Is oil filter accessible from engine bay?

Tiny
ROAD TRAVELER
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 OLDSMOBILE LSS
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Hi,

Does anyone know if the oil filter is accessible from the engine bay? (Oldsmobile LSS, Oldsmobile 88, and Buick LeSabre).

My driveway is on a slight hill front to back, and the road and my driveway are also on a slight hill left to right. In addition, the pavement in my driveway is uneven. So, I'm not thrilled about getting underneath the vehicle with jack stands just to change the filter. Which is why until now I always just went to a quick lube place, though I would really prefer to choose my own branded oils, premium filters, and oil treatments.

So, I'm now planning on buying one of those oil vacuums to suck the oil out from above, and I'm hoping there's some way I can also change the oil filter just from lifting the hood.

If I can't access the filter from above, and I can't safely lift the cars at my location, so I go to some place nearby to ask to borrow their lift for a moment to change my oil filter, do you think the new oil could be contaminated by driving with a dirty oil filter for 5 to 10 minutes?

Thanks a lot.
Sunday, August 27th, 2023 AT 2:05 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

From memory (the manual doesn't provide a location) it will be accessed from under the vehicle. If I recall correctly, it is on the passenger side of the vehicle behind the front tire (close to the frame). Also, it is likely pointing downward.

If you turn the steering all the way to the right, you should be able to get it by moving the splash shield. See pic below.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, August 27th, 2023 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
ROAD TRAVELER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks so much, Joe! If it's close to the frame there's a chance, I may be able to find it with a flashlight, lying flat on my back alongside the vehicle. If it's really close to the frame, I may even be able to change it with just my arms underneath.

Otherwise, turning the wheel and moving the splash shield is a great hack to know!

Thanks again!
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Tuesday, August 29th, 2023 AT 4:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
You are very welcome. You should be able to see it behind the splash shield. It may be a little tough with the wheel straight. It sits more centered behind the tire.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Joe
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Tuesday, August 29th, 2023 AT 6:51 PM

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