So - was trying to change oil on my 1.9 tdi this evening.

Had to give up on the oil filter cap (even wrecked the chain-tool). - suppose I need a special tool for this one. :S

As I cannot wait until stores open after the weekend, I had to skip the filter.

My question is: because of the upright position of the filter - is it possible to change filter a few days after the oil change?

When I first undid mine, I place some sandpaper on the plastic filter housing, and then a strip of thin aluminium and then my chain wrench around that. I guess you might get lucky and be able to change the filter and not make too much of a mess, although I have never tried.

Why's the oil filter on so tight?

I never understand why people fit them as if their life depends on it, or the engines going to fall out if they don't use every fibre in their muscles when fitting a new one!

Why's the oil filter on so tight?

Some people have no idea at all when fitting, neglect to lubricate the rubber seal and then wrench the bloody thing back on. Of course, we know that hand tight (read, very hand tight) is more than enough when refitting, but many mechanics (especially self taught ones) just don't know this, sadly.

Change the filter on a cold engine, and you'll never lose more than the oil in the filter and top galleries with a remote filter engine.

So change the filter, idle the engine for a few seconds, then check the oil level and top up as requires; I'd guess (but it is an informed guess) at about 0.5l.

The only 'problem' is the oil filter housing holds oil until the filter is pulled up so that would have been held in there rather than drain down to the sump which it will do when you lift it up.

With regards to tightening, most of them have 25nm stamped on them, which is a pretty good guide.

Thank you for the suggestions.

The mechanic who did my last service must be on steroids.. I tried sandpaper etc. but the damn thing would not come off.

After searching around today I finally found the correct "cap-tool". I near broke that too.. but eventually I managed to loosen it

And - not the oil mess I expected. No need to top up the oil even.

Now its hand-tightened by the way