Everyones opinion on removing oil filter...

[Gigante]

I have been doing the oil change on my Grand Am for a while now and the only part i hate is the oil filter. Every time I have to struggle to get the damned thing out and always get oil all over everything. I have always used an oil filter wrench and gone from underneath the car. I struggle to get it down the engine bay and then out from the car because of some metal bar that I have to struggle with. The whole time with the thing tilted and spilling oil. Then I have to do the reverse to get the new one in. After reading posts from other people they have brought up going from the top of the car and using oil filter pliers for best results. I was wondering what everyone thought was easiest for OUR cars!!!!!! Specifically are engine.

[Prospeeder]

stab a screw driver through it and turn if it stuck too bad.

[RocketFast321]

:agree:

[04REDGT1]

I use an oil filter cap and a socket wrench. Pulling it down through the frame is a pain. When I install the new one, I drop it down from the top after pushing some hoses out of the way. Then I go back under the car and screw it on.

If you think a 3.4 Grand AM is bad, try a 3.7 Jeep Liberty with the heavy duty cooling system. That really s!@ks.

Jeff

[Brandon]

i get discounts if i take it to the dealer... i think the last 3 times have costed me 10 bucks. cant get much easier then having someone else doing it.

[JoeyK]

I don't think it's that hard, I don't ever have any troubles.:idunno:
I just jack the front end up, put stands under it for saftey drain the oil & take the filter off with a cup & ratchet. I then wipe the crossmember & the block off & reach up in there & screw the new filter on & tighten with my ratchet/ cup.

[sunrunner_pei]

Originally posted by 04REDGT1
I use an oil filter cap and a socket wrench. Pulling it down through the frame is a pain. When I install the new one, I drop it down from the top after pushing some hoses out of the way. Then I go back under the car and screw it on.

If you think a 3.4 Grand AM is bad, try a 3.7 Jeep Liberty with the heavy duty cooling system. That really s!@ks.

Jeff

You guys are removing the plastic access panel, right? The Grand Am is one of the easiest changes I've ever done with that panel removed.

[eric99gt]

as shawn stated it doesn't sound like you're removing that panel. With that removed it's RIGHT there. I just leave mine off for even more convenence lol.

[JoeyK]

Originally posted by sunrunner_pei
You guys are removing the plastic access panel, right? The Grand Am is one of the easiest changes I've ever done with that panel removed.

Wow, I never thought about mentioning that myself. I figured that was obvious. (No offence to those who may have overlooked that)

[Prospeeder]

When we change it that panel also has to come off, 3.4 GAs are prety easy

[crash6x86]

i usually am able to use my hand to twist and take it off. it should be easier than having to put a screw driver through it unless you dont put any oil around the seal. its hard as all hell to take it off if there is no oil around the filter's seal.

[JoeyK]

Originally posted by crash6x86
i usually am able to use my hand to twist and take it off. it should be easier than having to put a screw driver through it unless you dont put any oil around the seal. its hard as all hell to take it off if there is no oil around the filter's seal.

That and if you overtighten it sometimes the engines vibrations will tighten it on even more for ya.

[rabidpanda69]

yeah, the little panel on the front makes it super easy. If your feeling super lazy, buy some brake parts cleaner, makes it easier to wipe down the oil. There is no need to use a wench to tighten it. Only needs to be hand tight.

And for the record, I think the new 3.8s are the easiest. You can do those without having to wipe any thing down.

[angrysk8r]

The last time I changed my oil I couldn't find my oil filter wrench. Try turning that SOB with your oily hands (plus there was no oil around the seal)

[04REDGT1]

You guys are removing the plastic access panel, right? The Grand Am is one of the easiest changes I've ever done with that panel removed.

LOL! No I wasn't. But next time, I'll try your advice.


Thx.....Jeff

[angrysk8r]

yea, removing the plastic splash guard makes it a ton easier...but it's still a pita

[freekLED]

GA 3400 oil filter change is a dream (with the plastic panel removed) compared to a Cavalier 2200. 1 min for the plastic, 1 min for the filter off & 2 min to reinstall.

[quadkid]

i just changed the oil and filters in my grand am and 98 sierra yesterday. I was done with the grand am (3400) in probly 15-20 minutes. Once that cover is off its a dream to work on. Just stick your hand up and youre done.

If you want to complain try doing it on my truck, haha. I probly spent half an hour just on the filter. Its right above the front differential and left torsion bar, let alone its side mounted. So to thread it you have to have your wrist dislocated just to get the right position. And to get the old one off its worse. You cant get any kind of filter wrench on there or with the K&Ns like i used to use, couldnt fit a 1" wrench on since the frame rail and gas lines are in the way. We finally found a strap wrench with a pivoting handle at walmart a while back that makes things a whole lot easier, but still take forever.

Sorry for the rant, still upset from yesterday, haha. Im definitely getting an oil filter relocation kit before the next one.

[Fastlanev6]

My 89 2.8V6 Beretta was really easy to do. Didnt drip on anything, just reach up and unscrew. I know nothing about this plastic cover on the GA....maybe mine just doesnt have it anymore ;-) The oil does drip down the block and onto the subframe brace, though. I dont know why they angled the filter on this engine.

[tenspeed]

You're asking for trouble if you don't snug the filter up using a wrench.

I used to put filters on hand tight until I had one come loose going into corner on a race track (years ago). The rear end snapped around and I flew off into the grass. Pissed off everyone while they put the kitty litter down. Filters will not tighten at high RPM's.