GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I'm pretty new to changing my own oil. I'm about to do it for the 2nd time. I noticed last time the oil filter was very tight. Took two of us to get it off. Is this normal? Should I expect this the second time?

Possibly... Depends on how tightly you cranked it on there and how long has it been since the last oil change was done. And what you're using to take the filter off...

Well I use a filter wrench, I tightened it by hand, but didnt twist it with all my strength. Its been about 3 months since I last did it.

"Should" be a piece of cake!!!

Change the oil with the engine hot, should make the oil filter much easier to remove. Just be careful not to burn yourself on anything!

I tighten it by hand, then give it a 1/4 turn with a wrench. I change my oil first thing in the morning....this way all of the oil drains to the pan overnight.

I don't know how they installed those things at NUMMI, but when I did my first oil change on my new '05, I ended up distorting the can (and that was using a filter cup on a socket). After that, it was never a problem...though I never use a wrench or cup to install a filter; only hand tight and that's it.

Get one of these and never have a problem again..

Well the filter was still extremely difficult to get off. Maybe I tightened too much last oil change. couldn't get it off with the band wrench that I had so I went out and got a filter cap wrench. Got it off in 3 seconds. Worked like a charm. If I had more leverage I could probably use a clamp or band wrench to better effect.

ya oil filters dont need to be tight. I over tightened my escape and a friends durango...got my escape one off, but hers...cant even budge it. The only oil cap I have for it is plastic and just flys off. I was going to cut around the rubber ring with a box cutter blade and try a rubber band wrench. but the one sublime posted may work too.

lol yikes.. It goes against every common sense fiber in my body to not tighten them down hard.

even says on the package 1/2 turn past seatI use :never had an issue again

sublime has the right idea! i like those. i got one (has been permanently borrowed) after i had to do the old "stab through with a screwdriver and twist" method.and i use the same method as cptnsolo77 just because it's the method i was introduced to all those years ago.

I think my spin on filter has a max tightness. I twist it on pretty good by hand and it gets to a point where it just stops. Could they have designed the spin on filter for 09 2.4l in such a way that it cant be overtightened? seems like it to me.

I usually wiggle the can as I screw it in. When it stops wiggling then I know the gasket has officially touched the mount. I give it 3/4 more and that's it. Never had a leaker.Yea, the factory installer must use Lock-Tite Red on the threads AND gasket.When all else fails, this should do the removal job.20" long and almost 4 pounds.Commonly know as BIG AZZ

This may sound stupid but how do you manage to fit those clamps around the filter and still have room for leverage?

Sometimes you don't have a full 90* to grip it so you keep angling away from 90* till you clear the obstacle. Sometimes you have to remove the obstacle.