Is there a way to remove that big cover that covers the engine. The one that says on the plastic Ecotec. I heard it it easy to come off and it has to be take off to do oil changes. Does anyone have any pictures of how to remove it.

The engine cover does not have to be removed for oil changes.

I don't have pictures, however it is easily removed.

From the Owner's Manual:

To inspect or replace the filter, do the following:

1. Disconnect the MAF sensor, PCV hose, and both ducts.

2. Pull the entire system from the top of the engine.

3. Flip the system over and place it on a soft, non-abrasive surface.

4. Remove the screws that hod the housing and cover together and lift off the housing.

5. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.

6. Reverse the steps to reinstall the system. Be sure to reinstall the housing tightly.

Hope it helps, :thumb:

I'm thinking about painting it some day soon. That's why I'm curious about removing it. I would love to paint that, the fuse box cover and that other piece. I'm not even sure what to even consider that black cap that is in front of the fuse box. Does it have a proper name?

Yes, that is the coil cover.

I wanna paint that thing to. It'd dress it up nice. I wish I knew a place that could paint it the exact same color.

A guy (1 Bad Pig), from the other site painted his:

http://www.hhrclub.org/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=427;

The important part about painting these items is preparing the plastic well with a light (1300 grit) sanding, then several light coats (4 or 5), of primer. If painting a metallic or pearl color, use 3-4 coats of base and 2-3 light coats of the color. I would also put a clear coat on top for protection.

You can find House of Colors paints at your local Wal-Mart in the automotive section. They have small cans of primer, base, and pearls that are perfect for this type of project. Done right, you can end up with a $$$ looking paint job for under $40.

For an extra touch after painting, I would consider adding some custom pinstriping (like Captain Howdy's), on these parts to make them unique.

Another cool detail: if you can locate those people who "chrome plate" plastic emblems on cars at the dealerships and have them chrome plate the Ecotec logo and the center of the engine cover (simulated air runners). I think that would look nice on a painted cover.

Hope it helps,

Stop giving me ideas. :D I had thought about the painting part but the pinstriping idea is new to me. :beer: That might look pretty cool, or even just pinstriping the black plastic. ;) 1BadPig post here also. :confused:

I think if you painted the coil & fusebox covers a custom color - then added our appearance panels on top, it would look very nice. I just might have to do that myself!

That cover just lifts off.

Yeah - after you unbolt and disconnect it!

THat pic does not work can you relink it

Yeah - after you unbolt and disconnect it!

Do you think you can make a how to post for that?

http://www.webtrendsguy.com/images/focus/senginebay.jpg I have seen this on another site (its a foucs but I love the look of the engine.
http://www.webtrendsguy.com/images/focus/senginebay1.jpg

It looks great to me. I would love to do something like that color to my engine. However my car is silver? Do you think it would stand out a bit or would you do a different color?

Do you think you can make a how to post for that?

Grab with 2 hands and pull.

I wouldn't "grab & pull" unless you want to wreck several things on your engine.

From the Manual:

How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

To inspect the air cleaner/filter remove the filter from the vehicle and lightly shake the filter to release loose dust and dirt. If the filter remains caked with dirt, a new filter is required.

Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealership service department.

To inspect or replace the filter, do the following:

1. Disconnect the MAF sensor, PCV hose, and both ducts. (Ooops! Whats' that?)

2. Pull the entire system from the top of the engine.

3. Flip the system over and place it on a soft, non-abrasive surface.

4. Remove the screws that hod the housing and cover together and lift off the housing.

5. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.

6. Reverse the steps to reinstall the system. Be sure to reinstall the housing tightly.

Looks like you missed "Step 1" there snksknr94... :red:

Yep thats true SoCal in regards to the air filter

I figured step one was obvious just from looking at the thing. You can plainly see the 2 clamps and the MAF connector, guess I'll dumb it down next time. Oh and grab and pull works, I did it earlier today, the duct work is still connected but the whole cover comes loose, hence the grab and pull. You made it sound like you had to unbolt the cover, there are no bolts holding it in place.

Try this as well. Pull the EPS fuse and check both terminals with a test lamp at the block, with the fuse removed. Do you have power on one side and not the other? If so the block itself is not the problem.

Try this as well. Pull the EPS fuse and check both terminals with a test lamp at the block, with the fuse removed. Do you have power on one side and not the other? If so the block itself is not the problem.

What does that have to do with the plastic engine cover? :confused:

It looks great to me. I would love to do something like that color to my engine. However my car is silver? Do you think it would stand out a bit or would you do a different color?

It would depend on the color. The painted fake diamond plate under the hood of that focus is a major violation. That is just wrong! :roll:

I'm pretty sure snksknr94 meant for that to go on the "fusebox" thread.

It happens... ;)

What does that have to do with the plastic engine cover? :confused:

Shit. Could a forum nazi move that for me please!!!!!! :beer:

I'm surprised you didn't get "banned" for that! :D

(just kidding!) ;)

I only get banned from sport compact boards. They dont seem to like the truth. :D :thumb:

Plus they need to move as I'm trying to help out another member.

I'm thinking about this weekend if possible to start to paint some stuff under the hood

I'm thinking about this weekend if possible to start to paint some stuff under the hood

Just make sure you prep everything well - as the final paint job will only be as good as the prep and base paint applied. Take your time and do it right.

Good luck! :beer:

You're supposed to use adhesion promoter when painting plastics, not primer.

I never mentioned primer. If you are shooting candies or pearls you will need to use a base.

I'm going to use the spray can stuff. But i'm thinking about holding off untill I can get it done from a pro so I can get candy based paint instead.

I never mentioned primer.

1st page.....

The important part about painting these items is preparing the plastic well with a light (1300 grit) sanding, then several light coats (4 or 5), of primer. If painting a metallic or pearl color, use 3-4 coats of base and 2-3 light coats of the color. I would also put a clear coat on top for protection. :confused:

I'm going to use the spray can stuff. But i'm thinking about holding off untill I can get it done from a pro so I can get candy based paint instead.

Check out some of Duplicolors special paints. They even sell color shifting and glow in the dark paints. Not to mention metal flake, anodized look, textured, you name it. ;) www.duplicolor.com Available at any decent local parts store.

Yeah that was the stuff i'm debating on buying

I'm going to use the spray can stuff. But i'm thinking about holding off untill I can get it done from a pro so I can get candy based paint instead.

Go to Wal-Mart. They have House of Colors' candies and pearls in several colors in spray cans in the automotive section. Base coat (after adhesion promoter!), Pearl or Candy coat, then Clear on top. For around $20 you can have a paint job that looks pro. :thumb:

Yeah that was the stuff i'm debating on buying

You should be able to do it. Seeing as how you have artistic talent you should have a steady hand. Just remember to do it in several light even coats. A lot of people tend to get very heavy handed when you put a can of spray paint in their hand and want to do it in like one or two coats.

Go to Wal-Mart. They have House of Colors' candies and pearls in several colors in spray cans in the automotive section. Base coat (after adhesion promoter!), Pearl or Candy coat, then Clear on top. For around $20 you can have a paint job that looks pro. :thumb:

Or that! :D :beer:

On the engine black cover, i'm making an alum diamond plate cover to match the cover on the 2 side boxes. hope it will work.