Getting to the darn oil filter on a '00 Cavalier

[Colt]

Just changed the oil and filter on my Grand Prix.
I had 6 qts of Valvoline Synpower 10w30 I got for free with a rebate and an Amsoil filter.Will go with Mobil 1 next.
So while I have the ramps out I figured why not change the oil in my son's 2000 Cavalier.
Somehow it takes the same filter as my Grand Prix 3.8L.
Although I go a little bigger(and happily so after seeing the stock one good for a 2.2L) with a chevy 4.3 filter.I did have a smaller filter on hand with some Mobil 1.
Didn't do the job.
That oil filter is a biatch to get at when your on your back.
Any tips?
Thinking about having me mechanic do the darn change

 

[Cutehumor]

I'm not sure when the cavy 2.2 engine went ecotec. but if it's the same engine as the 96 sunfire 2.2 in the sunfire. Then the filter is in the back of the engine and a major PITA to get off. Oil monkeys cringe when this car pulls in the jiffy boobs parking lot. lol. Here's how I get the filter off. I get the oil filter off up top. if it's really hot, I'll get a grazed burn on my forearm. I got skinny arms too. not sure what to do if your a big guy. I use the 3593A filter for this car. Oversize will be a tight fit just because of the lack of space

 

[Colt]

quote:

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Originally posted by Cutehumor:
I'm not sure when the cavy 2.2 engine went ecotec. but if it's the same engine as the 96 sunfire 2.2 in the sunfire. Then the filter is in the back of the engine and a major PITA to get off. Oil monkeys cringe when this car pulls in the jiffy boobs parking lot. lol. Here's how I get the filter off. I get the oil filter off up top. if it's really hot, I'll get a grazed burn on my forearm. I got skinny arms too. not sure what to do if your a big guy. I use the 3593A filter for this car. Oversize will be a tight fit just because of the lack of space

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Sounds like the same set up.
Wasn't going with an oversize in the son's car.
Like you said...there's really no room.
I was under and tried the band filter wrench.No good.Even the cup type doesn't seem to work.
Can't get the ratchet to line up with the nut end of cap.
Terrible set up.
I think my mechanic will do the job.
Though I think the cost of the Mobil 1 will be around $8 bucks a qt through the shop.
I called him and told hm I don't want a Group 7 cheapo filter.He'll get the kid a Napa.
He does around 7K mileage a year so the Mobil 1 and filter is changed once a year.
Last year we had some work done to the Cavalier and I gave him the Mobil 1 and filter.He did the change free of labor charge.
No work needed now so we'll pay for the change.
I still find it amazing that the same small filter goes on a 3.8L and the 2.2L.

 

[briarhopper]

We have about 18 cavaliers where I work that we use to deliver newspapers. Sometimes it easier just to take the right front wheel off and reach in with your left arm, or like someone said do it from the top.

 

[Dave Hess]

How about a piece of sand paper and a nice tight grip around the filter, works great for stubborn filters.

 

[lubeowner]

Get it from the top. I have done 1000's of them and this is the best way. Lean over the fender reach down with your left hand, you will see what I mean.

 

[cousincletus]

Yes, the automatics are easier to get from the top and the 5-speeds are easier to get to from underneath. My 2002 Cavalier has the 5-speed and it's pretty easy to get at from below. My old 1993 Cav was an automatic and was about impossible to reach from under the car.

 

[T-Keith]

They are pretty easy to reach from the bottom, but the filter is hard to get out, you have to go back between the exhaust and heat shield. Your probably best going from the top. Why the wrench, did someone overtighten it?

 

[Colt]

quote:

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Originally posted by T-Keith:
They are pretty easy to reach from the bottom, but the filter is hard to get out, you have to go back between the exhaust and heat shield. Your probably best going from the top. Why the wrench, did someone overtighten it?

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It's an auto so it must come off from the top as per cousincletus' post.
From underneath I can't get any band wrench on it.I can get the cup on the filter but can use a ratchet or regular wrench as there's no room. Will try to get it from the top.If it's too much trouble my son will have to take to our mechanic and pay the piper.
thanks for the replies.

 

[T-Keith]

You can get at them through the bottom on an automatic, it's just harder.

-T