2.5L trouble removing oil filter

[Dan Schachner]

I went to change the oil in a 2.5L 1991 and found it very difficult to remove the oil filter. It was not unscrewing that was the problem, but maneuvering it out of the engine bay and getting a new one in. Does anyone have a tip for squirreling it out? Also, what is the canister that is blocking it? I have looked at photos of other engine bays and not seen this. I am guessing it is the EVAP canister.

 

 

 

[89 MJ]

I’d think it would be easier to pull it out the bottom. 

[Eagle_SX4]

If you look at these pics looks like your engine bay is the stock configuration.

 

 

Like 89MJ said probably easier removed from the bottom. 

 

@eaglescout526 would probably know better.

 

[eaglescout526]

I’ve been able to pull my filter out from the top. Looks like my Renix has more room than the HO. What im able to do is remove the filter, drop it down a little while holding on to it, let it fall straight up and down where you’re still holding on to it but the open end is looking at you and then you should be able to pull it up and out. The one thing that scares the hell out of me is coming in contact with the power wire from the starter. But otherwise that’s how I get my filter out. 
 

I’ve tried the bottom way and I seem to get it stuck between the rail and engine. But I suppose you could get it out that way as well. Don’t see what not. 

[CheepComanche]

I’ve always removed it out the top by unscrewing it, grabbing the threads of the filter, then lifting it up. Pretty much exactly as eaglescout526 said 

[gogmorgo]

It’s a pain, yeah. Every time I do it I think about looking into a remote mount to make it easier. 
I think sometimes I’ve unplugged the distributor harness to get myself some more room to manoeuvre in my ‘91 2.5, but I do the same as what everyone else is doing, rotate it so it faces up and lift it up through a hole it doesn’t want to come through nicely. The new filter goes back in the same way, usually with some fresh scratches in the paint.