How to change your own oil.
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
I could not get a 32MM or a 1-1/4" socket that would fit because the manifold is in the way on my 2009 HHR LT2. I ended up purchasing the shortest 32MM socket I could get at Advanced Auto. I used a bench grinder to shorten it 3/8" and took off a crescent edge at the top. The socket ended up being 1-3/8" tall instead of 1-3/4". I took some pictures but do not know how to insert. Anyway, it works great.
Pic posting FWIW: You can upload in the gallery. Then right click the properties & copy the URL and paste it in a post you want. Add [img]urlgoes here[/img] & that's it..
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 07-17-2006
Posts: 6,053
From: Dallas, GA
I could not get a 32MM or a 1-1/4" socket that would fit because the manifold is in the way on my 2009 HHR LT2. I ended up purchasing the shortest 32MM socket I could get at Advanced Auto. I used a bench grinder to shorten it 3/8" and took off a crescent edge at the top. The socket ended up being 1-3/8" tall instead of 1-3/4". I took some pictures but do not know how to insert. Anyway, it works great.
Member
Joined: 10-07-2009
Posts: 79
From: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
No one seemed to have a problem with the 32 mm socket? The picture at the beginning shows a nice 32 mm socket with a reduced head on the drive end. I couldn't get my standard Craftsman 32 MM ½" drive socket down on top of the cap without a couple hous of work with grinder. I had to shorten the socket, and cut down it's massive head. Is that a plastic intake manifold on my 2.4 L engine?
Senior Member
Joined: 05-19-2009
Posts: 124
From: Florida
Anyone interested in this QWIK VALVE, here is some info from them -
"Either F-107 or F107N can be installed with the HHR engine. You might need
adapter ADP-107 as well due to the recessed oil drain port."
http://www.qwikvalve.com/search.php?...10&modelid=243
"Either F-107 or F107N can be installed with the HHR engine. You might need
adapter ADP-107 as well due to the recessed oil drain port."
http://www.qwikvalve.com/search.php?...10&modelid=243
Great Explanation, detail, and pictures.
I would like to suggest one of these oil plugs.
A quick flip of the lever, and the oil comes out.
No need to use a wrench or get your hands dirty.
http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
I have one on both my HHR and Colorado.
I don't suggest it to anyone who has replaced there springs and are running low to the ground.
Keith
I would like to suggest one of these oil plugs.
A quick flip of the lever, and the oil comes out.
No need to use a wrench or get your hands dirty.
http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
I have one on both my HHR and Colorado.
I don't suggest it to anyone who has replaced there springs and are running low to the ground.
Keith
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
On my 09 HHR 2.2 the intake manifold partially restricts access to the filter cap. GM have their own tool, a crows-foot wrench but I purchased a low profile 32 mm 3/8" drive hex socket from a nation wide suplier here in Canada call "Complete Lube" who are also in the US. The tool was manufactured in China (where else) but is marketed out of Carlstadt NY by WWW.CTATOOLS.COM an interesting web-site to look at. Part number is 2572 called "RiteFit". Special for the Ecotecs. It was about $8.00, probably $6.00 in the States.
but shipping is $10 bucks..
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
I called Advance today, they still carry AmPro, but didn't have the 32mm in stock.
They also carry a line called something else (I forget ?) but says it made a special socket for our style oil filters & is a very shallow 32 mm socket, but it's listed for 2.2, so might not work ?
I have to swing by there over the weekend. I'll have to see, & try it under my hood while there..
Also here's a socket for our oil filter canisters on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SATUR...item53dd4527a2
Last edited by sleeper; Oct 16, 2009 at 12:21 AM. Reason: add more info
Senior Member
Joined: 04-19-2008
Posts: 122
From: Jacksonville, FL
when draining the oil it's best to use the drain plug instead of using a foreign object in the road to puncture a hole in the pan. while the oil drains really fast this way, trying to reseal the hole is very difficult and costly. I speak from experience.
Senior Member
Joined: 05-06-2008
Posts: 1,076
From: Over here
I have used this technique on the truck in my sig. Reseal was difficult. Check. And costly. Check.