Almost time for my first (self-performed) oil change on my 2002 MCS, looking for any tidbits floating around out there. Feeling pretty comfortable with the process itself, but wondering about a brand of oil filter. I'm seeing them sell for anything from six to 24 bucks, which makes me REALLY question why the price difference. PLEASE don't make me call Towne . . . they're 2 for 2 in trying to feed me lines of BS . . .
My recollection is that the OEM filter from Towne is about $6 or $7 and includes a replacement O ring. Not all that unreasonable. Tell the parts guy you're a member of this club and you should get a discount. I don't know about other brands but I always figured the factory filter would be fine, especially if you're changing the oil every 3 to 5 K miles.
When installing the filter cartridge push it down firmly onto the nipple on the part of the filter assembly that's on the engine. Push it until you're sure it's seated. Makes reinstalling the can portion of the assembly a good bit easier.
Be careful not to cross thread the can when reinstalling. Take the time to be sure the threads on the bottom of the can match properly onto the engine fitting.
To avoid a mess with oil pouring out of the bottom of the filter assembly slightly unscrew the can portion of the assembly which will let the oil in the filter drain into the pan and then out with the rest of the oil. This takes a little time so best to start draining from below the engine, crack the can containing the filter and loosen it a little but not so much that oil starts to leak out, and then wait 15 or 20 minutes for the filter assembly to empty. The small amount of oil that remains in the actual filter assembly can easily be handled by wrapping a rag around the base of the can when removing.
