Oil filter removal

[jcfx11]

Almost finished my recommissioning but need to do oil and filters ... I just can't get enough grip or purchase on the old filter with my hand. Have tried putting a hose clamp round the filter in order to tap it with something ... no luck.

I've ordered a couple of oil filter tools from amazon to try tomorrow but thought I'd ask if anyone has a sure fire method for getting the filter off.

Thanks

John

[TorqueHorse]

I have one of those strap tools with a lever arm that tightens as you start rotating the tool. But there isn't much room for the lever arm to fit and also rotate. I have to "pretighten" it a bit so the arc that the lever arm can make is spent on actually torquing the filter and not just tightening the strap.
I think I also have done it using an old timing belt through a closed spanner end for the same effect (and problems due to lack of space).

[FunElan]

What I did last weekend...front right wheel off, going in from the side with channel lock pliers.

Installed a K&N HP-1004 with a hex on the end. Got it as tight as I could with just my hand (which was still loose, there's no room to swing your arm, so you just have your wrist), then a 1" ratchet wrench to just get another "oomf" on it.

[jcfx11]

Managed to get it off today with a chain style tool, extraordinarily tight, don't know how a gorilla got his hand in that small space.

Thanks for the tips.

[jcfx11]

What I did last weekend...front right wheel off, going in from the side with channel lock pliers.

Installed a K&N HP-1004 with a hex on the end. Got it as tight as I could with just my hand (which was still loose, there's no room to swing your arm, so you just have your wrist), then a 1" ratchet wrench to just get another "oomf" on it.

I think I'll buy one of those K&N for next time, thanks for the tip.

John

[Hector2021]

I struggled and failed to remove my filter on the first oil change in my ownership. Just changed the oil only and left the old filter on. Hopefully it will stand two oil changes until I tackle it next after about 3k miles. Now bought a metal strap type wrench so will be interesting to see how it works.

[chrism]

My first oil filter swap on my '90 SE was an absolute disaster . I could just about get my hand in from the top, managed to undo it then the slippery oily gloves let me down big time and I dropped it...oil everywhere (and a drip for the rest of the year...)

Next time it was a bit better but still spilled some oil (dripped for a few months then )

Last time I drained the oil and turned the engine over on the starter thinking (smugly) that as I had an immobiliser switch it would enable me to spit the oil in the filter out w/out the engine starting. WRONG!! the professionally-installed kill switch (left in, and assured working, after a HUGE expense to a prev owner taking out his Gemini) didn't work (and still doesn't ) and I had to switch off really quickly...(RANT: I'm in the mood to name and shame 'cos after that fright they told me that it'd work, too, and seemingly lied...)

Next time I'll whip the coils off so's it doesn't start up...

Yep, it's all still a learning curve and hopefully if we post our experiences we can share and advise on both the good and the bad stuff.

(Incidentally, on my pal's '94 S2 I couldn't reach the oil filter from above - there was a really solid obstruction in the way behind the cyl head - so I reckon there's a design feature or change on the S2(?). He then decided to take it to a professional due to my confidence then ineptness to find it ....)

[Tuga2112]

Chris.

inertia switch is the most practical means to prevent the engine from starting.

start it. flick the switch and let it stave of fuel. then it wont start untill you let it prime the pump again.

[chrism]

Yep that's good advice. I think inertia switch - and a strategic cloth - should 'quit the drip' when going in from the top.