Hi - I'm new to the forum. I have a 1.9 tdi Octavia and I'm trying to do an oil change. I was relieved to quite easily be able to remove the cap. But.... I can't get the old filter out of the cap of the the housing. Looking at the new filter it has clips on the top that secure it to the housing cap. I tried pulling the old one down thinking with some force the clips would unclip themselves but so far no luck and I don't want to damage anything using screwdriver etc to try pry it out. I tried pulling it at an angle and every other way I could think.

Does anyone have any advice on how to remove it?

Thanks

Thanks Mike, appreciate your reply. You have given me the confidence to go full out on it. I think I held back a bit as concerned there may have been a trick and I might break something.

The housing cap came off without too much hassle so thought it was going to be straightforward haha minor setback as it's now dark. next weekend.

I'm glad I attempted the filter first but at least I know I got the right one, well comparing it too the old one anyway.

My jack only lifts high enough to place the car on the first rung of the axle stands. Is it difficult to get the old sump plug out, especially if I have limited clearance?

Thanks

The sump plug is straight forward enough but shuffling around on the ground to remove the under engine cover first will not be fun.

I drilled my cover where the sump plug is and use some aluminum tape over the hole when done, saves dealing with 8 or so rusty torx head screws.

Do you think it's worth having replacement torx screws or is just that it's a bit of a pain getting them out?

Jack the car up and put some thick baulks of wood under the front wheels, then lower it down again onto the wood.  In gear & handbrake on, on solid ground, of course.  Gives you a few more inches of clearance, and tips the sump backwards towards the drain plug.  Use a fresh plug/washer combo each time.

 

Replace the machine screws that hold the undertray at the rear edge with stainless steel socket head ones.  Halfords do them (and no doubt loads of other do, but I haven't tried them).

Do you suggest putting some new oil in the filter housing prior to replacing the cap with attached new filter? If yes, how much and does it not just drain straight through

Best way to fill the sump is via the filter housing, pop your oil in first then add the filter once its ran through. Gives a much more accurate dipstick reading

No,  put new filter in dry.  It will fill as soon as the engine is started.. 

Mike 

 

Have to disagree with you on this one.

 

If you have a pela pump, then pump out the oil cooler under the filter housing as there is about 0.5L stored up in there of dirty oil.

Then pour a similar amount of clean oil in there and put the new filter in.

Mike's way will work just fine, but in my opinion it's best to get the nasty stuff out of the cooler and put some fresh stuff back in there.

 

What I wouldn't do is submerge the new filter in oil, which will just make a right old mess.