This is the first time I tried to replace the oil filter on my 1996 Saturn SL-2 myself. The store catalogs say the filter should be a size 53 or 3614 depending on manufacturer. But after trying two filters I wound up putting the old one back. None of the new filters had a rubber seal as thick as the old one...so they all leaked. Is there a special filter or casket for my Saturn?

Is it the first time you've changed a filter on any car.
I've used all sorts of filters over the years and the 3614 from Fram most recently. I have never had a filter leak.
Clean the area around the filter seat. Put oil on the filter seal. Tighten by hand until seated. Then turn 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Nothing special cheap or expensive they all fit. I have experienced filters by some brands having a larger shell that would not fit in the space on a car but never on a Saturn. Try again and look for damage or buy the brand that is on there now and that would eliminate your brand concern.

be sure the old gasket isn't stuck on the block

I used the Fram 3600 which is a 1/2 quart larger.
Fits with room to spare on my 93 SL2.

Might sound dumb, but make sure you aren't changing the tranny filter if the car is an auto. looks just like an oil filter.

do you speak from experence?

No I can't say I am.:)

Isn't the 3600 a basically a ford filter? I know that some filters have multiple applications. I just never heard of that filter being used on a Saturn.

Have you ever had any problems using it on your '93? I've also got a '93, and I'm thinking about using the 3600 now, too. I put a lot of miles on it and it would be kind of nice to know there was a little more filter and oil reserve there.

Thanks,

Jody.