Thanks guys...maybe you can answer my question about the gasket that comes with the Wix/NAPA filters..is it needed? Like I said, all the other brands I looked at did not come with the gasket. Probably going to use the Supertech 9018 from Wally World.


Thanks


Goose


PS Hey Sebastian and I share the same birthday! (well not the year lol)

 

Goose....

I can only guess what the gasket is for.....the filter cannister top. But.....I'm doing this by memory and am not really sure.......I believe the top has several ring type gaskets on it.

But, to answer your question directly....... I've changed oil and filter only once. Did not need to replace the "top" gasket, at that time.....and have no leaks currently. So, I would say, NO you don't need to use/change the gasket.

Oh, wanted to reinforce what mizzou stated....loosen the cap with the socket, then remove by hand. When reinstalling, make sure the threads on the cap, line up with the threads in the aluminum body. The cap is a "carbon fiber" type material and it would be easy to strip the threads.

 

Thanks Snoop!


Goose

 

so, i figger it's time to attempt my first oil change............bought the filter, 1-1/4 inch socket...........case of 5-30..........had the ramps at hand.....

hmm, the ramps dont quite work..........



not a problem.....ugh, i can just barely reach the oil plug..........grunt

nope, i can't get enough leverage ot break it free.....

i had already replaced the filter, so there was no way i was going to drive 'er

and then it came to me...........my wife uses this suction device to drain the oil out her inboard boat motor............

man, this is the way to go............don't even have to get dirty

 

If you want to get a set of low profile ramps, pick up a set or Rhino ramps.

They work with the HHR.

 

Changed the oil today....piece of cake like the guys said it was...I love the top cartridge! Very easy to change out...I took the advice here and just used the 1 1/4 socket with a 5" extension and a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter and just got the cap started ...unscrewed the rest by hand...pryed off filter from cap, soaked up left over oil in cartridge holder with clean shop towel (Blue ones), snapped new filter in cap, replaced in holder and hand tightened, the attached socket and snugged it 2 more little cranks...could have gone more but it is tight and don't want to strip anything.

Replaced gasket on drain plug, piece of cake...Mudbilly...you need to get some Rhino ramps..they are made for lower profiles cars such as the HHR...no issues, not even with flaps

Here are some pics in no order of the change
















Goose

 

Another Kengst filter from the factory and not AC Delco.
That filter looks to be in sad shape for so few miles on it.

How bad is the oil spray from the drain plug? Projectile or a nice flow?

 

It came out pretty nice and straight and a nice flow...trick is to try to get plug off with your hand out of the way so when it does come flowing out it doesn't hit your wrist and splatter everywhere...been there, done that trick...I do wish that GM made their sumps so that the plug pointed down at an angle instead of horizontial...would make a simple easy oil change even easier

Goose

 

i dunno....

while y'all are: crawling under the car......getting hot oil on on your hand.........replace gaskets..........

i'm letting the gadget suck the oil out of my block while sucking on a cold beer......

 

I'm not going to start a debate on oil extractors..we'll leave that puppy over on BITOG...


Goose