bbrich57 said:
Speaking of old Chevrolet small blocks, the early '55 265 ci Chevy V8's didn't even come with an oil filter. The dealer's had to tell the customers who had bought one that 300 miles a quart of oil was NORMAL. So GM installed an ugly cartridge oil filter on top of the engine. Yes it was a pain, but in those days cartridge oil filters were the norm on most cars and trucks.
I've watched my Mazda Tech change my '94 oil/filter now 6 times at the dealer. He has never had a problem with the O-rings, bolts or cover. Of course he is a trained Mazda tech, not a flunky.
I remember those filters, and you're right! They spewed oil all over the place when you unbolted them, and they were UGLY! As I recall, the sixes (235 ci's) had them on the side.
My '57 had the filter underneath by the starter motor, if memory serves, and the dirty oil usually just got on my hands... my tools... my eyes... my clothes... my parents driveway.... It's a good thing that I was a
basically well loved child. (eyeballs)
As for your "flunky," the way you had described it I was under the impression you were trusting your ride to the local "oil change in 10 minutes" shop." Even so, I have worked for dealerships and independents alike and for years it made me want to do ALL my own work (too old and lazy now.)
I wouldn't trust that these guys are necessarily factory trained... or even have enough intelligence to do more than tie their shoes in the morning. I have worked with factory trained mechanics... sorry, "technicians" and like anything else, some are good at it, but few, while others are just marking time. My advice, be careful with whom you trust your car with.
Ya' nea'vr no, ya' know?
Happy Motoring!! (naughty)
B.B.
