How do you remove the oil filter?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11
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From: Huntsville, AL
How do you remove the oil filter? I just changed the oil in my 08 LaCrosse Super when I hit 2000 miles and had 69 percent on the oil life meter. I have use of a garage with a lift to change the oil.
I filled it with Mobil 1 5W-30 and put the corvette mobil 1 factory fill cap so people know it filled with Synthetic.
I went to remove the filter and GM put it on extra tight. I backed off the filter and had oil leak out from above.
I am wondering if anyone had punched a hole in the filter and let oil drain out before turning off the filter?
Just wondered what people did to minimize oil running on your hands.
I filled it with Mobil 1 5W-30 and put the corvette mobil 1 factory fill cap so people know it filled with Synthetic.
I went to remove the filter and GM put it on extra tight. I backed off the filter and had oil leak out from above.
I am wondering if anyone had punched a hole in the filter and let oil drain out before turning off the filter?
Just wondered what people did to minimize oil running on your hands.
I've tried the ziploc trick with little success, but you could try that. Put a ziploc over the filter and then twist the filter all the way off. The baggie will catch MOST of the oil and the filter when it drops.
Also, I've never had trouble getting the filter off, though. The dealer did my first OC and I;ve done the rest with Mobil1 oil and filter.
Also, I've never had trouble getting the filter off, though. The dealer did my first OC and I;ve done the rest with Mobil1 oil and filter.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,316
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From: Dolla$ , TX
I just have a really big oil pan. When it comes to oil expect your hands to get dirty.
I just noticed that OnStar Shows when you reset your oil life monitor AND shows your mileage over the year and shows your daily mileage... neat!!! as for getting your oil filter off i never tighten it more then hand tight and i can always remove it somewhat easily. I also put old oil around the seal helps the seal from sticking and makes a better seal and then clean everythign with brake or carb cleaner so i can make sure i don't have any leaks that i wont question.
I just noticed that OnStar Shows when you reset your oil life monitor AND shows your mileage over the year and shows your daily mileage... neat!!! as for getting your oil filter off i never tighten it more then hand tight and i can always remove it somewhat easily. I also put old oil around the seal helps the seal from sticking and makes a better seal and then clean everythign with brake or carb cleaner so i can make sure i don't have any leaks that i wont question.
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 30
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From: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Is it just me or was it really dumb to put the drain plug in the FRONT of the pan? If you use ramps or a jack to change oil, you are leaving quite a bit of used oil in the back of the pan!!
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Brett Foote TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,316
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From: Dolla$ , TX
If you looked at oil results you will know it doesn't matter if you mix a few ounces with all new. The main reason for changing oil is viscosity and water contamination. Oil filter basically gets rid of everything else
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 30
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From: Fort Wayne, Indiana
I let the car down level when changing my oil and there is close to a quart still left in the pan. The dirty oil along with the contaminants that are left at the rear of the pan are just plain scary!!! It's just plain STUPID to put a drain plug where it is going to be a high point for most "do it yourselfers"!!!!!!
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Hudson River Valley, NY
Well I dont think I could do this because I am NOT the svelt prince of towne..., but you could try putting the rear wheels on the ramps and go at it with the nose down. maybe drive up on some 2x4s and then back up the ramps. makes for extra work but its dooable....
I put in 6 quarts to fill. Including whatever I put into the filter. I like to run the Purolator Pure One filter. Got a socket for that. Or a Mobile 1 filter, use the band for that.
I put in 6 quarts to fill. Including whatever I put into the filter. I like to run the Purolator Pure One filter. Got a socket for that. Or a Mobile 1 filter, use the band for that.
Last edited by Count of Monte Carlo; Mar 8, 2008 at 06:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11
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From: Huntsville, AL
I appreicate the comments! When I change oil the next time I'll try the hole punch method. I did go though several paper towells to get the filter off, glad to know I am in good company
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6
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From: Detroit MI
remember this is a 5.3 same as the truck they use the same oil pan as on the truck but on the truck the engine is not sideways this engine was not designed for side mount gm has to cut some corners
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Joined: Oct 2006
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I've had several factory installed filters that were crushed by my band clamp taking them off, including an Impala I had GM roadside assistance pick-up because I ripped the thing in half trying to get it off. Rage: when a 20 min. oil change turns into a deadlined vehicle.
My personal opinion is over-torqued w/o oiling the filter seal first.
I use NAPA Gold filters hand tightened, no problem removing.
My personal opinion is over-torqued w/o oiling the filter seal first.
I use NAPA Gold filters hand tightened, no problem removing.
Good thinking, Mel. It would be so much easier to do it that way. Where do you jack up the center-rear, though?
I park the car on the street with the passenger wheels on the curb. The crown of the street & drain give me enough room to reach under, pull the plug, R&R the filter, and then put it all back together. PITA? Yeah...but the car stays flat and I get MOST of the oil out.
I park the car on the street with the passenger wheels on the curb. The crown of the street & drain give me enough room to reach under, pull the plug, R&R the filter, and then put it all back together. PITA? Yeah...but the car stays flat and I get MOST of the oil out.