Oil change

Tiny
MJMC
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 SATURN L300
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
Was changing oil on 2005 l300 saturn sedan v6 front wheel drive automatic. The oil cap was on too tight and in process of unscrewing it the entire oil filter housing turned (canister filter). I can't get the housing to turn back. Did I mess up something due to the turning of the housing ie alignment of the oil flow holes etc.
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 3:36 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So did you ever get the cap off?How far did the whole housing turn in degree's?The housing is held on by a 12mm head allen bolt if you take the bolt out you can make sure the housing isn't damaged and check the oring for damage.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
MJMC
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes I got cap off by placing chain strap wrench around housing and then breaker bar on the cap, pulling in opposite directions. Not sure how much I turned entire housing, perhaps b/w 180-360 degrees before I realized what was happening. Housing is secure, went back to try and turn more using strap wrench but it would not move. I'm not inclined to try take another bolt out if it's not necessary. Is there a need to align it to a certain position. If so I guess I'll have to tackle another bolt. Otherwise I'm ready to proceed with replacing the cap/filter.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
The best thing you could do is to remove the housing for inspection. You could have a bad oring damaged housing etc you can take a chance and just replace the cap and filter and run the risk of a oil leak or major oil leak. That is up to you removing the 12mm head allen bolt is no big deal it come's right off never had one give me trouble taking it off. The most common reason for the whole housing turning is when people over tighten the oil filter cap when they change the filter. If you don't over tighten it it's pretty easy to replace the filter and no oil filter housing turning.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 9:11 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Oil Change Content

Engine Oil Change and Filter Saturn Vue
VIDEO
Engine Oil Change and Filter Saturn Vue
Instructional repair video
New Car Service
GUIDE
New Car Service
When you buy a new car the most important thing you can do is keep the services up and give your car a visual inspection both under the hood and under the car. Although the...