BaojeeX

I went for a oil change/filter change on my blob gx today. What a nightmare it's been and I'm still in that nightmare.

The oil filter is in the worst place ever, since my car has un-equal headers I only have little room to play, the filter is stuck tight and I've tried a G-Clamp/belt-ratcher oil filter removal tool but have had no luck. The oilfilter now has a hole in it and is leaking oil?

How can I get this thing off? please help

topshot

iTrader: (4)

Oil filter pliers? Failing that screwdriver through it and turn!

BaojeeX

Aren't there any sockets that could get this off with a ratchet? All my screwdrivers are long. I need my car/ I didn't think it would be this difficult.

I could try the pliers, I should be turning counter-clockwise right? It just doesn't seem to want to budge at all.

STEVEBOXER

Yeah counter clockwise, can u get a oil filter wrench on it. The 3 leg claw type?
As previously said a screw driver through it as last resort.

BaojeeX

Haven't tried the 3 leg claw type. I bought the belt type and connected that to a ratchet but I was unsuccessful. The headers came in the way and I could not keep it straight, it would then be at an angle. My only option is to get the pliers from halfrauds, and try that. The room I have is a small gap between the headers, and then length wise to the front radiator.

I'm amazed at how crap the location of the filter is. I have no other room, as the headers then get in the way, and the sump at the back.

JohnnyBlaze

As above, Hammer a long flat bladed screwdriver through it, it's free and effective

BaojeeX

Again, this is the problem. There doesn't seem to be enough space for me to do that. A long screw driver won't fit because the exhaust manifold gets in the way, if it's not that getting in the way, it's the sump at the back, and if it's neither of them then it's the fan at the front. I'm really lost for ideas, only thing I can think of is putting it at an angle and hammering through, but I think even that will not work.

JohnnyBlaze

Sounds like a nightmare, have you seen the K&N ones they have a nut on the end might be worth looking at for future?

BaojeeX

I have. Whoever fitted the oil filter previously did a good job at making sure it was tight.

JohnnyBlaze

Yeah mine was a lot more than hand tight, but very easy to get at on a standard wrx

BaojeeX

I wish mine was hand-tight. I don't know what else to do, mate did suggest taping the leaking oil filter, filling the car up with oil and taking it to the garage.

Maddog105

iTrader: (1)

If at all possible, move it clockwise first then counter clockwise. Yes I know it sounds daft but I use this technique on anything that won't come undone and it works.

Good luck!

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

It's a known fact that many garages employ King Kong on a part time basis, to tighten oil filters. Seriously, it just shows the competance level of so many garage mechanics.

JohnD

BaojeeX

I finally got it off with a G-Clamp. There wasn't enough room for me to stab a screwdriver through. So I G-Clamped it, my arms couldn't pull as the space was tight and awkward, so I used my leg to push onto the clamps bar, and push. 3 Leg pushes and it was free.

Then I struck another problem, the filter I ordered was 80mm, this wouldn't screw flush and it was touching the manifold. It was advertised for my car .

I then measured my previous battered filter and it was 70mm. So a long walk to the parts store and the right 70mm filter everything is good. I warmed it up, took it for a drive now I'll check the oil levels and for any leaks hopefully it will be ok.

Never again.

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

Ah, but now you've installed it properly (we hope!) it shouldn't be a problem next time!

JohnD

STEVEBOXER

Sounds like a right pain in the bum job but well done for persevering !

BaojeeX

Yup hand tight, and oiled the O ring.