Changing Airplane Oil and How to Safety Wire Tie

I have worked on my own vehicles for years, finally letting go of even the simplest of things to do, the oil change. With my metal parts and arthritis it  was just easier to write the check, or in this day and age, swipe the card. 

I decided I wanted to try changing the oil on my airplane. The oil pan has a SAF-AIR quick drain valve so that makes things a bit easier. Hook up the drain hose give the drain valve a push up with a twist and out comes that bubblin crude, Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea. Those of you readers that are close to my age should know that reference. 

The only step in the process that I wasn't sure of was the safety wire tie. Sure, the A&P makes it look easy and it really is, if you are mindful of a few important factors.

What I have learned; loop a single strand through your anchor point, gently pull the wire through and extend far enough to give you a few inches past the anchor point on the filter. Make sure the safety wire will tighten if the filter would loosen, know the direction. The next step is to hold the wire where it will run and make note (small bend in wire) where it will pass through the oil filter anchor point. Now secure the pliers to the wire at that small bend you made and twist clockwise. I'm using .032 wire so the spec calls for 6-11 twists per inch. Once you get to the length noted (with the small bend) stop twisting. Take a look at the wire, pass the top wire through the filter anchor point and then secure both wires with the pliers and twist again, this time counter clockwise. Check the tension on the wire, simulate the filter turning to loosen and confirm the wire would tighten. Cut of the excess leaving a half inch of twisted wire and curl up that remaining so it doesn't shred your skin on the next change or general inspection. 

I hope the video will shed some light on the airplane oil change and safety wire tie process. Of course always consult with your A&P if you have any  questions. Always use the approved parts for your aircraft and make sure to do a run up/leak test before buttoning things up. Don't forget to make a note in the engine log for the work performed.