E30 newby, oil change hell

[vr2jetta]

Ive tried the old "screwdriver through the filter" trick and ended up ripping the crap out of the filter and still had to find another way. I dont even use a wrench when putting filters back on. Just spin it on and get it as tight as I can with my hand, never had a leak doing it that way.

[kamotors]

Ive tried the old "screwdriver through the filter" trick and ended up ripping the crap out of the filter and still had to find another way. I dont even use a wrench when putting filters back on. Just spin it on and get it as tight as I can with my hand, never had a leak doing it that way.

how tight did you put that thing on? I've done all my oil changes on my cars for the last 4-5 years, and not until I got the new headers did I ever even need a tool to remove it. I always oil the seal around the filter then put on hand tight, when its time for the next oil change all I do is reach in their and turn.

[wolfgangstbd]

just use a wrench on the parts you didnt rip up

[vr2jetta]

how tight did you put that thing on?

It was on a work truck, wasnt mine.

[flipwils11]

There is a proper cup-style filter socket(?) available for the Mahle OC-49 filter. 13 flats vs. more common 14-flat domestic one. Obtain from local Vatozone and add to your collection. And K+N filters have that handy 1" nut, too...

I'm looking for this thing in google and on Snap-on's website. I only see a 14 or 15 flat version.

Where can I buy this socket to fit the M20 filter?

Found this, but they're saying it's a 14 flat, not 13. Are you sure I need a 13? This one lists that it will fit an '87 325is.

http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=M0093&CTMP=1

[nando]

go to www.bavauto.com

search for Oil Filter Wrench part #54760



$9 for a metal one

everyone always hates on these guys but sometimes they're the easiest to find good stuff from.

also not sure about the 13/14 comments.. this wrench fits perfectly on all of my filters?

[flipwils11]

Alright, here's an update (haven't ordered the filter wrench/large socket yet, so I figured I'd try once more). Jacked up the car, unscrewed the filter (dumping nice, clean, Brad Penn Racing Oil in the process). Took the filter to my workbench, removed rubber gasket, and coated every bit of it with fresh oil. Reassembled carefully reseating the gasket, and tried not tightening the hell out of the filter. Still leaks. Stopped the car, tried tightening the filter more with the clamp wrench. Still leaks.

Either I have a bum filter, or I'm missing something here. It didn't leak before with the cheapo Pennzoil filter, but the OEM one from the dealer is causing issues. I'm sure it's coming from the filter because I also saw the filter mount where the oil cooler lines go into was leaking a bit where it seals against the block, so I tightened that 17mm bolt. So that's one variable removed, but I had the car jacked up and engine running watching as it started leaking around the filter seal.

$@#$@#$@$!!!!!

Oh yeah, tried getting my hand on the filter from above through the manifolds!! Yeah right! I can't even touch it. You guys must have some tiny hands.

[flipwils11]

Update, for those who want to learn from my mistakes. I got it to stop leaking and you guys were right, hand tight on the filter is fine. No need to tighten it a lot.

I got a new filter, made sure the mating surface was perfect, put that on and also took the oil filter mount off the block and cleaned and lubed that rubber gasket and re-installed. No leaks. And I only hand tightened the oil filter canister.

Thanks all.