Oil filter change

[Barry Gadd]

I'm changing the headgasket and am waiting for the replacement.

I tried to undo the plastic oil filter cartridge screw on top which seems exceptionally tight.
I don't have the proper tool so tried to improvise.
Eventually gave up and resorted to large stilsons (used very carefully). The cap finally yielded.
I've never known such a tight fitting plastic top!!!!!

Has anyone else had problems in undoing this oil filter top cap?

I'm now waiting for a replacement cartridge and am fearful of cross threading the cap when I put it back on.

Does anyone know if heating the cap will cause it to expand and therefore screw on more easily????

 

[Lee]

Mine was just as tight when i removed it. Smidge of oil round the new o-ring and screwed back in with a nip of my socket (oooo-eeer). Might of been slightly easier for me as i had the socket to fit.

Lee

 

[GazHyde]

There is some basic guidance in this article - http://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-oil-and-filter-changes-by-mike-fishwick.32/

"There are three types of oil filter cover, the aluminium type, which is secured by a long bolt with a 13 mm head. The larger plastic type, used on most later six cylinder engines, requires a 36 mm socket to unscrew it. The smaller plastic cover on engines such as the 1.9 litre M44, requires a special cup wrench which is available from German & Swedish outlets at about £10."

 

[hard top]

There is some basic guidance in this article - http://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-oil-and-filter-changes-by-mike-fishwick.32/
The smaller plastic cover on engines such as the 1.9 litre M44, requires a special cup wrench which is available from German & Swedish outlets at about £10."

See, I said our cars were special......damit.

 

[t-tony]

I think some of us drivers are too Mike !

 

[Barry Gadd]

I had to buy a female torx socket set ( eBay £13 very good value and good quality; Bergen brand) and could then undo the headbolts.
The headgasket looked fine initially but then I noticed a small area just at the edge bore 1 or 4 (I'll check this later) which appeared pitted. It looks as if this area which is between the edge of the bore and an oval shaped water cooling hole, has been tapped with the end of a sharp point. It is pitted to a depth of maybe 1mm. I'm sure water has got in under this thin area of gasket and caused the problem.
I've not seen anything like this before;have any Z members seen this?
I'm now faced with :-
1) Getting a replacement head (possible via ebay or do any members have one for sale at a lowish price????)
2) Getting the head skimmed. Haven't investigated this yet. Does anybody have any experience eg what depth? what cost? where to get it done?

Lastly; The exhaust clamp close to the middle of the car fits to a bracket. The bit that fits the bracket has rusted through. Is this bracket available? Anybody got one?
Also there is a weird looking clamp with a large rubber dome shaped thingy which is clamped to the pipe. Again mine is very rusty and I can't work out what this does. Mine doesn't seem to be attached to the bodywork anywhere but it is difficult to see when wriggling under the body with the car (safely) up on jacks.
I'll get there in the end.........

 

[Barry Gadd]

Just checked. The pitted area is in the cylinder head not the gasket. Just wanted to make this clear.

 

[Zeti]

Just checked. The pitted area is in the cylinder head not the gasket. Just wanted to make this clear.

Hi Barry,
- get the cylinder head grinded, valves and everything ; it will be better and cheaper than a replacement second hand! and much safe for you in the future...
- regarding the where? can't help, but you are in UK the mother country of small profi workshop.
- regarding the cap of the filter: it's always happening after having the oil change done in the service; the mechanics are crazy tightening so hard this plastic cap; there is anyway a rubber O ring and with 25 Nm it's more than enough torque! Now that you got your own tools it will be easier for next oil filter change.

 

[zedonist]

Hi Barry the rusty clamps hold the exhaust to the gearbox, when I bought mine it was rusted through and only held on to the exhaust. They are still available from the dealer.

 

[zedonist]

There is a company called HT Howard near you that does engine work. I don't know them but it is a starter for ten.