Topic: oil filter change

[Rogue]

I'm getting ready to do my first oil change on GXPsy. Previously they have all been done at the dealer. One quick question for those of you who have gone before me. Is it easier to remove/replace the oil filter from above, or below, the engine? Thanks.

Rogue

[TomatoSoup]

You can ONLY do it from the top.  It's top access.

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f12/oil-change-part-numbers-instructions-diy-13542/#post205488

[Rogue]

Thanks TS. That's what I suspected, but figured it didn't hurt to ask first.

[Sol Asylum]

TS if GJ asks this same question lets tell him from below okay?

[Nocte Malum]

I'm getting ready to do my first oil change on GXPsy. Previously they have all been done at the dealer. One quick question for those of you who have gone before me. Is it easier to remove/replace the oil filter from above, or below, the engine? Thanks.

Rogue

Just as a tip, you need a 32mm standard on the short side, or stubby socket to get the cap off.  My setup is to use 2 wobble extensions, with a 32mm socket (my "normal" 32mm socket is a 1/2" Snap-On that's just too deep, so I got one from a local Sears that surprisingly had one that worked, for like $3).  Without the wobbles, some bracketing above gets in the way.  You can probably use a U-joint, but I find the wobble extensions work much better.

And don't overtorque it.  It's a very low torque.  Don't quote me on this but around 15 ft lbs, definitely under 20.  People often over torque and ruin the gasket and/or the cap as a result.

[Rogue]

Actually, I probably should have clarified the question, but I assumed (ah, there's the mistake) that everyone here would understand I was,'t asking the obvious. Once the cap has been removed and the filter cartridge lifted out of the block, do you continue to lift the assembly clear of the engine? Or do you find it easier and less likely to make a mess if you lower it down beside the engine to the ground? And of course, in my collection I have a 30 mm and a 34 mm, but no 32 mm! Looks like I'll be owning a 32 mm before the day is over.

[Sol Asylum]

Lift the filter element out from the top.  You can put some paper towels or rags down around the area if you want.

You might be able to use a 1 1/4 socket depending on the socket.  32mm=1.259"

[TomatoSoup]

Once the cap has been removed and the filter cartridge lifted out of the block, do you continue to lift the assembly clear of the engine? Or do you find it easier and less likely to make a mess if you lower it down beside the engine to the ground?

Again, top.  I really don't thing there's room or space to lower it down.  You could just drop it, of course.  But that would be even more messy. 

You might be able to use a 1 1/4 socket depending on the socket.  32mm=1.259"

Yup - a 1 1/4" works fine.

[Critterman]

Just have a rag handy but it shouldn't leak as you pull it out.

[Sly Bob]

Yeah the procedure is way better than the old spin on filters where you'd have hot oil running down your arm as you spun off the old filter. Don't miss those days.

[crisco]

By the time you wait for all the oil to be drained, when you go after the filter there is virtually no oil that drips down. I clean the rims or mess around with something else while waiting for the oil to drain. But I always take a rag with me, when I pull the filter. 
It is allot easier than I thought it would be! 
Oh yeah, I also use the box that the filter comes with and stick it in the box as I take it out of engine. 

[2kwk4u]

By the time you wait for all the oil to be drained, when you go after the filter there is virtually no oil that drips down. I clean the rims or mess around with something else while waiting for the oil to drain. But I always take a rag with me, when I pull the filter. 
It is allot easier than I thought it would be! 
Oh yeah, I also use the box that the filter comes with and stick it in the box as I take it out of engine. 

I do the same, but stuff an empty sandwich bag in the empty box first.  I also don't bother with wobble sockets or extensions.  Straight shot if you put the socket on the cap, then slide the extension through from above.

[Gentleman Jack]

I do the same, but stuff an empty sandwich bag in the empty box first.  I also don't bother with wobble sockets or extensions.  Straight shot if you put the socket on the cap, then slide the extension through from above.

Same process here. This is how to do it. There is NO other way. Anyone who says different is lying. They want you to fail. Don't fail. Listen to 2kwk.

[Sol Asylum]

... stuff an empty sandwich bag in the empty box first.

She doesn't mind?

[crisco]

I do the same, but stuff an empty sandwich bag in the empty box first.  I also don't bother with wobble sockets or extensions.  Straight shot if you put the socket on the cap, then slide the extension through from above.

I like the baggy idea, I never had any leak problems, I just take that and put the box in a shopping bag and take to work with the oil. we reclaim the oil.
Yes Listen to 2kwk4u!   

[Rogue]

Great input, guys. Thanks.