Which oil filter removal tool and procedure?

[GeoffSmith]

Which is likely to be the best or does the filter unscrew by hand? :tongueincheek:

Geoff

[Monty]

Use your hand, don`t think u use it for anything else, unless u`r back on the Viagra

[GeoffSmith]

Use your hand, don't think u use it for anything else, unless u'r back on the Viagra

Not old enough for them yet!

I'm just about to buy some bits and pieces so wondered if anyone ever has problems with the filter. From what you're saying though, I don't need one I'll send Dico round to sort you out if I have a problem.

[John_W]

Geoff,
I have four different oil-filter removal tools :
- one like the tripod in your first photo;
- one proper Lotus tool which is a cap that fits over the base of the filter (but only works on proper Lotus ribbed filters)
- one nylon webbing strap wrench
- one metal band with a handle which tightens it around the filter and can then be used to turn the filter.

However on the Elan I agree with Monty - I've never had to use anything except my left hand (and I'm right-handed).

On you go, you woose, give it a shot.

John

[GeoffSmith]

That's what I (and especially swmbo) like to hear - don't spend any money.

[Monty]

make sure u can remove the filter before draining the oil

Thinking of trying those K&N oil filters with the moulded nut on the end
lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4818

[GeoffSmith]

I'm not doing it just yet - PAS fluid all over the shop! Just thinking ahead as I'm buying some O rings.

[Enright]

Just make you put a thin smear of oil or grease on the O'ring when fitting the new one and you shouldn't have any trouble next time.

I usually use one of the "bicycle chain and handle" type if my hand won't shift it.

And failing that as a last resort I hammer a screwdriver through the side and use that (but if that fails then you're up a well known creek in a barbed-wire canoe without a paddle)!

[GeoffSmith]

This is the first time, which is why I asked the question as things look a bit tight. Next time will be fine!

[Doug]

the stores here sell end caps for the filters that work like giant sockets -- you just put it over the top of the filter and use your ratchet to tighten or loosen it! = EASY.

[Dico]

Use a silicone glove for extra grip.

If its really tight screw your face up and pretend you're wringing Montys neck. Tends to work for me

[dapinky]

If you take the head off first, it's a piece of cake to get the oil filter changed!

[Sy V]

I prefer the socket type device with a stubby ratchet. The problem is, with all of the aftermarket filters that are available, the combination of diameter and number of faces makes their use limited, unless like me, you have a set of them.

Like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEALEY-Oil-Filter ... dZViewItem

Certainly, the use of a chain wrench, strap wrench or those bloody plier type grips if (as is typical) going in through the wheel arch, is practically impossible.

The other unknown (if the car is new to you or has been services by someone other than yourself) is the force with which the last monkey applied the one you're now trying to remove.

[GeoffSmith]

the force with which the last monkey applied the one you're now trying to remove.

Which was why I asked the question in the first place.

[Sy V]

You may think this a bit radical, but having only yesterday, laid on my back under my car and reapplied my filter from underneath (by hand) with the intermediate drive shaft removed, I will consider doing a filter change this way again, if needs be.

[Doug]

I used to sweaar at the monkey who put on the filter too -- problem is I did all the service

[Ekapol]

I bought the third type -- the one with red handles.

The giant cap socket might work well when it's new but I found it is quite difficult to get the socket cap to stay tight on the filter. If I tap it a bit then it turns to be quite difficult to get it off later.

The third type works great for me -- get the type that they have the angle at the gripping end, like in

THIS PICTURE.

I have no problem using no tool if I hand tightened it last time.

I found easiest way for me is to remove the right wheel (front ) and reach there with my arm as I am in one knee down pose at the side of the car (palm up).

[paza1]

Last time, I used the red handled, plier type with no problem. Hopefully won't need it this time. Looks like everyone has their favourites.
Mark

[algirdas]

Dear Geoff:

I use one or more of these three: A metal strap and handle that tightens as you turn it, the mother of all channel locks and/or a long slender screwdriver. If you need to use the screwdriver, be sure to drive it through the oil filter casing as far away from the block as possible.

The ones advertised at Griot's Garage are real good too.

I suggest a light coat of fresh engine oil of the type you are about to put in on the filter gasket.

Sincerely,

Algirdas

[M100 TWO]

The one on the left is the dedicated Lotus one which will only fit Lotus filters the other is a Draper DFW100 which I cut down so it will fit into my hand the Lotus on makes life easy