Removing an oil filter where you cant get at its end?

[Daston]

As the title really, trying to remove the oil filter on my Mk2 Golf Gti and I cant get anything on the end of it as its too close to the chassis. Any tips on getting the bugger off?

[Defcon5]

How on earth did you put the filter on in the first place?

[Daston]

Defcon5 said:

How on earth did you put the filter on in the first place?

I didnt lol

Ok theres about 2" clearence but not enough room for my oil filter removing claw thingy.

[stevieturbo]

there are various tools available...im sure one of them will fit.

Without seeing the car, cant say which is suitable. But there are plenty that work in very tight spaces...or simply on the bottom of the filter itself

[Steve_D]

I think you need to get the strap type remover.
You may then be able to get at it from above.

Steve

[richies2.0gl]

If you can get a chissel in there, hit the chissel with a hammer on the top edge of the filter to spin the it, should break the seal and then spin off. Try not to puncture the filter and dont try punching a screwdriver through it! (very messy method).

[fatjon]

I don't see what's so wrong with the stick a screwdriver through it method. It's pretty much the only method I have ever used. Tried a few chains and straps all were fiddly as hell and slipped. Suppose it depends on where it is on a golf as I can't picture it.

[stevieturbo]

Ive never had to break a filter in my life to remove it.

Just use the correct tools

[Otto]

I have a tool from Halfords which is a chain on a lever type thing - hard to describe! But you don't need access from underneath, works on the cylindrical surface. Always manages to get them off, albeit sometimes deforming the canister slightly. It was cheap too!

In fact...

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

Don't use their picture for guidance in how to use it though, it's wrong.

[Daston]

Just had a chat with the old man turns out he has a load of strap and chain wenches so going to give them a go

[Tony427]

I've always found three or four turns of rope around the filter, hold both ends of the rope but pull the "undoing end" with your strongest arm and the filter canister just unscrews.

Cheers,

Tony

[Otto]

Tony427 said:

I've always found three or four turns of rope around the filter, hold both ends of the rope but pull the "undoing end" with your strongest arm and the filter canister just unscrews.

Cheers,

Tony

Nice tip! Must remember that one when the wrench won't fit (Usually only needed when I buy a 'new' old car and the last owner has decided the oil filter needs to be put on as tight as possible!)