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MG MGF Technical - Oil Filter misery :-(

Just want to know if anyone has some killer tips for me?


Went to change my oil on Saturday and even with an oil filter wrench, couldn't shift the whatsit!

Normal procedure on an old Merc I had was to hammer a long screwdriver through the filter and lever off.. but I don't really want to do that as I'm trying to be nice..
..and the wrench is deforming the filter itself.

Any ideas?
Neil H

Not surprised that the filter is deforming. I normally get a specialist to service the F but I always do my other car myself. On that (an MGB) I use a chain filter wrench which tightens more as you turn it - the old filter gets seriously destroyed but comes off fine. When you put the new filter on run a light coating of clean oil onto the rubber seal and tighten by hand only.

Tim.
Tim Jenner

Yeah.. trouble is the last service was the bad-boy one, and I got a garage to service it.
Its really tight.

The chain wrench just isn't doing it for me..
Neil H

Hammer and driver should work, but they should be a last resort as they may rip the filter and then you're in goo.

Most tool shops now sell a three armed thing (looks like some kind of nija death star) which you attach to a ratchet and slip over the end of the filter, as you tighten it it bites into the filter in a much grippier way then a standard chain wrench.
Will Munns

I've also had some success with the things you get in Robert Dyas et al - think it's called a Gator Grip. Basically a thick rubber band and a plastic handle, works much like a chain wrench but needs less room around the filter and grips with a bigger surface area. Might be worth a try?
Tim Jenner

Tim means:

http://www.halfords.com/opd_product_details.asp?id=16884&type=0&cat=146
Will Munns

Like what I mean:
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/product.asp?p=040211424&r=2076&g=111
Will Munns

Thanks peoples.., I'll give 'em a go.,
Neil H

Neil,
Should you destroy the filter case and still it won't come off, get a chisel and hammer and hit the base of the filter (not the canister) to unscrew it.
Tim is spot on by saying coat the rubber ring with engine oil before replacing the filter.
Good luck and tell us the outcome
Chris
C F Jones

Okay its off!

Used a mates Land Rover removal tool.
Its like a giant spanner with three grippy bits.
Totally mangled the filter, gripping it, but came off eventually.

As a side line.., I have always changed my oil every 6,000 miles with Magnetec, and everytime I notice a difference..
.. I don't know if the oil should last longer.., or people should just change more often?!
Neil H

Hi,

Well, that's a relief!

In my opinion a good quality oil will last for the 12000/12 months distance unless you are doing very short journeys or driving in very arduous conditions. Normal driving, OK. I do think though that a filter change at half-way is a good investment. An engine that uses a little oil is in a better position, as the oil top-up helps to maintain the oil's properties (as will the filter change top-up). Have a look at http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/oil-life.html for further info and discussion. They managed 18k on Mobil 1 before it degraded too far.

Regards, Kes.
Kes

>Used a mates Land Rover removal tool.
>Its like a giant spanner with three grippy bits.

That must be one humungus tool, if it can remove a Land Rover!

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Ralph
Ralph

Ralph,

I am more disappointed in myself.. it made me laugh!

P.S. Thanks Kes.
Neil H

Always loosen the filter and drain plug when the car is cold. Only then warm the engine up and then undo everything

Many years ago I first warmed everything up, then turned the filter. Absent mindedly I turned it the wrong way. It was then a pig to get off.
Gareth J

This thread was discussed between 10/01/2005 and 14/01/2005

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