Rascally Wabbit

Spent some time looking at what is available for a cap wrench to fit the plastic oil filter housing. Size for the 3.5 engine is 74MM 14 flute. Torque specification is low, 25 NM so open to plastic or steel. Stopped in a parts store in Tucson yesterday. Found a wrench described as "Dodge Sprinter" with dimensions of 74.5 14 flute made by CTA Corp, p/n A267. Stamped steel construction with 3/8" drive. Tried it on the housing & it fit snugly with no slop. Price was $5.99. Looking forward to trying it out in a week or so.

NYCGLK

I bought this to use on my other car with old style filters.
I used it to remove the filter cap on glk with a towel around so I won't damage the cap.

http://www.sears.com/cta-manufacturi...SPM11205438219

Rascally Wabbit

@NYCGLK, I have a heavier duty version of the one you linked along with four or more of other styles. My interest in the cap type was to allow me to torque it to the factory specs. Not certain if the other style(s) will allow that. I hate the sound of cracking plastic or the presence of an oil drip!

mjhawkins2346

It's only supposed to be hand tightened - not gorilla tight either. I've never had one leak in 30 years and 9 Mercedes. When it's a little tight I use a piece of rubbery drawer lining material to get a good grip and loosen it by hand. It's just plastic and not designed to be subjected to the torque a wrench can apply. I would try and avoid wrenches of any kind if at all possible - and never to torque back down. That's asking for trouble. The O ring does the job well.

Rascally Wabbit

Your are correct, "gorilla tight" is not good. The torque specs given are to avoid such efforts & prevent over tightening. Same thing goes for the drain plug torque specs where over tightening can create larger headaches & expense.

NYCGLK

Yea I hand tightened mine and gave it 1/4 turn with the tool. No need to overthink simple things.