Oil filter in the oil pan?

Hey guys
I just had one of my friends tell me that he cant change is oil in his 88 Grand Am because "the oil filter is in the oil pan". I started to argue with him but since Ive never working on a Grand Am I wouldn't know. But that seems crazy to me. The oil filter ain't in the oil pan on any car is it? I didn't think it was lol.

Ah, the GM 2.5 4tech. Also known as the iron duke. Yes, for a couple of years the filter is in the oil pan. There is an access cover that threads into the pan. It has a 24mm head on it (its been a loooong time since I have seen one). When that strips out the make a special tool to get them off

Oil Pan Plug Wrench for GM (http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=1063)
Removes the 3 1/4" Drain Plug on GM Four Cylinder Cars Where the Oil Filter is in the Pan.
http://www.lislecorp.com/images/filter/53000L.GIF

There were a fair number of GM cars that used a cartridge oil filter. They were a real mess to change. There was a large gasketed plug that was about 4 inches in diameter threaded into the bottom of the engine. You'd have to use a socket wrench with a 21 or 24 mm socket (don't remember which) to loosen the plug, oil would start to drain. The plug was completely horizontal, so it was impossible to not get oil on your arm and socket wrench. Once the oil stopped draining, then you'd grab the little tab on the filter cartridge with a bull-nose pliers and twist it back and forth until it unseated the rubber seal, then more oil would dump out all over your arm and pliers. I hated those things.

-Rod

Some of them had a drain plug also. It didn't make it any cleaner/easier!!

Oh ok. Can yall give me step by step directions on how to change that kind and what tools I need?


(I hope it doesnt seem stupid me asking)

Oh ok. Can yall give me step by step directions on how to change that kind and what tools I need?

Umm, did you read the posts above?

-Rod

I have some valuable advise for anyone who wants to change the oil in a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass cruiser! Take it to a pro. I have spent the last three days fighting the oil housing cap, it was rounded off before I started the oil change and it was so tight that I had to use a four foot cheater pipe on a home made tool to remove it. Now I have spent all day looking for a replacement cap with no luck, can anyone help me find s cap?

Maybe there's a salvage yard in your area that still has one available?

Otherwise you might be able to order one from Dorman Products (https://www.dormanproducts.com/gsearch.aspx?year=1989&make=Oldsmobile&model=Cutlass%2520Cruiser&origin=YMM&parttype=Oil%2520Drain%2520Plug&Thread%20Size=M85-2.50). Looks like they at least make or made what you're after (https://www.dormanproducts.com/gsearch.aspx?year=1989&make=Oldsmobile&model=Cutlass%2520Cruiser&origin=YMM&parttype=Oil%2520Drain%2520Plug&Thread%20Size=M85-2.50).

-Rod