Eurovan 2002 oil filter wrench?

[DRNewcomb]

I have a new (to me) 2002 Eurovan V6 in which I am trying to change the oil. I suspect that the previous oil change was performed by King Kong, judging from the torque needed to remove the drain nut. I've run into a problem with the oil filter. It's a paper filter in an aluminum housing with a plastic cap about 4" in diameter. There's a hex head about 1.5" on the end of the cap. I tried using a large Crescent wrench but pulled to the point I thought something might break and stopped. I then tried oil filter pliers but these only scratched the plastic. There are a set of "dimples" around the circumference of the cap. Is there some special cap wrench used for removing this thing? The last thing I want to do is to break it but it looks like I'm headed that way, unless I can find a too that will grip the circumference of the plastic cap. What tool is normally used to remove this thing, a large socket?

[johnnygreenham]

I might be wrong but I'm guess that the hex nut you're talking about is just to help you turn the oil filer, meaning that the hex nut is welded to a disc of metal and then probably crimped/presses or spot welded onto the filter housing. Thats the dimples you see.
Your best bet is to get an old leather belt (thin is possible). Put the belt on the filter body like you would round your waste and then double back anti-clockwise. It will lock solid. You can then pull on the end or wrap it around something that you can get leverage on. Gently tap the filter with a rubber mallet whilst pressure is on to try and shock it a little. You could always buy an oil filter strap but thats boring. Try turning with a socket on the hex nut as well at the strap. I'll be amazed if that combo doesn't get it off.

[snowsyncro]

The hex is not for removal. Strap wrench, oil filter wrench, large channel locks all common tools. When I get a stubborn filter I just drive a large screwdriver through the side and twist it to get it started. Messy but it works.

RonC

[DRNewcomb]

I may have to post a picture. This is not a spin-on filter. If it were a spin-on filter I wouldn't be having this problem. It's a paper filter in a cast aluminum housing with a short plastic cap. The problem is that I'm in danger of damaging the cap while trying to get it off.

The strap wrench failed because it wouldn't grip the sloped sides of the cap which are only about 1/4" long. The Crescent wrench failed when it started to slip on the 1.5" hex head. The "universal" oil filter socket slipped off. The oil filter pliers are gouging the cap but not turning it.

Edit: Here is a picture of the problem.

[MarkWard]

I think you are getting wrong information. There may be a tool, but I have a large 6 point socket I use. I don't recall the size. If I had to guess 27mm. There is an O ring that seals the cap. Maybe getting the engine up to operating temperature might expand the aluminum. Don't burn yourself.
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[kamzcab86]

Details, with photos, here:
12V: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1749962
24V: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?650410

Don't recall which version the EVs got, but regardless, when it comes to the filter housing both versions use the same technique to remove: You can remove the plug with the hex/Allen to drain the filter first, or just remove the entire housing. Removing the housing requires a 36mm wrench (or a strap, or pliers, or whatever filter removal tool you prefer).

Be sure to turn the filter housing in the proper direction when removing.
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~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子

[GMByers]

Modify the belly pan and never have to remove it again to change the oil.
http://www.rialtainfo.com/thebaldy/winnebago/winne...02-01a.pdf

Filter nut = 36mm
Drain plug = 19mm
Belly pan cover =13mm
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And then there were two...downsized to 83 Doka &
74 Thing.

[DRNewcomb]

[MarkWard]

Tip, a 36 mm socket is very close in dimension to an 1 7/16ths socket. Might be easier to source and get a 6 point.
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[DRNewcomb]

[mpabegg]

Sometimes those can be on there real tight and using a socket will crack the plastic housing. I use one of these in the upper ring to assist.

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90 Syncro "Priscilla"

[DRNewcomb]

[DRNewcomb]

Update: Last night I found a 36 mm socket at Sears. I was a bit concerned because it was 12-point rather than 6-point but with a good pull the cap came right off. The hex slot in the cap drain plug had been buggered by a previous mechanic, so it turned out to be messy. (No big deal). But I do need to find a new drain plug before the next oil change.

Now I'm looking at making the cut-out on the belly pan so it can stay in place for future oil changes.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

P.S. I'm sure I'll be back on here. This VW is a new experience for me.

P.P.S. First, if you use the template to cut the belly pan, be aware that it actually fits two different spots on the belly pan. You want to put it on the spot nearest the center and farther forward. I now have an extra large cut-out in my belly ban. I went by the VW dealer to find out about the drain plug for the oil filter cap. They can order it for ~$20, paid in advance, thank you. WTF!!!!???? $20 for a stupid bolt!? At least I've got 5,000 miles or so to find one cheaper than that.

[Broseph Stalin]

[Abscate]

You don’t have to tighten the 36 mm hex tight, it side seals by the Oring
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[jjvincent]

A 36mm socket or a pair of channel locks on the hex nut. Just don't tighten the pulp out of it.

[Broseph Stalin]

[Abscate]

You don’t need the drain bolt on the filter housing.

Turn the housing off over the drain pan, then tip it to drain.

I don’t quite get the hole in the pan either.

Loosen two 13 bolts, release catch, pan drops down. Use a wedge to level off oil pan to keep it level. Drain into pan. Keeps bottom of engine nice and clean
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[Broseph Stalin]

[Abscate]

You can get a 36mm impact from Lowe’s for $12.

You can do a lot of axle nuts with that puppy, too

It also releases by E83 oil filter housing too.
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