Well this weekend we finally changed the oil in the Malibu and let me tell you what a PITA. The drop in filter cover is about in the most retarded spot you can have it. I had to use a pair of channel locks to get to it because the DIY autoshop I was at didnt have a shallow enough socket.

Finally got it done but I wish it still had a regular oil filter.

Any advice for next time? What do all of you other DIY guys use to get the filter cover off?

There is a $5 special socket that goes over it. use that with an extension and it is a cake walk

Where can you get said socket?

to my knowledge every parts store. But i know for a fact that O'reily's has them. they are by the oil wrench section. it will say gm 2.2 on it probably.

Hmmm, the 2.2s have the same size filter?

Ill go to AZ and ask around. The one I go to has a pretty knowledgeable manager which is a huge plus.

I wanna say it is the same filter (actualy i am almost positive) but the 2.0,2.2 and 2.4 use the drop in on the top. I had the socket from when my wife had her 2.2 eco cavalier

this might be a little easier

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ecotec-oil-filter-socket-wrench-32mm-Saturn-Ion-Sky-Vue_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2 Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3 a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem 360142438949QQitemZ360142438949QQptZMotorsQ5fAutom otiveQ5fTools

this might be a little easier

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ecotec-oil-filter-socket-wrench-32mm-Saturn-Ion-Sky-Vue_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2 Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3 a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem 360142438949QQitemZ360142438949QQptZMotorsQ5fAutom otiveQ5fTools

Ahhh, I LOOOOOOOOVE YOU!!!! :D:D:D:D

snap on sells one too...i am sure it is probably like $300 if that is what you are into lol

Screw snap-on. lol

Ill spend $13 and itll be good enough.

Screw snap-on. lol

Ill spend $13 and itll be good enough.
I spent 9$ on a small adjustable wrench from Wal-mart and it works great for me

Snap-On, probably the most over priced tool company around. ;-)

Amazon has one for $7 Search for Lisle 14700 Oil Filter Wrench for GM 2.2L

Snap-On, probably the most over priced tool company around. ;-)

Unless you actually use your tools every day, all day, they are worth the coin.

I just bought a 32mm socket from Advanced Auto for my wifes old Alero. It had the 2.2, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be the same as on the 2.4. I believe the socket was between $7-13. No need to get a special one, any old 32mm will do.

I just bought a 32mm socket from Advanced Auto for my wifes old Alero. It had the 2.2, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be the same as on the 2.4. I believe the socket was between $7-13. No need to get a special one, any old 32mm will do.

No, they wont. The intake runners on the 2.4 get in the way of the regular socket. You need a very shallow socket to get it on the actual cover.

I would check yours as well.

No, they wont. The intake runners on the 2.4 get in the way of the regular socket. You need a very shallow socket to get it on the actual cover.

I would check yours as well.

Interesting, if you use an extension will it work? I know that I used a 12" extender rod in order to use the socket I bought. I know something got in the way on the Alero, but I can't remember what it was. I hope I don't have to buy another one since I've already got a socket. When I pick my car up tomorrow I'll have to check it out.

An extension will not work. At least on the 2.4 it wont.

Hopefully yours will work for you but dont be bummed if it doesnt. :D

An extension will not work. At least on the 2.4 it wont.

Hopefully yours will work for you but dont be bummed if it doesnt. :D

Yeah I can't remember if it was a radiator hose or just some other wires that got in the way. What's the difference between the two engines? Is the 2.4 just a bored out 2.2 or are they two totally different engines? I have to say I do love the filter being on the top of the engine. It saves a huge mess.

I just poked a hole in my old filters. No need to try to keep them together as they will be crushed anyway. I cant say I like the higher prices on the filters either.

Displacement for the 2.2 L engine is 2196 cc (134 cu in) with an 86 mm (3.38 in) bore and 94.6 mm (3.72 in) stroke. Compression is 9.5:1 or 10:1, delivering 135 to 143 hp (101 to 107 kW) and 142 to 152 lb·ft (193 to 206 N·m) of torque.

The LE5 is a larger 2.4 L — 2376 cc (144.9 cu in) — version of the Ecotec. Both the 88 mm (3.5 in) bore and 98 mm (3.9 in) stroke are larger, and Variable Valve Timing on the intake and exhaust improve low-end torque. Compression is 10.4:1. Power is 164-177 hp (123-132 kW) and torque is 159-170 lb·ft (215-230 N·m).

Basically its bored out and has VVT.

An extension will not work. At least on the 2.4 it wont.

Hopefully yours will work for you but dont be bummed if it doesnt. :D

You were right, the socket is too deep. It almost fits. :(

This ball valve, replacing your oil drain plug, helps me a lot to save my time on oil changes. check it at qwikvalve.com.

Cheers,

What are the torque values for the drain plug and oil filter cap?? I heard it was 18 ft/lb for both.