06 Passat Diesel Oil Change

PhotogTom

Hi,
Having problemws with a "new to me" 06 Passat Diesel. I can't get the oil filter cap off. I have a 35mm socket that fits but can't get it to turn. Any secrets? It seems pretty straightforward to me although I admit I've only ever changed oil on cars with a filter that "hangs down" instead of this type. There isn't anything else to loosen first is there? I've put quite of bit of strain on the ratchet and I can't imagine that its designed to take that much force.
Any help?

George Dalton

32mm socket no?

Sometimes they can be very tight if the oil hasn't been changed for a long time and/or some monkey over tightened it in the past. You should be safe enough to swing out of the ratchet if needed anyway

miller50841

If you here it cracking you have gone too far happened to me it was put on too tight and nearly broke it taking it off.
Very bad design been plastic...

PhotogTom

Cracking the plastic houseing is what concerns me about putting too much strain on the ratchet - but I don't see any alternatives. Do you think a mechanic's tool might not work better than the socket? I seem to remember something that covers the entire top of the filter housing. I might check with a mechanic buddy of mine next week. But now I'm betting its been a while since the filter was changed. I did replace the oil a few days ago but still need to put in a new filter.
I don't think the oil drains when replacing the filter - does it?

Noel Kinsella

PhotogTom wrote: »

Cracking the plastic houseing is what concerns me about putting too much strain on the ratchet - but I don't see any alternatives. Do you think a mechanic's tool might not work better than the socket? I seem to remember something that covers the entire top of the filter housing. I might check with a mechanic buddy of mine next week. But now I'm betting its been a while since the filter was changed. I did replace the oil a few days ago but still need to put in a new filter.
I don't think the oil drains when replacing the filter - does it?

I think the oil will drain when you take off the filter IMO you have contaminated the oil straight away by not changing the filter at the same time. I am not familiar with the passat I presume it is just a cartridge filter if there is a plastic housing ? On a standard oil filter (steel one piece) if it is really tight I have punctured it with a screwdriver to get some leverage on it and basically rough it off if they are very stuck. Are you sure you are turning the filter the correct way ? (no offence) but people often tighten filters by accident have a look for some arrows on the plastic housing etc good luck. If it was me I would "consider" leaving the filter till the next time.

PhotogTom

Really a new type of filter for me but its more on the top of the engine not underneath. I've gotten the cartridge type off with a screwdriver many times but this isn't a cartridge type. I drained the old oil and then tried to get the filter open and couldn't so I had to refill with new oil. Better than nothing but I know i need to get a new filter in there. Will probably put in new oil then as well on the basis oil is much cheaper than an engine!

dieselbug

Counter clockwise, anti clockwise, Iv known people to get confused because it faces up rather than down. Can easily happen when you"re not used to it.

PhotogTom

Yeah, I'm turning it the right way. TBH, I gently tried going the other way just in case. But, its not budging.

Ronnie Beck

PhotogTom wrote: »

Yeah, I'm turning it the right way. TBH, I gently tried going the other way just in case. But, its not budging.

Try a breakers bar, but get someone else to counter hold the cooler and bracket if you can...or/aswell as (if they take one)




...or find somewhere that does a cheap 80 euro oil anf filter job and get them to do it. If they break it they have to fix it.