and back while I was still in the U S Navy in 1968.  Back then, when you purchased gas, the attendant would most of the time pump your gas, clean your windows and check the oil, etc. of your car.  Those days are now long gone.  I remember a time or two when the service attendants would show you the engine oil dip stick that the engine oil was about one (1) quart low in hopes of selling you some high dollar oil.  I believe I would respond that I ran the engine a little low on oil.  What the attendant would do was place his finger between the handle portion he was holding making the oil level to show low because the dip stick would not go into the tube the full length.  I know this for a fact, because I would check the oil level before leaving home..........grin if you must!

GASOLINE PRICES

Back in 1968, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was .34 cents per gallon!  When Joe Biden took office in January 2021, the lowest price of regular gasoline in North Carolina was  $ 2.10 per gallon and has more than doubled in price since he took office!  Read my STUPACRATS short story.

The Demoncrats are definitely destroying America, desiring to turn our country into a socialist country for sure!

Web page published by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 07-09-2022.

ORDERED TIRES FROM WADESBORO TIRE & AUTO SERVICE

On 07-11-2022, I ordered tires from Wadesboro Tire and Auto Service and the lady said they should be in tomorrow.  In the mean time, I will stay put not wanting to put the spare "Donut" tire on the vehicle unless absolutely necessary.  I definitely need to pay closer attention to tire wear on the ole Buick!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 07-1-2022.

UPDATE ON TIRES

Wadesboro Tire & Auto Service installed the tires on 07-12-2022 and they were certainly busy.  I talked with Don Phillips who is retired and his bride who were getting tires.  Don was an appliance repairman for Sears and definitely knew his way around appliances for sure!  He did the warranty repairs on our Washers and Dryers over the years until he retired and didn't mind showing you how the repairs were done either.  I believe he also installed a valve and/or replacement water line on our refrigerator/freezer which was made by Amana.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 07-12-2022.

CHANGED OIL & FILTER BUICK LUCERNE

I changed the oil & filter in the Buick Lucerne on 10-16-2023 and while doing so noticed water droplets coming from around the pulley of the water pump.  The original water pump was changed by Tony Barber on 11-27-2017 and has lasted close to 30K miles.  I don't remember where I purchased the rebuilt water pump from.

I contacted Joey McCormick of McCormick Automotive in Lilesville, NC and will drop the car off on Thursday (10-19-2023) to have the water pump replaced.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-17-2023.

LEAVING ON A SPIRITUAL NOTE

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please take this moment to accept him by Faith into your Life, whereby Salvation will be attained.   

Ephesians 2:8 - 2:9 8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Open this link about faith in the King James Bible.