Rod Spohn

On my '96 S320 I was changing my oil for the first time this weekend. I was unable to get the cap on the oil filter off. Is there a special tool for this. Its in such a tight spot I guessed there must be a tool for it. Any trade secrets to this one or did someone just put this one on with an impact or something?

Thanks
Rod

'84 190E 178k
'96 S320 100k
'03 GMC P/U 29k

loveit_but_hate

I have a '95 S320 and I went to Wal-Mart and got one of those filter wrenches that fit on the bottom of normal oil filters. These are the kind that look like a small round cap and have a square hole in the center that a socket wrench fits into. I just put the filter cap on top of the MB filter housing, push down firmly and turn the socket wrench (without a socket on it of course). The only trick is to make sure to get the correct size because they come in different sizes. Take a tape measure and measure the diameter of the filter housing and then buy the closest match - ensuring it is not too small to fit over the top. The beauty of this is that if it doesn't work for you, just return it to Wal-Mart for a full refund. Take along a socket wrench with you and check it in the parking lot before you leave. No need to fully remove the housing, just make sure it will loosen it and then tighten it back up.

Hope this helps you.

Rod Spohn

Thanks, Thats a good idea. I don't buy much at Wall Mart but this is probably the 4th time someone has mentioned there return policy in the last couple months. I'll be down there tonight.
Thanks again

Rod

Rod Spohn

The Wall-Mart idea work. But I still think they put it on with an air wrench, about busted a gut getting it off. Broke a plastic radiator hose when the wrench slipped once. $46 for the hose. Would have been cheeper to go to the dealer. ( No maybe not )
Job done Thanks again

Rod

loveit_but_hate

Glad it worked for you. As I mentioned, this is how I do mine. Like you, the first attempt to get the filter housing off led to skinned knuckles due to the excessive tightening. Make sure to not over tighten the housing when you put it back on. Also, check it after a day or so to make sure it is not too loose that it leaks.