Things the car factories did that made no sense to you

[PlymCrazy]

The oil filter location on my former (now my son's) '93 Cutlass Ciera, 3.3L.
The cleanest and easiest way to change the oil filter is to pull the passenger front wheel.
And even then I have to use a piece of cardboard to channel the oil away from the frame so the oil doesn't drip for several days after the filter change
Some other GMs in that era did the same thing IIRC.

 

[WileE]

I've only owned ONE Ford and that was for two days.
I know very little about them other than what I have heard or read. All the weird engine families, balance factors, the stupid suspension and steering design, vacuum windshield wipers too ?

You're lucky you didn't work on them. It always seemed they had some weird or screwed up way of designing things to make it difficult.

 

[WileE]

It is interesting how up until the 1970s, the automakers made noticeable changes to the cars every year. In the mid 70s, cars didn't change much from year to year. Can anyone tell a 1976 Cordoba from a 1978? How about a 1973 Dart from a 1976?

Yes, the changes began to be more subtle. But when you've seen enough routinely back then it was easy to spot differences in grilles, headlamps, taillamps, etc. It wasn't in the sheet metal, as much as it was in the trim.

 

[WileE]

View attachment 1928548

Thank you, may be the most idiotic useless feature ever. Unless you go driving in mud-storms.

 

[HawkRod]

The oil filter location on my former (now my son's) '93 Cutlass Ciera, 3.3L.
The cleanest and easiest way to change the oil filter is to pull the passenger front wheel.
And even then I have to use a piece of cardboard to channel the oil away from the frame so the oil doesn't drip for several days after the filter change
Some other GMs in that era did the same thing IIRC.

Well, I have to say changing the oil in my 2020 Ram is stupid. The oil filter is tucked way up and directly over the front suspension. I also have a factory off road package, and no matter how I try (yes, I have tried plastic, cardboard, etc.), some of the oil always runs into the top of the skid plate. It is the worst vehicle I have ever had as far as changing oil. Quite the hassle and mess! The oil from the oil pan is also directed at the sway bar and lubricates that on every oil change, but at least that is easy and quick to wipe up.

 

[toolmanmike]

Well, I have to say changing the oil in my 2020 Ram is stupid. The oil filter is tucked way up and directly over the front suspension. I also have a factory off road package, and no matter how I try (yes, I have tried plastic, cardboard, etc.), some of the oil always runs into the top of the skid plate. It is the worst vehicle I have ever had as far as changing oil. Quite the hassle and mess! The oil from the oil pan is also directed at the sway bar and lubricates that on every oil change, but at least that is easy and quick to wipe up.

I worked at the dealer for years and I always said, the guy that designs the oil filter location doen't have lunch with the guy that designs the chassis.

 

[Dipstick]

The oil filter location on my former (now my son's) '93 Cutlass Ciera, 3.3L.
The cleanest and easiest way to change the oil filter is to pull the passenger front wheel.
And even then I have to use a piece of cardboard to channel the oil away from the frame so the oil doesn't drip for several days after the filter change
Some other GMs in that era did the same thing IIRC.

Reminds me of a '62 Rambler I once had, try to remove this filter without douching the whole engine.

 

[PlymCrazy]

....the guy that designs the oil filter location doesn't have lunch with the guy that designs the chassis...

 

[Kern Dog]

The LA series had a great placement for the oil filter as long as the exhaust wasn't modified to block it.
The B/RB has easy access too. My 2002 Dodge 1500 had a 4.7 with the oil filter in the same spot as the big block though they included a drain trough under it. Quite smart and helpful.
The 2007 truck has a 5.7 and oil wants to pour onto the steering rack when removing the filter.

 

[PlymCrazy]

Reminds me of a '62 Rambler I once had, try to remove this filter without douching the whole engine.

Jeez....drill a hole in the top and stick a straw in it

 

[RemCharger]

View attachment 1929072
Jeez....drill a hole in the top and stick a straw in it

After I quit laughing it was like hey, just punch a hole at the bottom and catch it with a cup.
Kinda like a 4runner 4.0L

 

[GTXDAN]

My 18 Ram 2500 Cummins you have to go through the right front wheel well inner fender access hole to even see the filter. Taking the wheel off is the easiest way to change it and oil goes all over the front suspension because there is no access from the bottom or top. What a PITA. It's a good thing I'm left handed as that's the only hand you can get in to remove and install it.