13 replies to this topic

[Marky Tizz]

1989 Mini 30

 

I've done a search and can't find anything relevant.

 

Got Cherie back on the road recently after being laid up for 5 years, yesterday went to drain/flush/change coolant and oil. Coolant took ages but got it done eventually.

 

So moving onto oil, did the engine flush, then drained the oil, all fine.

 

However, I just can't get the old oil filter off. I have used a chain-type tool, that didn't work. I used a plier type tool, the big oil filter one. Tried to get a claw type tool but there is nowhere locally that has one. So, resorted to screwdriver trick, that didn't work either. Have tried turning it both ways in case I was going the wrong way.

 

I'm now left with a severely mangled oil filter that has barely budged, can't get a grip on, and a car I can't drive (which I need to get to work tomorrow).

 

Really stuck... help!

[TORZIEnJIM]

Plus gas and muscle?

[Gremlin]

As looking at the bottom of the filter you nee to turn it anti clockwise

[racingbob]

you will have to get another filter housing might be easiest way

[dklawson]

You may indeed find that removing the filter head from the block is required.  Although, I would not go immediately to replacement.  With the filter head removed, I would line the jaws of my vise with bits of wood so I could hold the casting better... then try different tools and methods until I got the old filter remains off.  For example, once you have the can of the filter peeled off down to the flange, I would try tapping the flange "down" away from the filter head to relieve the pressure from the sealing gasket.

[CityEPete]

If the filter is going in the bin then you might aswell practically unpeel it now which should leave the piece that is threaded onto the mounting, once revealed a pair of water pump pliers should do it or even carefully break the thread away without wrecking the mount.

First thing I would try though, you say you did the screwdriver trick through the middle, instead use a large sharp flat bladed driver and tap the filter on the rim where it meets the mount just a bit until the drivers starts to dig in then move to a fresh area keep moving around but once its gone half inch it should undo by hand anyway. Make sure you knock it anti clockwise as you look from underneath looking up.

[Marky Tizz]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions guys, all sorted now.

 

Got fed up so decided to just go back out in the rain and try and get it off! In the end managed to get it off with the wrench/pliers things, tiny movements at a time around the part where it meets the housing. Now I know the above tips though I will be avoiding putting a screwdriver through the centre in future!

 

So much work but totally worth it, runs so much smoother now. Thanks again!

[CityEPete]

Cup of tea and a biscuit solves most things :)

[dklawson]

I apologize for the following as I am sure you are familiar with the process, but for others just starting to work with their cars....

 

When putting a new oil filter on, lubricate the rubber seal on the spin-on filter with clean engine oil  Wipe the filter head on the block with a clean cloth to 1) make sure the old filter seal stayed on the old filter and isn't stuck to the engine, and 2) to remove any dirt and debris that might prevent the new filter from sealing.  Then tighten the new filter until you start to feel resistance.  Turn an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn by hand... 3/4 of a turn at most if it makes you feel better.  It will be snug enough.  Do not tighten more and do not tighten with a wrench.

[Marky Tizz]

Thanks Doug - yes, aware of all that, but good for others!

[Austin mini 30]

Big flat screw driver, hammer it through the middle of the filter and turn anti clockwise.

[CityEPete]

Big flat screw driver, hammer it through the middle of the filter and turn anti clockwise.

Did you read any of the posts?, lol

[Austin mini 30]

 

Big flat screw driver, hammer it through the middle of the filter and turn anti clockwise.

Did you read any of the posts?, lol

 

Nope haha, just seen the title and answerd it !!  haha should've read all the other posts. I very bad for doing that

[CityEPete]

Lol