MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Oil Filter - AT LAST!

Hi All,
midget mk III - 1972
Spent a happy morning lying underneath my midget trying to get the spin off ( yeah right!) oil filter off. Interestingly, I made up some new combinations of foul language ( which are novel & unpleasant ) but succeeded eventually.
Is there a sensible & straightforward way of doing it & or is it something we just have to suck up & bear?
Has anyone got a relatively quick way of dropping an oil filter or is there some whizzo tool I don't know about?
Cheers all
Colin
colin frowen

I use a tool (don't know the name)which consists of a short length of nylon ? webbing in a loop fitted into a metal bar that is attached to a socket extention bar/wrench - turning the wrench tightens the loop around the filter and allows it to be 'unscewed' - had it for 40 ? years

R.
richard boobier

Similar to this one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DRAPER-13771-OIL-FILTER-STRAP-WRENCH-1-2-SQ-DR-OR-21MM-120MM-/320923722856?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item4ab88b6468


R.
richard boobier

The tin can variety, or the disposable "modern" style? If the latter, then the recognised mechanic's bodge is to hammer a large screwdriver through it to act as a lever. Messy and a bit of an "all or nothing" approach though because if it still won't shift then you can't hop in the car an drive to Halfords and buy the proper chain wrench tool designed for the job!
Guy Weller

I tried one of those rubber alligator grip things. Threw it away after an hours swearing and bought a three clawed geared jobby from Halfords that grabs it from underneath and takes a 3/8ths or 1/2 inch ratchet. Cost about £12.00 and undid it almost disappointingly fast! I suspect it would be pretty good, if a bit heavy duty on marmalade jar lids too!
Matt1275Bucks

Don't know any "mechanic" that uses that old wives tale Guy :) I tried it once many years ago and realised it was the worst piece of advice I had ever been given, I gave up with that horendous technique and went and bought a strap. LOL

So I have he one described by Richard and I also have the 3 legged spider type, both do the job although different vehicles sometimes one is easier to use than the other.

Here is the spider type
http://tinyurl.com/7v63e5v
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Guy,

The screw driver technique is not to be recommended IMO - some filters are mounted around a thin pick up tube - think a 'B' might be also - seen much damage as the screw driver split the tube also.

R.
richard boobier

two fiendish devices here, one for end-on access and t'other for side access (that one is French). On the odd occasion where there's not room for either I've used the screwdriver method too
:-)


David Smith

Bob, and Richard, I did refer to it as a "bodge". And in effect warned against it.
However, that IS the method I have employed on tight filters for the last 50 years or so. And it has ALWAYS worked for me. So far! I am aware that there are "assist devices" available.
Guy Weller

Colin,
if you keep up the regular oil and filter changes by time as well as mileage then you shouldn't need that strap Richard recommended as you should fit the new filters correctly so they will remove, with a bit of effort perhaps, by hand

when fitting replacement filter

. clean around the filter head rim and centre thread
. smear run fresh oil around the seal
. when fitting get the filter flush with the fliter head and then only tighten the filter another three-quarter turn

ETA: I've used the screwdriver method and had it work but I've also had it make the potential to make matters worse by crushing and twising the inards and outer shell so would not recommend it
Nigel Atkins

Nigel,

Cannot agree that assistance is not required - IMO heat seems to seal / tighten the filters even when corectly fitted - better tight than loose ! - I've had one come loose on a company car just garage seviced - not recommended.

I use the strap type on the car and the chain type on the boat engine for oil and diesel filters where access is restricted.
Just cannot get sufficient grip on them without assistance.
With the tools noted the 'screwdriver method' is not required even on the most difficult ones

R.
richard boobier

Richard,
I agree the strap could well be needed on a vehicle where someone elae has fitted the filter or where the filter hasn't been changed on a regular mileage or time interval suitable to the car's type of use

I meant if Colin fits the filter himself correctly to the Midget and replaces it on time or mileage basis suitable to the use of his Midget then he shouldn't need the strap

I've got the strap and not used it since I can't remember, certainly the last 6 or 7 filter changes on my Midget have been done by hand alone and not a drop of oil from it let alone comiming loose

I will admit of those 6 or 7 times most have been done by my mate as he likes to go back to work and tell them he's been servicing a Midget - he's not got mechanics' forearms and muscles on each finger so this may help :)
Nigel Atkins

Just popping in on this one to back Guy on the screw driver method. I've often resorted to a screw driver, rammed through the side, off centre, to start a stubborn filter turning. Always works, but is a bit messy. However, if the end result is the removal of the oil filter, that's a good result in my book. :)

As regards it being a bodge, a bodge is in fact an inventive method of accomplishing a task using any available tool or method. There's nothing wrong with a bodge, and it is not to be confused with a botch, as it mostly usually is, unfortunately.
Lawrence Slater

Seems it is just me and you then Richard, I too always need a tool to get my filters off, perhaps my grip is too weak to remove them by hand although it is the same grip that puts them on LOL

Bodge? Lawrence not sure but it is far easier with a decent tool and cleaner. LOL
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

I like Lawrence's distinction between Botch and Bodge. Without thinking about it, or knowing why, that is how I would use the two words.

Robert, sounds like you need more wrist exercise! Mostly, I don't need to resort to the screwdriver method. Just that when I do, it works.
Guy Weller

Bob,
perhaps you don't measure the final turn to tighten or put the filter on when you have plenty of energy and try removing when you are tired

. . . it can't be your method

. . . or interval of changing

it must just be that my mate and I are just better at doing this one thing than you :)

I'm happy to accept that :)
Nigel Atkins

Guy,
I've had the screwdriver method work and not work so I've both bodged and botched

I've often botched jobs through laziness, not preparing, not thinking and rushing things
Nigel Atkins

My experience of oil filters that won't undo by hand, is that they have been overtightened in the first place, and or a new seal hasn't been used the last time it was changed. I know this from personal experience of being guilty of both of the above reasons.
Lawrence Slater

Well despite my filter being changed every year (2/3K miles?) I clearly am either lazy,ignorant or someone else has been sneaking in and doing my filter....heh maybe I change them too often and if I left it longer maybe they'd loosen up....but they've all needed assistance to come off despite only being hand tight when they went on

One wonders why there are so many gadgets to get the damn things off if its only a few of us idiots that get them on too tight.
Dean Smith ('73 RWA)

My input, for what it's worth.

First I bought one of these
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_209641_langId_-1_categoryId_255216

But it can be very tricky to fit on and rarely works anyway!

I then bought one of these:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_209597_langId_-1_categoryId_255216

Not failed me yet - would recommend it.
Graham M V

on Graham's post - I was given one of the first link items many years ago, personally I never found it of any use and bought a strap type instead

I'll have to tell my mate of your difficulties, I take the strap type remover with me every time (he has a lift in his garage) but as I say I can't remember the last time it was used

I was changing my filter every 6 months perhaps that why we find it easier(?)
Nigel Atkins

Dear me Nige!!!
Changing oil every 6 months!!!!
Taking absolutely no notice of the owners handbook!!!
What ever next???????
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

I've use one of these for years. Bought it from my local "car shop" and its been the best few quid I've ever spent on tools.<http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-10784-100mm-Filter-Wrench/dp/B0002BUEOE/ref=sr_1_6?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1342373834&sr=1-6>
Peter B

Bob,
we'll have to get you a copy of the good book - 6,000 miles/6 months is as per

although mine at times has been more often than that, some times by choice others not

when I next see my mate I'll ask about making an instructional video on changing filters by hand only :)
Nigel Atkins

Having suffered through the same ordeal, I found a different solution - instead of a different tool, I got a different filter! K&N oil filters have a nut welded on the top/bottom so you can use a 1" socket to remove it. (model HP-1002 for my 1275). I have several different contraptions for removing filters and just can't hardly get any of them to fit up there with my hands and arms and when I do, I can't move them enough to work. The K&Ns are a little pricey, but one of the auto parts stores had a coupon recently - 2 for 1. Turns out my 2011 4-cyl. Ford Ranger and my 1974 Midget use the same filter!!
Jack Orkin

Should I even be admitting I have a sharpened screwdriver specifically for puncturing and unscrewing oil filters?

I tried one of them webbing strap things, but the moment it got oil on it (can't imagine how that happened) it was slippery and useless and made me grumpy, at which point the screwdriver came out again.

I tend to drive the screwdriver through the filter near the end, wait for the oil to drain out, and only then unscrew the filter.

Growler

Luverly. More votes for the screw driver then. :)
Lawrence Slater

possibly on a Spridget but on vehicles with restricted space or access be careful or you could end up like I did once with the filter wall gashed and twisted and the screwdriver stuck - then only continuous swearing, brute force and ignorance might retrieve the screwdriver
Nigel Atkins

Nylon strap has been my long term solution but it's a bit fiddly to get on so I have just bought a three legged jobby but not had a chance to use it.
Jeremy Cogman

This thread was discussed between 14/07/2012 and 20/07/2012

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.