I've seen the excellent how-to thread on changing the oil and filter. I just looked at a new filter and I'm wondering how you keep the old filtered oil (and contaminants) from staying in the oil filter cavity? Both sides of the filter are exposed so I don't understand how the old oil and any shavings are kept out of the cavity when you pull the filter out. Do you have to clean out the cavity and are the oil passageways high up enough in the cavity so that the old oil doesn't drain back into the engine?
Thanks

 

In theory, the shavings, if any, are caught in the filter media and stay there.

Just unscrew the filter cap, let it sit there for a few minutes (to allow the oil to drain out of it), and raise it out of the engine. If you're careful you won't make a mess.

 

Thanks. Since I have yet to change the oil I was wondering how critical this was. I'd rather do it myself -- even though the dealership will change it for free -- just to make sure it's done right.

 

Your oil drain plug is also magnetic, so that will hold metal shavings as well.

 

magnetic drain plug **** yeah GM

 

Getting that filter out from underneath the supercharger was a chore and a half let me tell you. It should not be that difficult to do and my arm just doesn't bend in certain ways.

 

Trust me...it's not that bad. I change oil all day and there are some incredibly ******* cars driving around when it comes to oil filters.

 

Yeah, the way our filter media is designed... it is supposed to catch any shavings in between the pleats.

Anyways, after your first oil change, you won't be needing to worry about shavings as much... most of the wear shavings occur in the first few thousand miles of the car's running.

 

I have to say the placement of the filter on the Ecotech is great except the supercharger is in the way on the SS. My previous car had the filter underneath but it was easy as hell to reach ('96 Monte Carlo LS).

 

True but I can deal with it. Look no further than early 90s GM and Fords and old Toyota pickup trucks. You'll be burried half way up your bicep trying to get those damn things out.

 

yeah its not bad on a m62, but with a TVS you'd almost have to take off the SC at each change..yuck.

I just did mine yesterday, not bad but I dont have crap in the way.

 

i know that feeling. how about the old 2.2 sfi's or the 2.4 quads where you have to go through the wheel well or the 3.8 litre. and the new 3.6L vvt's are a royal pain. the cobalts are a dream compared to them.

 

Very true. Depending on the day, I can get a 3800 series filter off with next to no dripping, or there will be oil in the wheel.

 

Youch! I have absolutely no desire to start taking parts off to get to an oil filter. I'm definitely not a mechanic!

 

i've given up trying. i spin the filter as fast as i can and get it into my oil bin. if oil gets onto the frame or what not i just drench it with brake clean and its all good after that. i've found that the older cavaliers when they come in really hot i hate that cuz you have to get so close to the exhaust. many a burnt forearm for me lol.

 

dragged this back up after almost 3 years?

 

Holy triple post Batman!

 

Gravedigging is an art!

 

drain plug isnt magnetic, and **** that filter location!!

 

You can buy a magnetic drain plug from the dealer parts department. Filter location is ok on N/A cars...