26 replies to this topic

[cal844]

I use a pair of filter grips

https://www.ebay.co....m8AAOSwux5YNrva

Perfect for getting into the confines of the mini.

Also half fill the new oil filter before you fit it.

[GraemeC]

I've tried all sorts of tools, some more successfully than others.  However my go to favourite is (by far) a filter socket:

[BingoBongo]

After trying everything I could and all your advice and pointers on here.... the stubborn oil filter.... it won’t budge.

So this morning I took the car to my mot tester who also has a garage and he used his water pump pliers to get around it. Took a few to and fros but eventually it moved.

Waiting game now.
I have the oil but I’m Waiting for oil filter and sump plug washer to come from mini spares
Am also waiting on indicator stalk assembly and replacement brake fluid reservoir cap.

Thanks to all the help in here. Will keep you updated.

[RustyAutoCityE]

Don't want to alarm you, but have you tried loosening the sump plug yet? They too can be troublesome...

[gazza82]

I’ve sprayed some wd40 on it around where the two parts meet. Am going to let it penetrate seeing as I can’t do it yet anyway until the bits arrive. Really just want it loose so that when I do come to do it, I can get on with it in one go.

Be surprised if WD40 does much ... you need to break the grip that the seal has made on the filter housing .. which is brute-force most times ..

Edited by gazza82, 20 May 2020 - 03:43 PM.

[BingoBongo]

Don't want to alarm you, but have you tried loosening the sump plug yet? They too can be troublesome...

Ironically that is my exact next thing to do. Just to break it off incase it is jammed up like the filter.

[BingoBongo]

I’ve sprayed some wd40 on it around where the two parts meet. Am going to let it penetrate seeing as I can’t do it yet anyway until the bits arrive. Really just want it loose so that when I do come to do it, I can get on with it in one go.

Be surprised if WD40 does much ... you need to break the grip that the seal has made on the filter housing .. which is brute-force most times ..

I don’t think it did anything frankly especially when I saw how much pressure he had to apply with the grips. Was clutching at straws frankly and trying to avoid having to go to the mechanics - but he didn’t mind doing it for me at all as they are really quiet at the moment anyway.

[BingoBongo]

Well that took all of 2 seconds. Nice and tight to begin with but also extremely easy to open. A bit like my 1st girlfriend at school.

[RustyAutoCityE]

 

Don't want to alarm you, but have you tried loosening the sump plug yet? They too can be troublesome...

Ironically that is my exact next thing to do. Just to break it off incase it is jammed up like the filter.

 

Thought I would mention it as, to cut a long story short, removing mine involved a trolley jack and a pair of stilsons

 

Glad you didn't have any trouble.

[BingoBongo]

Mail order companies are a bit of a waste of time at the moment so gave up and managed to get a filter from EuroCarParts of all places.

This is how ridiculous ECP are:

You phone up to enquire and they say yes we have the part but we are only and exclusively serving key workers and NHS staff in person.

So I ask about delivery. They say yes but add a fiver for delivery and it could take two days

Then I remember my wife is in the category of key worker. They say then yes she can come but only her and she must bring proof of being a key worker and photo ID (as if she doesn’t hate me enough already!)

Anyway we go down there.... no one checks any ID or asks any questions. Just serves her like any other person on any other day.

And the bottom line... I now have all I need to do oil and filter change hooray.

[cal844]

Mail order companies are a bit of a waste of time at the moment so gave up and managed to get a filter from EuroCarParts of all places.

This is how ridiculous ECP are:

You phone up to enquire and they say yes we have the part but we are only and exclusively serving key workers and NHS staff in person.

So I ask about delivery. They say yes but add a fiver for delivery and it could take two days

Then I remember my wife is in the category of key worker. They say then yes she can come but only her and she must bring proof of being a key worker and photo ID (as if she doesn’t hate me enough already!)

Anyway we go down there.... no one checks any ID or asks any questions. Just serves her like any other person on any other day.

And the bottom line... I now have all I need to do oil and filter change hooray.

Its farcical lol

Good to hear you are sorted with parts

Edited by cal844, 21 May 2020 - 08:22 PM.

[BingoBongo]

Thanks all for your help and advice.

Today I have:
Replaced indicator stalk assembly for a brand new one and swapped wiper switch assembly over to new plate
Oil and filter change including replacing sump washer
......and the miracle of it all is that it all works afterwards

I’m convinced that the engine is running notably smoother with the new oil and that it is not just a placebo effect. The oil in the car was very old so surely this will make a marked and obvious improvement

Edited by BingoBongo, 22 May 2020 - 04:09 PM.