The filter would not come off by hand, or with a filter spanner, or with a strap wrench. In desperation decided to try the 'screwdriver through the filter' method, which failed miserably - it just tore up the filter case, leaving just the base plate.
So, getting 'creative' out of frustration, out came the cold chisel, mole grips, crow bar and hacksaw. Finally this got filter moving, but it also unscrewed the pipe through the oil cooler. I was thinking that the filter was stuck on the outside gasket, but it was the inside threads that were solid - had to put the remains of the filter in a vice to finally remove it from the pipe.
The remains -
The next 'easy' job was then to refit the pipe through the oil cooler. This is screwed in by a 13mm (maybe 1/2"?) hex drive, which I don't have. So, visited every hardware and motor parts store in the area and there are only 12mm or 14mm options - no one has a 13mm.
Before I buy a 14mm hex driver and modify it with a grinder - is there anything I'm missing here?
Simple jobs rarely are, but this one has got me questioning my sanity.
Cheers,
Mark,
Wellington NZ.
1996 LWB High-top camper.
