oil filter wont budge!

**djlee** · 25th February 2012, 18:24

After 3 hours of trying, i just can't get my oil filter housing to unscrew, i maybe managed to turn it 1mm. I tried molegrips, spanner, and some massive socket with a bar through it and nothing would work.

Due to the oil filter being at the bottom, i have to access it from underneath, which means i have limited space to really get anything substantial in there (like an air gun, which i dont have but still...).

I gave it a spray of lubricant round the toothed edge and left it for 10 minutes but that didn't help either.

Does anyone have any idea's as to how to get the blasted thing off ? is there a fancy tool that can be used to make it simpler (baring in mind ive put a fair bit of pressure on it with a spanner and a funky socket thing, so its definitely solid on there).

Thanks for any help

**Ben50n** · 25th February 2012, 18:26

Try warming the engine up?

**djlee** · 25th February 2012, 18:31

yup, had to drive to my dad's work where i was doing it. 20 minute drive then it sat for about an hour and half while i done my dad's oil. So it would have still been warm (could feel it radiating out the engine bay when i popped the bonnet so i imagine it was warm enough)

**FLOB** · 25th February 2012, 18:43

mine was like that. tight as a cats rrrrrrrs. the right sized socket and steady force while she is at full working temp is the best bet. might be best to wait until thee is a stealers or scrappy open in case it gives up the ghost in the process.

not lubricating the new o ring when it was tightened or an over zealous spanner monkey are the most likely causes.

Luckily my sump plug was only hand tight though.

also might be worth a try tightening it a little more as any movement may help free it.

**djlee** · 25th February 2012, 18:56

yeah i tried forcing it in both directions as i started to question whether it was a reverse thread or not. I might try and get one of those low profile sockets and have another crack at it. The main problem is simply getting room to really put some pressure on it, getting to it from the top is a nightmare, and underneath the exhaust is almost directly below it.

I'll have another crack at it tomorrow... If that doesn't work i'll have to pay a garage to do it for me.

**FLOB** · 25th February 2012, 19:29

low profile socket and an extension bar if you can get one on it. good luck buddy.

**bembo449** · 25th February 2012, 19:37

what engine is it ??

**djlee** · 25th February 2012, 19:39

1.9 CDTi 120 , facelift model

Don't look like halfords sell the low profile socket according to their site, luckily i found a place about 30 mins drive away. So i'll have to have a drive up in the morning and hopefully they're open

**bembo449** · 25th February 2012, 19:40

they are an element arent they ??

**lesj** · 25th February 2012, 23:27

Yep, in a plastic housing at the rear and low down on the engine.
Add the exhaust and steering rack and you get a piece of class Italian design making the most important DIY job a pain. Should be torqued to 20 - 25nM. Some people tend to think the tighter the better.
Also be aware there is a little plastic drain pipe on the underside of the filter housing so you get warn oil up your sleeve.