What is the best/easiest method for getting the f***ing oil filter off a 2.2 (OHV)?
I know I've gained weight, but Jeez, I can't even fit my forearm into the space for the oil filter...
George (geozinger)
'95 Sunfire GT-my second Pontiac from Hell!
'97 Cavy Beater-still running like a champ!
'04 Sunfire - my kid's car, but I get the bills...
'09 Pontiac G6 - Sport Package 1
Relocation kit, about $40 total from Summit.
Other than that I can't help. I've never changed oil on an automatic Cavalier, but I've heard to go in from the top or through the wheel well.
well i dont know if its the same on an automatic but i just got underneith with a filter wrench and went at it...wasnt that bad...you wanna see lack of space... try getting the back spark plug, drivers side on a vortec 4.3L in an s-10 blazer, thats a good time
96 cavi'/WI j's
Go from the top, the 2.2 autos are the hardest cars to do.
Geozinger, you'd 'swear' that GM put too big an automatic
transmission in the tight confines of a Cavalier. And, you'd
be RIGHT.
If you let all that hot metal completely cool before attempting
a filter change, it makes it a WHOLE LOT more acceptable.
You can probably reach down with your arm and fingers
much easier if you do this.
I use a filter extension for my wrench and it seems to do the job just fine.
"Youre lucky that 100 shot of nos didnt blow the welds on your intake"
-Vin Diesel
I have an auto and i have to reach from uptop and go down and untwist. I also wrap the flex pipe with a plastic bag so when it comes off oil dosn't seep down into it causing it to reek like crap for a day or so..
Geozinger, you've received several helpful ideas ...
One more...
The PF-47 and PF-52 filters take a 3" cup type socket...
If someone has screwed the old filter too tight, put one
of these on a 3/8" breakover bar...
Zip....
i would say go from the top its alot easier.... when i have my 98 2.2 i always changed it in the morning when it was still cold and the filter come right off... no burns no cussin
Leland Sparks wrote:Geozinger, you've received several helpful ideas ...
One more...
The PF-47 and PF-52 filters take a 3" cup type socket...
If someone has screwed the old filter too tight, put one
of these on a 3/8" breakover bar...
Zip....
Thanks to all of the folks for their input.
My Cavy is pretty loaded up, I have AT, PS, AC, power brakes and cruise in the engine bay, so it's pretty frickin' crowded in there...
I got the car about a year ago, and have been taking it to our Pontiac dealer for oil changes ($15.95 if you're a 'gold' member -which I am
), but I wanted to show my daughter how to change oil in this car...
When I got underneath it, I couldn't get my arm into the place to get a grip on the filter. Going from the top wasn't a whole lot better, even after I got the cruise control module out of the way. But then, I still couldn't get a good grip on the filter... I eventually had to take it down to the 30 min oil change place, where some skinny 16 year old kid stuck his arm in there and got the f****er right off...
To the folks who suggested the PF 52 over the PF 47, I'm assuming that the PF 52 is deeper (taller) than the PF 47?
Also, has anyone tried the K&N oil filters? At my NAPA, they're just a couple bucks more than the Delco filters, PLUS they have a nice little 1/2" nut welded on to the bottom of the filter!
George (geozinger)
'95 Sunfire GT-my second Pontiac from Hell!
'97 Cavy Beater-still running like a champ!
'04 Sunfire - my kid's car, but I get the bills...
'09 Pontiac G6 - Sport Package 1
it is a Pita.. i cut myself up some all the time when doing it but no so bad anymore.. i go at from passenger side top. I have a big arm but can get to it and I have AC lines in the way too.
The PF 52 is deeper making it easier to grab. Never tried the K&N's.. not worth the money I'd say..
and for those that do.. you should change your oil when the car is warmed up to operating temperature, not when cold...
