Oil Change for Mazda 5 2010

Dave loves to work on cars.  Here is a simple project of oil change for our 2010 Mazda 5.

Here is a list of Material we used:
1.  Blitz oil pan
2.  1 unit of Fram oil filter TG3614
3.  4 Quarts (4 bottles) of 5W-20 Oil (we used Valvoline)
4.  Wheel Blocks to put to the back tires to prevent car from moving

Related:  Mobil 1 M1-102 Extended Performance Oil Filter

 Basic procedures would be:
1.  Put the Wheel Blocks on the back tires
2.  Jack up the car and make sure it is secured.
3.  Time to go underneath the car.
4.  The oil and the oil filter both are covered underneath the Mazda5.
5.  So, remove the plastic cover.
6.  Position the oil pan
7.  Unscrew the drain plug to let old oil flow into the oil pan.
8.  After it's done, put the plug back in.
9.  Move the oil pan under the oil filter.
10.  Unscrew the oil filter.
11.  Put new oil around the rim of the new oil filter.
12.  Screw the new oil filter back on.
13.  Put the plastic cover back.
14.  Lower the car.
15.  Fill the engine with 4 quarts of the new 5W-20 Oil.
16.  Check the oil level.
17.  Start the engine to run for about a minute, to fill the new oil filter with oil.
18.  Check the oil level again.
19.  If all good, engine oil is good to go, but good idea to check other fluid level also, like the transmission oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid.

Related: Genuine Mazda Accessories KD33-V1-350 Cargo Cover
 
Take a look at the video for step by step instruction!

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Simple Method to Clean Clogged Drain

Have you ever come across a slow drain?  Most of us probably have experienced that!  Lots of times, the hair would get down the drain and you wonder how come the drain is getting slower and slower!  That is because the hair has clogged up the drain.

There is a simple tool called Zip-It Drain Cleaning Tool you could use to get this unclog very easily.

The following video Dave is going to show you how to use Zip-It to unclog a slow drain in the bathroom sink.  

Cobra Products 400 Zip-It Drain Cleaning Tool 

Thank you for watching!  We hope this little video is useful!  Please send us comments and suggestions.  We love to hear your tips and tricks!

In-home Pond Water Treatment System Explained

Recently, we have visited Dave's family in the farm land of northwest Ohio.   They lives on a farm.  Beautiful wide space, and miles and miles of open space.  Very peaceful and great atmosphere!

Dave's brother has a man-made pond.  It's is 16 feet deep, collecting rain water and melted snow.  To reserve, reuse and recycle, his brother has built a in-home water treatment system to purify the water, for usage and consumption.  Essentially it is a mini version of the big scale water treatment system that the city uses.

We have made this video that Dave explains how the system works!  Enjoy!

DIY: Remove and install Garbage Disposal

So, our garbage disposal has been down for a while, finally, Dave got time to get it done!

First, the list of material - 

The InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Household Food Waste Disposer 

InSinkErator CRD-00 Power Cord Kit

Stain Free Plumbers Putty

Drain Pipes (if needed)

Budget : ~ $250

Project Time : About 4 hours

This how-to video is about 30 minutes long, it's in great details, but not very good quality.  It shows how Dave remove the old disposal and install the new one, with tips and tricks along the way!

Hope you enjoy the video and hope it's helpful!  Please drop us a line with your feedback!  Thank you!

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DIY: How to make a custom size table

We live in a condo so space is tight.  There is a space where we want to put a table.  As we look and look, we just couldn't find a good fit for it.  Then, Dave came up with this idea, why don't we just custom make one!

Step by step instruction on how to make a custom size table.


Material:
4 Banister posts
1" x 3" pine board (bought two 8 feet ones, used about 12 feets)
1/4" inch think partical board
Nails
Screws
Wood Finish Stain

Budget: About $50
Time: About 3 hours (not including waiting time)

Now this table fits perfectly!

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Welcome to Dave's DIY Home Projects!

Welcome to Dave's DIY Home Projects!  This blog is actually created by both Dave and his wife - Wini - to document things that he has done around the house, and hopefully be helpful to others as well.  

Disclaimer : )   -->  Dave is not a professional handy man, but working various projects at home is his passion.  Please drop us a line and share thoughts, tips and techniques!  

Thank you for stopping by!