Oil Filter Removal

[irishmanr26]

What is the best thing to use to remove the oil filter housing?
Is there a specialist tool for it?
Also, what size of socket is needed for the sump bung?
Going to have a go at changing my oil this weekend. (its an FR TDI by the way)

 

[james.l]

socket ratchet strap is best I find with plenty of extensions.

 

[irishmanr26]

Thanks mate. Is it a 19mm socket needed for the sump plug?

 

[Muttley]

TDI engines have an alloy oil filter housing with a plastic top cap which must be removed to change the paper filter. Brutal handling with strap or chain wrenches is not recommended, if you damage the cap you are snookered. Use the proper cup wrench: One like this from Halfords should fit, but check your filter cap: if it looks like a big nut (lots of flats) then the Halfords tool should do.

The oil filter housing is under the engine cover, see the picture below.

 

[irishmanr26]

So its the 76mm cup wrench I need and a 19mm socket and thats it?

 

[Muttley]

You really need to take your engine cover off and check what the oil filter cap actually looks like. Mine looks like the one in the picture above, but I've got the old TDI 110 engine (ASV engine code). I know that different models have different cap designs, as some posters on the forum have told us so.

The Laser cup wrench is listed as 76/14, meaning 76mm diameter, 14 flats.So there's a quick way of checking once you have the engine cover off and can see the filter cap. Mine also has a 3/8" drive socket, so unless you own a 3/8" drive socket set you'll need a 3/8" to 1/4" converter.

 

[Slimy]

I found to my misfortune that the proper tool is the best option. I used a pair of mole grips, and it cracked the plastic housing. I thought I had got away with it, but it started dripping. I think it was about £20 for a replacement housing, then £5 for the proper tool.

 

[sockpuppet]

I place a rag round the cover and then use a chain wrench. If I didn't already own a chain wrench I would buy the proper tool.