So this was the first time I have ever worked on the new beater. Well come to find out, the oil filter isn't really easy to get to. I had already drained the oil, when I realized this. so I had no choice but to fill with fresh oil, even though I didn't replace the filter.
How are people getting to these filters? I was under the car for 30-45 minutes trying to get this thing off, and I just can't get to it enough to be able to get a good grip on it either by hand, or with the oil filter wrench. Do I need to buy one of the filter sockets?
Yeah they are pretty hard at your first attempt, but they become easier over time. It is located to the right side of your oil pan, but more higher up...
you could use the filter wrench (also known as the band wrench), I've only removed these filters while these Cav's have been set up on a hoist..so I had good leverage and room to get it out, however it will be very messy once removed. Are you doing this supported with a safety stand and jack?
Of course the car is properly supported. The porblem I have, is my filter wrench is a big big and wont fit, and my hand barely fit up there.
Is your Cav the 2.4L? If so, those are easy to reach...and if you got the big band wrench and it won't fit, you could use a channellock
nope, its the 2200...can barely even see the oil filter. i know someone have a nicec easy way yo do it...come on peeps.
Yeah..the 2.2 SFI's are harder to do, and I've never tried to take it out while the car was supported with safety stands on the ground. I dont know if taking out the front right wheel would be easier for you lol..I dont even think you could see it from the top either
EvoFire,
The way I remove the oil filter from the 2200 in my Sunfire is to let the car down after draining the oil and reach down from the top with my left hand to unscrew the filter.
Jim
thanks Ill have to try that? might have to remove the air box. Ill take a look.
I reach down with my small woman hands and twist it off. I find it easier just to hand tighten/untighten it since rachets are a whore to get in there. Havent leaked any oil.
I can relate this ive got 2001 2.2L I had the same issue, The rookie at the oil change place tigtened my filter to tight. I usually do the oil changes myself. I bought a small metal filter wrench, Or one of those plastic filter socket caps that goes on the filter. Otherwise I usuallt can get the filter off from the top of the right side of the engine area.
Punch a oil in the bottom of the filter. It'll relieve some of the pressure and make it easier to remove.
its an old concept. time for something new to take the reigns. - Z yaaaa
I feel your pain Evo. probably the worst thing about 2200 aside from it being a slug. Getting oil on the exhaust manifold is pretty much a certainty, just so you know. Dunno if you have a skinny hand, but I managed to squeeze my hand in there from the top, just enough to get it off (after much fighting, cursing etc.), after that, you probably wont be able to get the filter out without dropping it (hence why there WILL be oil on the EM).
It does get easier the more you do it, and chances are the guy before you tightened the ever living @!#$ out of it because that seems to be what all quick lube places do. Best of luck, pain in the balls no matter what way you look at it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Tuesday, October 12, 2010 7:14 AM
First off, I lay a rag on the exhaust flex pipe (assuming its not hot...), lower the car, reach in from the top, I use a oil filter wrench, one of those metal band strap ones, turn it so you push from the passenger side to the driver side, a single push is normally enough to break it loose, just..... you can "preload" the wrench so it starts tightening as soon as you push if you put pressure against it with your fingers then push with your wrist on the handle...... err hard to explain but mess with the tool on the new filter and you'll see wtf I mean.
I tried the black cap thing you put a ratchet into..... isn't really much space to spin a ratchet though. The cap ends up falling off the ratchet 90% of the time.
I never really had a problem with this although I do agree it is a pain in the ass. I just jack up the car, put in the supports and get under there. I try to position myself behind the drivers side wheel as i am right handed, grab the s.o.b. and give it my all. Since I always change my own oil and never use a wrench after some minor cursing shes off and replaced. I know you're looking for the easy way to do it, unfortunately there isn't one.
all i did was put the car on jack stands and used a filter cup or what ever its called with a 3/4 ratcheted
I thought this was an easy task, I got one of them oil filter tools, resembles chanel locks, but sorta round. IT works wonders.
Fireboy153
Brady Fire Co. - Station 150
Long Live The Sunflower! (yea its not so "cool")
I have big hands and usually just go in from the top as I find it a lot easier to do that. Of course I usually dont have it on a lift either. I 90% of the time by KnN oil filters since they have a nut tack welded on the back so if it is to tight I can just use a regular wrench to get it off. I am going to run a oil filter relocation kit this winter so I dont have to deal with this issue anymore.
2200sfi might be a slug, but it could be worse, like for instance a Honda. Us 2200 guys still have 135tq along with lots of light weight plastic panels
. I just changed my oil filter and I went through the wheel well too.
Proud owner: 2002 Cavalier Sedan 2200SFI LN2 4-speed auto.Slowest compact car, only designed for school and groceries.
