Cobalt oil change

[mjoekingz28]

I think this car has the cartridge filter and I'm wondering whats its like since all I've ever changed were canister type filters.

Whats the process and what tools are involved? Can I get this type filter in oil change specials?

Thanks

 

[NateDN10]

It's a lot less messy to change than a regular filter - I really like it. It costs more than normal filters, which is weird because there's a lot less to it.

You'll need an (IIRC) 1 3/4" socket to unscrew the filter cap, which you can find under all the plastic shrouding on the driver's side of the intake manifold.

 

[PF52]

Actually its a 32mm socket needed for the filter cap (1-1/4" will work also). You can get a special low-profile socket from Lisle Tools and probably others as well that fits much better under the intake runners. A standard socket will work also but its a little tall and if you're not seating it on there straight you'll chew up the filter cap.

I use the Pure One filter in mine; yes its expensive but I watch for coupons or rebates and can usually stock up in advance.

As was mentioned, its a really easy and clean oil change. While the oil is draining, I unscrew the filter cap and let it drain back into the block for awhile so it doesn't drip all over when I remove it all the way (the filter chamber remains full of oil until you unscrew the filter and "pop the cork" and let it all drain out).

I don't need to raise my car to drain the oil, but I'm sure some people do. Easy to reach from the passenger's side.

 

[addyguy]

Fram cartridge oil filters are very well made, and easier to get.

 

[The Critic]

You need one of these sockets:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?...amp;dir=catalog

 

[fdcg27]

No you don't.
On the G5 I changed as a favor, an 1 1/4 that I had from years ago worked just fine.
It was surprisingly easy to get to the filter, although the canister filter seems a bit like a retro answer to a question nobody asked.

 

[JustinH]

The lisle socket can be had at most auto parts yards for 4-5 dollars.

It is good to have in your toolbox if you plan on working on this car more than once yourself.

It is a little deeper than a regular socket, and you are less apt to wear out the plastic head on the cap or strip it.

 

[Maritime Storm]

Just remember on this engine, change the filter before draining the oil, otherwise you dump dirty oil from the filter into the fresh oil you're putting in the engine.

 

[fdcg27]

I discovered this accidentally.
The drain plug is tiny, and the bulk oil (of who knows what grade, since I had just driven the car twenty five miles and the oil should have drained easily) the car had in it seemed to be taking forever to drain.
I loosened the oil filter cap while waiting for the pan to drain.
I was surprised that no oil remained in the canister when I lifted the cap with the filter attached.
A really clean change.