I was surprised that after having done more oil changes
than I care to remember on volkswagens and other machines,
 I still found Joel's description a fun read.
I would just like to add that it is best not to get any oil on
your hands. I use chemical resistant gloves that they sell
in gardening stores. They hold up real well.
Another point is regarding the oil filter,
I do tighten the oil filter 1/4 turn with the wrench after
hand-tightening. I once saw a filter lying on the freeway.

Another method that I have never tried, but have been
wondering about it, is to use a vacuum pump (as used in
boat engines) to extract the oil through the dipstick tube.
It would make oil changes cleaner and easier.
Does anyone use this method?
Harald
'90 westy