I finally got myself a low profile 32mm socket to change my oil filter. Some of you may be able to change your oil filter with a regular or deep 32mm socket but on my 2008 the intake is too close to the top of the oil filter nut to get a regular socket on it. A 10 inch socket extension is necessary as well.
Picture of Socket
Oil Filter Before Removing
Putting on the socket with extension
After removing the oil filter
The FRAM CH9018 is a good replacement filter, however there are other brands that will work just as well. Notice the old filter next to the new filter. The old filter had 4000 miles on it.
Thanks for the in depth picts. Next month will be my oil change. Assuming you changed the oil too, what oil did you use? Mobile 1? Looks like you did it in your parking stall. This may call for another letter from the HOA.
Thanks for the in depth picts. Next month will be my oil change. Assuming you changed the oil too, what oil did you use? Mobile 1? Looks like you did it in your parking stall. This may call for another letter from the HOA.
I used Mobil 1 5W30 Synthetic
Never get a letter from HOA. Must be because I keep my yard so nice that they don't wanna bother me. LOL
you can also use 1 1/4 inch socket and before removing the filter put a small mark next to the lids whilte mark so as to tighten the same as when you took it off.
you can also use 1 1/4 inch socket and before removing the filter put a small mark next to the lids whilte mark so as to tighten the same as when you took it off.
1 1/4 socket is about the same size as a 32mm however it has to be a low profile sockets for most of the Sols
I stay away from Fram filters after having read several oil filter comparison studies (Fram finished fairly low in the ratings). I always opt for either Wix (also sold as NAPA Gold) or Pure One filters. They cost a little more but "you can pay me now or you can pay me later".
__________________
REAL sports cars don't have Back Seats or Automatic Transmissions.
I stay away from Fram filters after having read several oil filter comparison studies (Fram finished fairly low in the ratings). I always opt for either Wix (also sold as NAPA Gold) or Pure One filters. They cost a little more but "you can pay me now or you can pay me later".
Location: Under an invisibility cloak, somewhere in the Northeast
Thought we could piggy back this thread with some information on the procedure for changing the oil.
This is not the way the Service Manual has it, but is felt that it could be the best way to do it. Procedure has been looked over by other Solstices owners, left their comments in.
1. Remove the filter first
2. Drain the oil
3. Replace the oil plug then install the new filter
If you drain the oil then the remove the filter, the engine will hold up to (in their case) 12 oz of oil.
They did this test. Ran the car to operating temps before draining the oil. Put the plug back in then removed the filter and drained another 12 oz of oil from the pan.
Filled the system with 4 qt and ran the engine. Oil level was at the low end of the add mark. Added a half quart and the oil level was close to the max mark. Added the other 1/2 qt and we showed 1/4 inch above the max level. The engine (both) takes 5 qt.
Here is some more Oil Filter information, from other parts of the site to centralize it here :
Quote:
Condition/Concern:
On rare occasions, machining debris may be found on the oil filter element during the vehicle's first oil change. This debris consists of small boring chips and milling burrs from the oil passage that is between the oil pump and oil filter.
Recommendation/Instructions:
If this condition is encountered, replace the engine oil and filter. No additional repairs should be attempted since this debris does not affect the reliability or durability of the engine.
Quote:
Condition/Concern:
On rare occasions, a low oil pressure light may be experienced shortly after an oil change due to a damaged oil filter.
Recommendation/Instructions:
If this is encountered, remove the oil filter and inspect the filter nipple that seats in the oil filter housing portion of the engine block. If the oil filter nipple is damaged, mis-positioned, or crushed, replace the oil filter with an OEM oil filter and evaluate the concern.
Quote:
Important: Engine damage that is the result of an incorrect or improperly installed engine oil filter is not a warrantable claim. The best way to avoid oil filter quality concerns is to purchase ACDelco® oil filters directly from GMSPO.
Oil filter misapplication may cause abnormal engine noise or internal damage. Always utilize the most recent parts information to ensure the correct part number filter is installed when replacing oil filters. Do not rely on physical dimensions alone. Counterfeit copies of name brand parts have been discovered in some aftermarket parts systems. Always ensure the parts you install are from a trusted source. Improper oil filter installation may result in catastrophic engine damage.
Refer to the appropriate Service Information (SI) installation instructions when replacing any oil filter and pay particular attention to procedures for proper cartridge filter element alignment. If the diagnostics in SI (Engine Mechanical) lead to the oil filter as the cause of the internal engine noise or damage, dealers should submit a field product report.
__________________
INFORMATION POSTED ON SITE
Any GM Solstice Service Manual and Service Bulletin information found here on site, or Sales and Product information should be thought of as correct and accurate as of the date posted. After that any information or procedure should be confirmed as still correct with your dealership.
Last edited by Small Dealer : 10-05-2007 at 12:52 PM.
Thanks to everyone for the info on the location of the oil filter as well as the tip on taking the filter off first when draining the old oil out. Will be taking her out of storage in two weeks.
Hey all....thanks for the great pics and information.
I am very new to this GM engine, am I seeing this correctly?
The Oil filter is near the top of the engine, where you can see it?
Is this correct?
__________________ Sly, black leather, black top, NA, loaded. Seems like it has everything but On-Star.
Mods:
Stuby Antenna, 42U Splash Guards
2007 bought new 5/16/08.
Loving every minute...
Yes, It's at the top and cartridge type. Intetrnal to the engine. My experience is to use the GM filters. After reviewing specs.. Fram is low in the results. Great pics.
__________________ All Us guys want is the Ultimate sports car !! Something so cool, so dangerous, so exotic..That when it's time to leave this earth we go through the Pearly Gates backwards 200 MPH, in a fireball shouting "Where's the chicks "
Yup, it's a cartridge style filter. It's a little tough to get at, but you do it from the top on the drivers side torwards the rear of the motor instead of underneath. I do it with a 1 1/4" socket. It's a very tight fit as it's not the short style socket as pictured above. I can only loosen the cap a little ways, then have to take the socket off and unscrew by hand. Not a big deal, but that low profile socket would definitely make life easier .
By the way, what ever happened to Billy. Haven't seen him here in ages
Next month will be my oil change. Assuming you changed the oil too, what oil did you use? Mobile 1? Looks like you did it in your parking stall. This may call for another letter from the HOA. 
