Oil filter changing - dont try this at home?

[anvil58]

Hi.
Just thought that I would share my experience changing the oil filter last week.
It looked easy at first(!) and not only do I have the tools for the job, I have carried this out on all of my previous cars (non of them a Fronty though). Got the chain of the remover tool on from above - wouldnt budge. Removed the front stone shield from underneath for better access and tried from below - still wouldnt budge and now it had a hole leaking oil all over my nice clean drive - fetched a container to catch it. Tried harder and even though the outer body of the filter flexed, still no joy (and not much room for manouver) - fetched a hammer. After a couple of blows the chain snapped - *&%*$£!!! (at this point I am beginning to wonder if this was sutch a good idea).
I Then rang my dad for help who turned up with a beefier version of the chain tool - unfortunately due to heavier construction it needed four hands to keep it in place while it was tighened and the lack of space around the filter meant that this was not a option. Next I tried the old 'can't fail' trick of hammering a screwdriver through the filter and levering it off. Again due to lack of room I couldn't lever the screwdriver and just ended up with another hole leaking even more oil!
Eventually my dad wandered off to wherever it is that dads go when they are not being used so I rang my brother in law who fixes cars as a hobby. Brother in law turns up with a pair of 2 foot long stillsons (very big pipe wrench to the younger readers) and a look on his face that says 'Ive got a big tool and I know how to use it' - half an hour later the look is gone and a string of expletives are wending thier merry way from underneath!
Eventually - SUCCESS - it turned (very slightly) and with myself, and by now a small crowd of onlookers, cheering it on the now unrecognisibly mangled oil filter was detached from the engine!!!
The new one was quickly screwed on and the stone cover replaced - total time taken, about 3 hours for a 'two minute' job - phew.

The moral of this story - we might like to tackle the simple jobs ourselves, but some times it just isnt worth the FLIPPIN HASSLE!!!!

Thanks for listening.

[Mr Mud]

Yep been there done that and had the pain

[fogman]

i shouldnt of done but it did make me laugh

[anvil58]

Always happy to spread a little joy - going to change the sparky's tomorrow, cant wait.......

[gregster]

if you spread some oil on the rubber seal you wont get to play that game again!

[john (smifffy)]

[Drift]

If you can get a straight access to the end of the filter there is no way this beasty will not work
Done me well over the years

[Big Dav]

[dave1966]

I use something similar to Drift's photo and Ive not had any problems with it.

[king of the kitchen]

did mine today and it fled off,, ,,,,funny that isnt it,,,,, ,

[4x4 bobby]

I allways use this type, nver failed me yet!!!!

[andysd1]

i used my hands, and it came of just nice.

[jimmybhoy]

Mine was exactly the same, an absolute B@ST@RD. But i predicted a mess before i started, I bought a new basin for the kitchen beforehand, so i wouldnt get the face moaned off me, when i got the old one covered in oil!

[RatCav]

Old cat litter tray for catching the oil, and the strap tool 4x4 bobby uses. Never fails. Also smear a layer of oil on the seal to make sure I can get the new one off.

Though I have been there before with my old Xantia.

[snapper]

Blue rectangular tesco shopping bucket to catch the main engine oil as it drains and an old cut up plastic bottle with a piece of clear tubing running to the bucket.

Set up the bucket and get the sump plug out so that's emptying. Then move to the filter and get the plastic bottle set up so it is held in place (bungie strap) covering the filter and the pipe runs to the bucket. Next pull back the plastic bottle and pop a small hole about 3mm dia in the bottom of the filter replace bottle and go for a brew and bacon butty as it happily drains out and into the bucket.

When you come back, the engine will be empty as well as the filter. Place a plastic freezer bag (big enough to put the filter in and seal) over the filter and then remove the filter using a claw type filter wrench. As it comes off just work the bag over it, tying it up once the filter is clear.

Replace sump plug and fit new filter, refill. Run engine to fill filter, do not rev it up as the turbo will be empty as well. Stop and check oil level after 3 mins.

Job done. All clean and tidy etc.


Oh and don't fall over the bucket, knocking it over if you want to keep it all tidy like

[inky160]

i use

http://www.shacktools.com/sykespickavan ... rers_id=14

the strap is as wide as a seat belt

[Mr Mud]

I've used a chain wrench and all it does is collapse the oil filter, it makes a lovely mess