Oil Filter

[is200 Newbie]

Tried to do an oil change today - got the proper tool / oil / filter - sun was out, sorted ....

Was first going to run through some Wynn's engine flush also but I thought it would be a good idea to see if I could move the oil filter cap as I didn't want to put the flush in and not be able to change the oil - turns out it was a good idea as I could not budge the oil filter cap at all - after trying for 20mins I gave up - will need to take to a garage for them to put it on the lift to get some proper access to it

Are these caps torqued up and will applying quite a bit of force do any damage ? (I am guessing so!)

[Postman]

I have the IS220d and changed the oil there a couple of weeks ago. There are a couple of oil filter wrench caps out there (I ended up with 2). One is just a bit of pressed steel which sits over the very end of the filter housing and was not quite up to the job for me so I went and got a sealy aluminium one which is a lot bigger and protruds up the housing and fits over two lugs on the housing. That worked a treat. I bought mine at a local factors but here is a link to a similar one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Oil-Filter-Cap-Wrench-64-5mm-x-14-Flutes-Oil-Filter-Wrenches-/300883318263?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item460e0b15f7

If that doesn't shift it nought will. I had to do mine from underneath the car as there isn't enough room up top to get a wrench moving. HTH

[Mouser]

I used the same sort of thing, took a ridiculous amount of force to break the initial friction. Remember to cover it liberally in oil before you pop it back in, and it doesn't need to be tightened up with a long socket. The adapter I have has a handle on each side, and these provide adequate torque to secure it well enough to seal fully.

[is200 Newbie]

Hi Mouser

I got it done - when I first tried it was on absolutely solid as if it had been welded on ! - could not move it even by tapping it with a hammer. I managed to get it on the ramps at a local garage, tried it again and it came loose quite easy.

Engine was hot so I think that may have helped a bit and also the extra leverage by standing under the car while trying to get it off also helped. Got it loose / drove it home and changed the oil - only had one 4 litre tub of new oil though which was not enough as it took around 6 litres. Made a bit of a mess though as the catch can I used (which I have always used) overflowed so will be looking for a bigger one next time I change the oil.

All in all a lot easier to change the oil and the filter than the old is200 I used to have.

Do you think an oil change makes a noticeable difference in how the car drives?

[dazed]

Do you think an oil change makes a noticeable difference in how the car drives?

I believe so. I always feel the car is a little smoother and quieter after a service. I've always put this down to the new oil.

And I don't think I'm imagining it.

[is200 Newbie]

Thanks Dazed - when I done the change I could have sworn that there was a difference with the car feeling smoother - I didn't know whether I put it down to my imagination as I knew it had been done so presumed there was a change.but it did feel different to me.

[Mouser]

Mine was so much better. It was in need of a service, and was overdue by about 1k miles. I dropped the weight as it was winter time, and moved to Castrol Magnatec. All the slightly odd noises disappeared, and the car became much quieter. MPG increased according to the dash, but as my driving pattern was irregular, and external tempertures moved about I wouldn't put much stock in that.

The main thing with oil filters is to do it up properly - not too tight, and oil it generously. Also a good idea to take the filter apart to clean & inspect it.

Remember that waste oil is accepted at your local dump. It's used as furnace fuel IIRC.