Chevrolet introduced its 2.2-liter engine in the 1982 Cavalier. Since then, this dependable and efficient motor has powered small pickup trucks and other economy sedan models. The 2.2-liter engine provides substantial horsepower while at the same time providing good gas mileage. As with all small engines, however, high engine revs and operating temperatures take a toll on the engine oil. Oil changes should be performed at least every 3,000 miles to keep the engine in top running condition.
Before adding new oil, the old oil must be removed. Although it's possible to remove the oil while the Chevy is on the ground, lifting the front end makes access much easier. A set of lift ramps is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. The ramps lift the car about 8 to 10 additional inches off the ground. Place a ramp directly in front of each front tire and slowly drive the Chevy onto the ramps. Underneath the car and directly behind the engine is the oil pan. This is a rectangular box centered under the car with a six-sided hex nut drain plug on the bottom. Place a catch pan underneath the oil pan then loosen the drain plug with a long-handled wrench. Just let the plug fall into the catch pan with the oil. Retrieve it after all the oil has emptied out.
The oil and air filter must be replaced along with the oil. Use an oil filter wrench--a circular metal band that wraps about the filter canister--to remove the oil filter. The oil filter is located on the driver's side of the engine near the front. It may take some effort to loosen the filter; but once it's loose, it will spin off. A little oil will drain from the filter so place a shop rag under the engine for any spills. Replace with a new filter. Before installing, however, take a dab of oil and run it around the rubber gasket on the filter. This makes for a tight seal. The air filter is in a box connected to the engine air intake. Simply open the box, remove the old filter and replace it with a new one.
When the oil has finished draining, retrieve the drain plug from the catch pan, wipe it off and use the wrench to screw the plug in tight. Open the engine oil fill cap and add new oil. 10W-40 weight oil is fine for average temperatures. If running in a hot environment, consider using 10W-20 weight. The 2.2-liter Chevy engine requires 4.5 quarts; using an extra 1/2 quart will not harm the engine. Pour in 5 quarts of oil, replace the filler cap and back the Chevy off the ramps.
