Changing the Oil Filter
 

Okay, so I just did the first oil change on the SC the other day. I was just wondering how some of the rest of you go about removing the filter on yours? I had to remove a plastic liner behind the wheel in order to reach mine. And then once it got loose, oil ran down onto the frame. I wonder why they engineered the filter in such a crappy place on the 1.9? So far, that's my only complaint about working on these cars. I know it's trivial, but I just think that the filters in a crappy location. Any comments or suggestions about an easier way to get that sum beech off?

I'm only familiar with the 'sw' series and the 'sl' series. No problems changing the filter. Sorry, but I'm not any help here

No big deal, OA. What size engines do your cars have? I'm guessing all of the 1.9 engines have the filter in the same place on the back of the engine down low but behind the wheel liner and above the tie rod end and frame. Maybe I'm wrong. Anyway, it's kind of a pain in the arse to get to!

all early saturns up to 2002 use the 1.9, you can get to the filter underneath the car much easier.
There should be a drip rail under your oil filter, you gotta let it drip out or it will probably go everywhere.

I had it up on ramps, Octavious. I just couldn't manage to reach it and get it loose no matter how I twisted or turned. And once I got to it, it was on there so frigging tight that I had to use an oil filter wrench to get it loose. Most folks apparently don't know the "tighten until snug and then add 3/4 of a turn." I don't put my filters on so tight that I can't turn them any further. The snug and 3/4 has worked for me for 40 years now.

Ayup -- 1.9 engine in my SW, 2.2 engine in my L200, and Ecotech 4 in my Aura ...

All 1.9L can be had from the bottom if your high enough to move around.

I guess I'd have to have much higher ramps. I'll just pull the plastic shield every time, I guess. There are only two push pins holding it in anyway.

I agree that it's in a bad location, but it is what it is. Just wipe the cradle rail when you finish. I have no problem reaching the filter from the bottom (probably because of my scrawny arms), and I use a filter wrench if someone else has changed the filter previously.

I was thinking that maybe next time I'll just pull it up on one ramp under the passenger side wheel. That way it will lean enough not to drip oil on the rail. The only drawback I see to that is that all of the oil won't completely drain out of the oil pan. Thanks, Howie.