E30 Zone

Been trying to remove the oil filter from a mates 2002 1.6 astra. Fooking thing wont budge, tried a chanin type remover which i had to handwhich wouldn't budge it, then went with the trusty chisel and hammer method.

Fuuker is now mangled and still wont budge making the car un drivable. Before I go towing it to a garage is there any suggestions?

Access is pitiful due to the exhaust manifold on one side and engine mounts on the other.

can u use a screwdriver and hammer on the metal ring bit on the end of the filter where it comes into contact with the housing and tap it round???

Canister type rather than paper insert ?

If its a canister one I've never had one yet that a screwdriver through wouldnt shift and ive done a fair few

Yep canister type, I have tried every thing I can think of and the same as suggested above and its not budging.

Ended up calling up a mobile mechanic thats a friend of a friend and he's agreed to come sort it tomorrow for £30.

Never had an issue before changing an oil filter and as you mention rob a screwdriver through the middle is usually enough to shift it. But in this case the filter has pretty much torn apart. Going on the color of the oil and the history of the car I reckon the filter has not been off in at least 40K.

On the plus side the E30 left the garage today for the first time in 7 months so every cloud and all that.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SYKES-PICKAVA ... 588bba2baf

I havent had to resort to the screwdriver method since I bought one of these.

The chain type ones are hopeless - these strap type ones grip the filter all the way round - if theres enough of the filter left to get one of these on could be worth a go

Only thing to watch is that the strap is quite sharp - watch your fingers !

Mechanic took it off with what looked like a massive pair of water pump pliers took him all of 30 seconds as well. But since he was there and I had paid him he serviced the rest of the turd as I had already paid his time and it saved me getting my hands dirty.

Note to self, only ever service my own cars from now on, leaving a mate stranded is never. A good thing.

One of the best tools ive never bought

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-12-OIL-FI ... 35c701af5a

Dan, thats the exact same thing as he used, might as well get one ordered up today.

For canister type filters,I have a gadget with three prongs(!)that turn into the filter..it's driven by either a spanner or a half inch ratchet.Works every time.
Using the 'screwdriver through the filter' method is all very well,but on a very tight filter it just destroy's the filter leaving little to get hold of with a 'proper' tool.

Of course,when the new filter is fitted,oil the mounting seal to aid removal next time!