Oild filter won't budge L diesel engine

Ok I just did a service but ended up having to leave the old oil filter in place. I tried everything to get it off using a filter wrench but because of its position found it difficult to get the clamp on and twist hard enough to shift it. Should I be using a specialist tool - if so I need to get one before my next service. Any tips?

The engine undertray is a pig isn't it? I ended up getting half of it off and then bending it down enough to access the drain plug and then making a channel out of a plastic bottle to steer the oil into a bowl.

All good fun these Freelanders - nothing quite that simple, as they say.

Thanks
Gareth

i always use big grips


like plumbers pliers but lot bigger... not done the freebie tho but will be doing it the same way lol

Never done a hippo but i use a socket belt or failing that a screwdriver

I tend to use a filter wrench

Diesel Do said:

I tend to use a filter wrench

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Yes so did I but couldn't shift it partly because of lack of space (and it being so tight). If anyone has a wrench that seems to fit perfectly for the filter in the L diesel engine let me know the type and I will buy one.
Thanks

Hammer a screwdriver through it and use that as a lever to turn it.
Prepare for spillage.

dave21478 said:

Hammer a screwdriver through it and use that as a lever to turn it.
Prepare for spillage.

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Agree - maybe as a last resort - but I thought if I did that, and it still wouldn't budge I would be stuffed without a car to drive. Any wrenches out there ideally suited to this engine/filter?

Thanks!

Its a bulletin on the l series filter. Youre supposed to give it a extra turn to stop a leakage. Some ppl tend to overtighten it. Mine was difficult as well. But it came with a filter wrench eventually.

halfords do a good one, ive tried,chain straps etc ,but they do one u tighten with a big screw with a knob on, the tube that grips the filter has bits sticking out so it does not slip. best ive used.the tube is like a big jubily clip, not matter how tight it will not slip,

Use a knackered screwdriver and tap the edge of the filter where it fits onto the block, a few taps should get it to start unscrewing. You could use a new screwdriver but I prefer not to use a hammer on a good screwdriver

Ok everyone - thanks for the help. I guess all it needs is perseverence and a lot of elbow grease. I will take a look at the Halfords wrench as well but the overriding advice seems to be the old fashioned screwdriver way

Thanks again. I will leave it a few 000 kilometers before having a another go - don't want to waste good oil!

Gareth

Just out of interest,what was the problem with the under tray.
Was it the first time you have attempted to remove it.
I assume you know about the 8 bolts and 6 screws to take it off,or are the fixings just corroded.

webley2000 said:

Just out of interest,what was the problem with the under tray.
Was it the first time you have attempted to remove it.
I assume you know about the 8 bolts and 6 screws to take it off,or are the fixings just corroded.

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Hi - two bolts at the back, then 4 rivets holding the plastic in place, two of which seem to have been replaced by nuts and bolts. Nothing corroded. Is there more to come off than just the plastic? If so, I got it wrong.

Thanks

Gareth

I did wonder when I read your original post.
Nope there are 8 bolts,2 on each wishbone,2 inboard of these on the subframe and 2 at the front behind the bumper.
Then there`s 6 screws behind the bumper.
The plastic stays riveted to the alloy tray and the whole lot comes away.
Its a big item and does looks like it shouldn`t be removed.
There is a picture somewhere, which shows the fixings but I can`t remember where.

webley2000 said:

I did wonder when I read your original post.
Nope there are 8 bolts,2 on each wishbone,2 inboard of these on the subframe and 2 at the front behind the bumper.
Then there`s 6 screws behind the bumper.
The plastic stays riveted to the alloy tray and the whole lot comes away.
Its a big item and does looks like it shouldn`t be removed.
There is a picture somewhere, which shows the fixings but I can`t remember where.

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OK. Thanks. Next time around I will allow time to get the whole lot off - a few self tapping screws in a bit of plastic is what I had on another car! I guess this will give me more comfotable access to the oil filter as well!

my sons car filter would not undo this afternoon, he tried everything, brought it up to borrow my halfords tool, it unscrewed it no problem, they work as they grip all the way around and have a good lever on, never ever in 5 years of owning the tool as it failed to undo any filter.

no1birdman said:

my sons car filter would not undo this afternoon, he tried everything, brought it up to borrow my halfords tool, it unscrewed it no problem, they work as they grip all the way around and have a good lever on, never ever in 5 years of owning the tool as it failed to undo any filter.

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That is good to know - thanks. Will check out Halfords when I am back in the UK in the summer