I can't take off the Oil Filter!!

[Melvin P Nerdly]

Alright. I read all these posts about how to take off the oil filter, and after trying to find it for 30 minutes, I finally saw it! (Luckily the one they put on there was bright yellow) Anyways, I guess I should have worried about the filter later because, as embarrassing as it is, I cannot find out where I'm supposed to drain the oil!! I checked the manual a million times, I found the little panel you can open underneath where the drain is supposed to be (and where I'm sure it is) but I just can't find it. There's a black plug next to the belts but I didn't know if that was it for sure...

 

[shumax]

I ended up driving a screwdriver through the filter. a bit messy, but it worked.

Oh dear god, don't do that!! Wait until you jam that screwdriver into the thread spindle the oil filter screws onto. About the time the screwdriver hits that and snaps it off you will be sorry. Ask me how I know that

Curt B. Shumaker

 

[Melvin P Nerdly]

I wasn't able to find the oil drain, I looked at the manual a thousand times and the picture makes it look like its at the front bottom left (facing the engine). One of my friends showed me where it was in like two seconds and i showed him the manual and the drawing on the makes sense, if you know that the engine is seethrough

Now to figure out how to change my transmission fluid.......

 

[charles]

Oh god, don't take your car to jiffy lube.

I took it there one time 'cause I was lazy...

When I went to change it the next time, geez, that bolt was on tight! So finally I popped it loose, and, when it came out it was stuck to the steel insert that goes inside the oil pan

As soon as I figure out how to fix it I'll take it back there and get reimbursed (hopefully)

 

[sal002]

When you say "small hands" do you mean 1 inch by 1 inch? I think I saw the oil filter, but it is thru a hole were only something that size can pass.

 

[sal002]

Can you get to the oil filter from the bottom? I see no way of getting to it from the top...

 

[Pmpkinhead]

I drive mine up on ramps AND BLOCK THE BACK WHEELS!!! I only use my hands to loosen and tighten it (after the very first time of course). My first one wasn't that tight but it may be cuz it wuz only on for 500mi. Then every 3k for a turbo car. I have been doin this for 210k miles and have never had a leak!
1244 (mspo)

 

[sal002]

Good...so I can get to it from the bottom.

I imagine the guy above who said he could get to it from the top is about 1' tall and has 5' long arms with 1" hands

 

[MP3_PR5]

Good...so I can get to it from the bottom.

I imagine the guy above who said he could get to it from the top is about 1' tall and has 5' long arms with 1" hands

That's pretty funny, but I still get to mine from the top; it's just a matter of finding it which you must not be able to do. I've been doing that ever since and have over 40K miles. I guess I just know what I'm doing. BTW, I'm an average guy with average hands!

 

[sal002]

I know - it is because you know what you are doing. Any hints on where to look? I thought I saw it, but, like I said, it would be impossible to get to.

I did stand to the left of the car, and reached with my left hand behind the engine (avoiding all the tubes and cords). I scarped up my hand pretty good there, and my blind probing found nothing.

 

[sal002]

Does the MP3 and P5 have different locations for the oil filter?

 

[MP3_PR5]

Glad you didn't take what I said in a bad way, wasn't trying to bash you! I do have somewhat small hands but, they're not that small... like I said average! I'm 5'9" at 130lbs, so most people would say I'm a somewhat small guy! Anyway, I don't think the Mp3 and PR5 are different, they both have the same motor. I think I found mine from the top with luck! You can't see it, I just started feeling around and found it (standing on the passenger side of the car), noticing I could get a good hold on it! I'm sure other people would have a hard time getting to it from the top, I just happen to be lucky and able to do it that way.

 

[Swerny]

TRy a rubber or latex glove. It grips way better than any rag or bare hand can.

Haley's Handy Hints......to those who know.

MS MSP #143

 

[sal002]

Yeah...I did a bare hand so I could figure out where the thing actually was. How far does your arm have to go to find it?

 

[sal002]

And no, you probably do know more than me. I just put on my Ebay intake...that was a crazy enough job for me.

 

[MP3_PR5]

Yeah...I did a bare hand so I could figure out where the thing actually was. How far does your arm have to go to find it?

Not too far, it's in the middle of the engine about half way down, probably not even that far, hard to explain!

TRy a rubber or latex glove. It grips way better than any rag or bare hand can.

That's what I use, well not a glove but one of those jar openers; if you know what I mean. You can really get a good grip!!

 

[privateer]

dont want to sound negative but people please dont take this the wrong way ,an oil change is about the simplest thing you can do other than putting air in tires.if people are having this much trouble then equip yourself with the right tools or take it to a reliable mechanic you trust.oil and filters on a regular basis is what will give your auto life.check those quick lube places carefully if they have a turnover of employees well does that tell you something.a solid relationship with a reliable mechanic not a parts replacer is golden find one and be humble and educate , a six pack of soda or pastries can go a long way as a thank you now and then a clean shop with a owner who greets you with clean hands is usually a sign of a shop that takes pride in their work and finally if in doubt leave it alone.

 

[sal002]

The only problem I have is finding the frickin filter. I've changed oil in cars before....once I can find that filter (going from the top), I'll be good.

 

[Liv2ride21]

here's where i get lazy...

anyone know the size of the drain plug and cup style oil filter wrench offhand?

might save me a trip up the ramps
...thanks

 

[uclap5]

ive tried from the top, i cant get it. one forum member said they could, but i cant find a way, and i have skinny arms.