In another thread someone said there was no easier engine for oil changing than the Ecotec. I'd tend to agree EXCEPT that my 2007 uses an open filter that sits in a "pot" with a plastic screw-on cap and it's in a very bad spot for trying to get a wrench on the plastic hex nut that loosens the cap. It is also too tight to hand-tighten the last few turns due to an o-ring seal. This open-filter-in-a-pot setup is common on some imports but I've never seen it put in such a tight spot. Did they do that on purpose to discourage DIY oil changes or what

What do other owners used to get this off??? The cap nut is ~32mm/1.25" and I had to use a large adjustable wrench that could only turn a little bit at at time in the tight space. The only socket I had was too tall. A strap wrench did little good. I was afraid vise-grips might damage it. Aside from going to the $tealer and paying for some special tool the service bay uses, what's a good alternative? TIA

 

I used a socket and a 4" extension. Had no problems changing the filter.

 

Use a 1 1/4 socket with a 6 inch extention. I'd never put a wrench on this cap.

Yves

 

I guess what I need to get is a socket that's less deep and then use an extension. The only socket I had that size (a heavy-duty type) was too tall and fat to get in the tight space.

 

I would have no qualms using a closed-end stubby wrench the correct size if one could be found. Agree a big adjustable wrench is likely to damage the cap eventually, which is another reason (besides being a PITA) I need to find something else that works.

 

I just use a 1.25" socket with a 3" extension works everytime!

 

Most auto Parts stores carry a stubby socket designed for the ecotech engine. I got mine at Oreilly Auto Parts, It was a Lisle Brand. http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=90

It is labeled for the 2.2 but it works fine on the 2.4 as well

 

Got a socket and extension at Auto Zone for like 10 bucks..good to go!




Goose

 

Thanks--that price isn't too bad compared to what I thought such a thing might cost at the $tealership parts desk. I already have a stubby ratchet so that's all it should take.

 

I don't even need a stubby ratchet. A regular 3/8" drive ratchet and a 6" extension bar is all I have ever used.