Hi has anyone any ideas how to release the oil filter cap that's been over tightened it's a 1.4tdi fabia don't want to snap the 32mm plastic head on it cheers in advance 

Oh and another thing do you need to depressurise the fuel supply to swap out the fuel filter if so how would I do it or does it sort itself out  cheers 

Hi and welcome. My Fabia, 1.4 diesel greenline, with the 3 cylinder engine, does not need additional work to remove the fuel filter.  Unclip and swap. Be sure there are no leaks and restart. 

As for the over tightening-BE careful. Some folk have snapped not the head but the stem it fits to. A more expensive, fiddly job to fix!

 

I would suggest getting a good oil filter removal tool and/or socket. Do not try an incorrect fitment-be sure it fits properly. 

Spray a little WD40 through its straw, up and under/around the filter bolt and wait a few hours. Try again, cold. If no luck, try warm. You could run the car around the block or warm carefully with a hairdryer. Again, carefully. DO NOT USE A HEAT GUN!

 

Sometimes, slightly tightening bolts, prior to loosening helps as they get jammed and corroded so if it is still not coming, might be worth a try but I would think this is more likely on an exposed bolt, etc then a nice, enclosed, oily cap. 

 

My next solution would be, get the oil changed at a MAIN dealer. Don't mention the cap being tight to them. Just say you want new oil as its low/dirty/new car to you and you are unsure when it was last changed!

 

If they break it, they will almost certainly be liable but they will also know all the tricks to remove it anyway! (This is why I suggested main dealer, not local back street chancer).

 

This seems to be a common issue so do be careful in the future, not to over tighten. It is quite hard to judge as they have such a fine, long-ish thread that they can feel tight when they are not fully fitted but you really don't want to over tighten so be sure that as you tighten, you observe how close the cap gets to fully closed and go by feel, not force!

Usually, hand tight and then just another slight twist, is sufficient. 

 

Good luck!

 

Hi

 

thanks for your advice yeah I was thinking that with the fuel filter , haven't got round to trying the oil cap again , next free time I'll have another go with the oil cap I have the right tools socket n wrench etc altho had to purchase right size of low profile oil filter socket of this car as I'd every other size going  always the way  , its just so tight I'll try the wiggle method good idea if doesn't work then take it to main dealer 

 

Thanks for your help 

I doubt it very much that you'll break the oil filter cap. Get the 32mm socket on it with an extension bar on 1/2" ratchet. I'd avoid tightening it as suggested, that is one way to break it! Chances are, whoever fitted it didn't run a little oil on the gasket before tightening down. Doing while hot is a good call.

Edited 25 December, 20187 yr by spartacus68

Hi 

 

Got it off with the half inch and extension bar plus had to put a piece of paper between the socket and oil cap came off eventually torqued it down to factory setting 25nm so next time I shouldn't had any problems thanks for all your advice happy new new to you .