gc_caddy Posted March 18, 2007 Report Share Posted March 18, 2007 After all these years of changing my own oil, it had to happen. The oil filter is stuck on my Northstar - 94 STS. The filter points straight down, and there isn't a lot of clearance to get a really good grip around the filter. There is maybe 1/4" between the filter and the frame. Any ideas? I'm not sure if one of those "end-cap" filter removal sockets would fit. I guess I'll need to check it out tomorrow. It's frustrating when a 20 minute job ends up taking hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadillac Jim Posted March 18, 2007 Report Share Posted March 18, 2007 Any good auto parts store will have an end cap socket for your filter. It is best to have an example of the exact brand and part number filter with you when you buy the socket. -- Click Here for CaddyInfo page on "How To" Read Your OBD Codes-- Click Here for my personal page to download my OBD code list as an Excel file, plus other Cadillac data -- See my CaddyInfo car blogs: 2011 CTS-V, 1997 ETC Yes, I was Jims_97_ETC before I changed cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted March 18, 2007 Report Share Posted March 18, 2007 I only use the end-cap filter sockets to change filters. It's easy to get the filter off, and easy to put the new filter on, tightened to exactly 1 turn after initial contact. I use the same (ACDelco PF-61) filter everytime, which makes incompatibility due to different filter brands a moot point. If you just cannot get the old filter off, carefully drive a flat blade screwdriver into the side of it and turn. I've had to do it before on a used car I once bought. Someone must have used an impact gun on that filter! Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted March 18, 2007 Report Share Posted March 18, 2007 I agree with Jim and Jason, when you have a problem like you are having that is the best tool.. I have two but neither fit my oil filter on the NS, I need to buy one, I have the old style oil filter 'strap type' and its hard to get in there.. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted March 18, 2007 Report Share Posted March 18, 2007 I have two end-cap filter sockets hanging on my peg board. One fits the ACD PF-61 filter that goes on the Cadillac(s for now) and the other one fits the Mopar M0-090 filter that goes on the Dodge. Fortunately, most filter sizes are "standardized" to some degree. I used to use ACD PF-13 filters on the Dodge, but ACD must have changed suppliers for that filter size because it no longer looks any better than a SuperTech. The Mopar filters I saw in the store looked good and hearty (like the ACDs used to), so I bought 'em out. Fortunately, the end-cap filter socket fit the Mopar filters also. Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted March 18, 2007 Report Share Posted March 18, 2007 Oil Filter Pliers or Chain Wrench or Filter Fang. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted March 18, 2007 Report Share Posted March 18, 2007 The end cap filter sockets work best on the Northstar. Just be sure to get one that is the right size. I have had an aluminum one for years that always slipped. Then I realized that they come in different sizes. Finally broke down and bought a composite one that fits like a glove. No more slippage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted March 18, 2007 Report Share Posted March 18, 2007 Here is the one I have, it is a real PIA when inadequate room, I need to buy an oil filter socket that fits mine (like the third photo below mine), http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/ShopCa..._CAT213_pg3.htm Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95SevilleSLS Posted March 18, 2007 Report Share Posted March 18, 2007 It's nice for me because I have 5 vehicles and only 2 different filters. My 01 suburban, girlfriends 02 envoy, and the 02 STS all take the same filter. My 84 suburban and 92 silverado take the same one. It's really nice when buying filters. I had my 84 suburban filter get stuck when I first bought it. Can't remember how I got it off, but it wasn't fun, I remember that. Good luck -Dusty- - 02 Seville STS, white diamond - 93 Sixty Special, Tan with vinyl top - 79 Coupe DeVille, Tan with Tan top - 06 GMC Sierra Z71, Black - 92 Silverado C1500, black and grey - 83 Chevy K10 Silverado, Black and Grey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gc_caddy Posted March 19, 2007 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2007 I bought the FLOTOOL "graphite composite" end cap socket today at Walmart. It works like a dream, but as JIMs mentioned earlier, bring along an old filter (or the part no). There are several FLOTOOL models to choose from, and you can't really "eyeball" which one will fit. The one I really wanted is referenced below. It's adjustable. But I was in a hurry to get my STS back on the road. http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLM...l+Filter+Wrench Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted March 19, 2007 Report Share Posted March 19, 2007 I think the one you bought is the better of the two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc6t Posted March 19, 2007 Report Share Posted March 19, 2007 If you're in a pinch - there's always the hammer & screwdriver way. This isn't neccessarily recommended, but once the car is jacked up and all else fails this method will work as a last resort.... Tom R. 1998 Cadillac STS with 102K Miles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeb Posted March 19, 2007 Report Share Posted March 19, 2007 a trick with the oil filter socket to make it a bit tighter/snug is to use a shop rag as a clearance adjuster. lay the rag on the socket and push it on the filter. makes it very tight indeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caddynut Posted March 19, 2007 Report Share Posted March 19, 2007 I have had this happen on my caprice a few times and I have actually cleaned the oil residue in the cap wrench out and added a layer of duct tape around the inside of the notches and tapped it on to the end of the filter...worked every time for me. 2008 BMW 328xi 2007 Chrysler Aspen 2001 Cadillac Seville STS 2000 Ford Ranger XLT1998 Mitsubishi Spyder Convertible 1996 Saturn SC-11991 Ford F-1501979 Chevrolet Caprice1968 Ford LTD1965 VW Beetle "Herbie The Love Bug Replica** 1961 VW Beetle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dadillac Posted March 20, 2007 Report Share Posted March 20, 2007 I would not suggest using the screwdriver through the filter method. Especially when the N* has an easy removeable filter adapter. Just remove the two bolts, any cooler lines, and unplug the pressure switch. Then seperate the filter from the adapter. Less likely to cause damage this way. Don "Modern warriors saddle iron horses of chrome." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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