[Surfpunk]

Came to change the oil, plugs, filters.... the other day but cannot get the damn oil filter off!! Must have put in on too tight last time!
Its a B202 engine (1989) so the filter is between the block and the firewall, with the exhaust running beneath. Needless to say that getting a strap wrench up in there is next to impossible!
Has anyone got any brain waves??

 

[ylee coyote]

the way I used to take 'em off before I got a strap wrench is to drive a big screwdriver through the filter. the handle gives you enough leverage to start it rotating....a bit scary and messy but effective
you might have to take it out again to clear all the stuff but it will be loose by then
good luck

 

[billj]

I seem to remember that I got the filter off my '87 2.0T by wrapping it in something like 60-grit or 80-grit sandpaper with the rough side towards the filter, then twisting it with my hands. If it's too tight even for that, then I don't know. Wrap the sandpaper so you're tightening the wrapping as you twist the filter.

As you've found out, it's a fingertip job from above. I often thought it would be easier with the car on a ramp.

 

[cbullock]

If you can get your hand around it try a dry rubber glove! (any colour, even silver ones!)

 

[wrighar]

Like Ylee, I've always approached stick filters with a 1ft square section screwdriver I own.

In the last 10 years it's be used as chisel, bolster, lever, hammer, wedge and punch, but never screwdriver....scrange but true.

Andrew

 

[glib]

Large Channel lock pliers.

 

[John Vaughan]

They make a filter removing tool that fits right on the end of the filter. There is a hole in the top to fit a small 3/8" ratchet. They seem to work pretty well in tight spaces and normally a stubby 3/8" ratchet will give you enough torque to start loosening. If no joy than go back to punching it with a large screwdriver! It Works!

 

[adrian]

Surfpunk,

Strap wrench (nylon belt type thing) and extension bar will fit on no problem. Well it does for me but obviously having a pit helps. Without a pit or a hydraulic lift I would'nt want to touch the filter on a B202!

 

[trollfan]

You can risk taking to it with a screw driver and getting stranded, but the right tool is the one that fits over the end of the filter (many cars offer similarly difficult access). Another tip for fitting the new filter when you fnally win, dip your finger in the oil and run it lightly over the rubber seal of the new filter before screwing it on, an old timer showd me this trick, which is meant to prevent chewing and/or seizing up the filter (works for me).

 

[ms08]

Like others, i resort to screwdriver through the cartridge - never failed yet and had to do it recently on my 900 after I had bought it. I also always smear the top of the rubber ring with oil - I seem to remember it recommends it somewhere on the box.

 

[DaveS]

Surfpunk, I had the same problem with my B202 oil filter, the fabric type filter wrenches don't seem to work.

I use a metal "spider" type wrench and it works beautifully, though you will need a 6" extension bar to make the job easier. I got mine from Machine Mart .

As you turn it, the jaws tighten on the filter to turn it, though not enough to puncture it.

Hope this helps.

 

[9000CS23T]

Originally posted by trollfan:
[qb] Another tip for fitting the new filter when you fnally win, dip your finger in the oil and run it lightly over the rubber seal of the new filter before screwing it on, an old timer showd me this trick, which is meant to prevent chewing and/or seizing up the filter (works for me). [/qb][/b]

You should always use clean oil on the seal. If you don't put oil on it will cause the filter to be tight next time you go to change it as the rubber sticks to the metal. Don't use old oil as some people do, there could be grit in this and cause the filter to leak.