Engine cover
01-27-2006, 12:07 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 09-23-2005
Location: Staten Island, NY
Posts: 4,466
Engine cover
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.
01-27-2006, 12:14 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: 10-14-2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,359
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,
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,
Last edited by SoCalHHR; 01-28-2006 at 04:47 PM.
01-27-2006, 12:17 PM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 09-23-2005
Location: Staten Island, NY
Posts: 4,466
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?
01-27-2006, 12:33 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: 10-14-2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,359
A guy (1 Bad Pig), from the other site painted his:
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 $$$ looking paint job for under $40.
For an extra touch after painting, I would consider adding some custom pinstriping (like Captain Howdy's), on these parts to make them unique.
Another cool detail: if you can locate those people who "chrome plate" plastic emblems on cars at the dealerships and have them chrome plate the Ecotec logo and the center of the engine cover (simulated air runners). I think that would look nice on a painted cover.
Hope it helps,
The important part about painting these items is preparing the plastic well with a light (1300 grit) sanding, then several light coats (4 or 5), of primer. If painting a metallic or pearl color, use 3-4 coats of base and 2-3 light coats of the color. I would also put a clear coat on top for protection.
You can find House of Colors paints at your local Wal-Mart in the automotive section. They have small cans of primer, base, and pearls that are perfect for this type of project. Done right, you can end up with a $$$ 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,
I had thought about the painting part but the pinstriping idea is new to me. 
That might look pretty cool, or even just pinstriping the black plastic. 
1BadPig post here also. 
