3.2L oil change

[static_k]

Attempted to change the oil on my 2003 3.2L this Sunday and it didn't go well. First trying to find an oil filter for it was a pain. AutoZone only carries a FRAM and STP filters but was out of stock on both. Advance Auto had 1 in stock and it was a Puralator. Are there any hi-performance filters for this motor?

Then I jack the car up and find out that the drain plug it a torx45,not a standard hex head, and frickin' He-Man tightened it up.
I couldn't get it loose because with the size of the T45 bit I had there wasn't enough room to use the ratchet. I ended up trying to loosen it with a 5/16 wrench on the bit and just couldn't get enough leverage. So I lowered the car and went back to some...

I guess I'm taking it to the dealer and then has anyone asked them to replace the drain bolt with a hex head?

thx.

[philly88]

Ya..... I just go to the rapid lube place. By time I'm done my coffee their done, no mess, no fuss. These days the lube places are pretty cheap.

[GT!]

There's a good thread about oil change on the 3.2 here:
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...il-03-cts.html

Mine either came with a hex head or someone changed it (I didn't start doing oil changes until recently). Once you've done it once it is easy.

-GT

[odysseus]

I'm not sure what a 'high performance' oil filter is, but the Purolator ones at Advance Auto work just fine for me. They invented the oil filter for cars. I use Mobil 1 oil, since the first oil change. Use the star bit (T45?) and a 1/4" wrench to turn the shaft to get the oil plug off. No big deal. Then an allen wrench to drain the filter housing, before removing the lower cover that holds the filter in place. It takes me longer to jack up the car and get it on jack stands, and put everything away when I'm done, than it does to change the oil.

[static_k]

GT!
-Thanks for that thread link. I think the key is to get that 3/8-in thin profile ratchet from sears and this way I might have enough leverage to break the bolt loose.

odysseus
-Thanks for your reply. I've seen lots of your posts and you've been a real help. As for "high performance" oil filters I'm talking about ones that were designed for synthetic oils like a Mobil 1 or K&N filter. I bought Mobil 1 oil as well and also use it in my other vehicles. I believe that it helps the cars in the long run. Did you happen to keep the Torx drain bolt or did you replace yours?