Oil Filter Seized

[Markbhai]

Hi All.

I am looking to change the oil filter on my 66 230SL but I cannot loosen the nut at the bottom of the filter housing, I don't want to present it with unreasonable force, but it just will not budge.

Can anyone offer some advice to a frustrated owner?

I have now removed the filter housing from the engine to gain full access but to no avail.

Thanks

Mark.

[Markbhai]

Well... I managed to free the bolt and remove it, but the bell housing is stuck to the top now...does this unscrew?

Thanks

Mark

[mBdrvr]

I has a rubber gasket that fits in a groove in the container. It crushes onto the fitting when you tighten it. If the long bolt is out , couple of taps with a rubber mallet should loosen it.

Paul

[Markbhai]

Thanks Paul.

That seems to have done it.  It seems that the unit is miising a rubber sealing ring and I think it might have been this which caused the top and bottom to be clamped together...off for new parts now.

Mark.

[kampala]

Mark

The rubber seal sometimes hides in the slot in the canister.  You will read that some have missed that it was buried and added a new seal only to crack the canister.  Use a pick and make sure you have removed it.  I would guess it would have leaked crazy if seal was missing.

[waltklatt]

Possibly try some heat from a torch to melt the rubber seal and allow the two pieces to separate.
The previous person who was there tightened it too much, possibly with a pneumatic tool.

Walter

[Jack Jones]

Be careful using a torch on aluminum (aluminium for our UK friends  ) parts. A little too much heat and you will be looking for replacement aluminum parts.

Jack

[ja17]

I think he is referring to the critical inner housing seal which is missing. It must be in place or the oil will not be filtered.