Which oil filter wrench to get?

Hi,

The manual for our new ION-3 QC says the oil filter needs either a 32 mm
(1.25 in.) shallow socket or a 14 flat 68 mm oil filter wrench.

I'd appreciate some feedback from someone who's done this before as to
which one is preferable.


Also, does anyone have an opinion at what mileage to switch to Mobil 1
synthetic? I was thinking of switching right at 3,000 miles. Is that too
soon?


TIA

Bill K.

 

I have both.

The 1 1/4 socket feels better to use.

The cap wrench feels as if it might round the edges.

The socket is a 6 point socket, the cap wrench is a 14 point socket. The 6
point one grips better.

Oh, get a torque wrench and torque it to 20 ft pounds. Don't over tighten.

I was talking with the Saturn service folk - they're having some problems
with do-it-yourself types overtorquing that cap when they replace the
filter.

I switched to Mobil 1 at around 750 miles.

I also put a Samarium Cobalt magnet near the filter in there to pick up
swarf.

 

Vipers and 'Vettes come from the factory with Mobil 1. I even use the
15W-50 in my '50 8N Ford tractor. It did have a rebuild done in '94.

Ken

 

It's cheaper and easier to find the 1 1/4" socket. They only come in
1/2" drive. You'll need a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter so that you can use your
3/8" ratchet. A 1/2" ratchet won't fit in the space around the filter
canister.

 

I used a 32mm, 1/2" drive socket, with an extension so that the ratchet will
clear the intake manifold.

 

Um, actually, the oil cap wrench was cheaper than the socket.

But, the socket does feel better.

I can't overemphasize the wisdom of using a torque wrench when screwing the
cap back down.

 

It's cheaper and easier to find the 1 1/4" socket. They only come in

Or just use an extension.

On my GF's '03 Cav with the Ecotec I don't think I could get a cap wrench in
there - its too cluttered above it. Its easy to use the 1 1/4" socket
though......

 

Thanks for all the responses. I'll go back for the 1-1/4 inch socket and
try to get a 6 point one if they have it. We have all the other stuff you
mentioned.

BTW, I later found on the Mobil 1 web site that it's a myth that you have
to have a break-in period before using Mobil 1. You can use it from new,
as was pointed out.

Thanks again.

Bill K.