Can't unscrew my engine oil cap~

[Vibe2009]

Ok, so I am having trouble unscrewing my engine oil cap~~first of all, it is counter-clockwise to unscrew correct? Can anyone verify with me? This is for a 2009 2.4L vibe.Secondly, any tricks out there that will help me unscrew this?

[VforVIBE]

Quote, originally posted by Vibe2009 »first of all, it is counter-clockwise to unscrew correct? Can anyone verify with me?Remember: righty tighty lefty loosey... I didn't have any problems with mine.

[vibedrivermatt]

I know its really funny those things are so hard to get off. Mines like that too. Grab a pair of channel lock pliers to get it. I know its embarrassing but oh well. Im not a contender in the worlds strongest man who can unscrew an oil cap competition.

[djkeev]

Don't sweat it, you are not alone! My 1.8 gets awful tight and I'll use a wrench or pair of pliers.Even on other cars I work on, the cap can be a bear to get off. I think it is the heat and the rubber seal and the oil and the plastic all working in harmony to make us feel like a total wuss!Dave

[ParknVibe]

Just a thought, try to remove the dip stick out first. See if that may help. Maybe a vacuum has developed in the head space. With my dip stick, it is very hard to pull it out at first, but the second time it comes out easy.

[vibolista]

May be too late now, but try a towel over the cap or wear a pair of gloves to give you a cushion and better grip. If that doesn't work, then get the channel grips and keep the cloth on the oil cap when you turn it, to keep the damage down a bit.Good luck!

[cptnsolo77]

I have had to break out the channels for the oil cap before. You are not alone lol.

[joatmon]

you guys are wimps having to use a tool to grip the oil cap. I've always just used my hands. However, sometimes it can be on there pretty tight. One time it was on so tight, trying toi unscrew it I broke a motor mount.j/k. I think I always over tighten it when I put it on, to make sure it won't come loose, as if that would happen.

[djkeev]

Next time mine is "fused" to the valve cover, I'll call you and have you stop by and I'll gather all of the girls to watch your manliness as you wrench that sucker off of there barehanded!! Actually I'm fairly careful to NOT overtighten, like a spin on oil filter!!It is still usually too tight.IQuote, originally posted by joatmon »you guys are wimps having to use a tool to grip the oil cap. I've always just used my hands. However, sometimes it can be on there pretty tight. One time it was on so tight, trying toi unscrew it I broke a motor mount.j/k. I think I always over tighten it when I put it on, to make sure it won't come loose, as if that would happen.

[vibolista]

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »Next time mine is "fused" to the valve cover, I'll call you and have you stop by and I'll gather all of the girls to watch your manliness as you wrench that sucker off of there barehanded!! Actually I'm fairly careful to NOT overtighten, like a spin on oil filter!!It is still usually too tight.Yup, but the one time you don't cinch it down tight... it works its way off and you get the dreaded engine oil bath or worse, if the engine clamps its self down for ever.

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by vibolista »Yup, but the one time you don't cinch it down tight... it works its way off and you get the dreaded engine oil bath or worse, if the engine clamps its self down for ever. Yep, that's why I made the analogy with the oil filter. ALWAYS tempted to go MORE than the 1/4 turn after seal contact!! Who here isn't?!?! Yet that 1/4 is plenty fine. Same with the cap. Same with wheel lug nuts, just a little tighter that the recommended torque is too tight!!Dave

[oriden]

i have the same thing to on my 2005 1.8L i just use some channel locks on it like metioned.

[burns]

I'm on the channel lock bandwagon as well. Must be a self-torquing cap...