Oil Change from Hell!

[PRY4SNO]

Just wanted to do a quick oil change and get home for the xmas season.

Wouldn't you know it, I pulled too hard on the oil filter and crushed the son of a gun!

After doing what I could to try and coax the thing off, I noticed something else. A sort of something that led me to stop short and take a photo to get an answer.

As of now I'm going nowhere until I either get some answers/solutions or a tow back to the stealership.

(Had a coil blow and for whatever reason my spares didn't work (too cold?). They replaced it later with one of my spares and fixed the coolant drain plug which was sweating/leaking, flushed the coolant and replaced it with the proper spec (G12). Cost me nearly seven hundred bones.)

I noticed that there seems to be a bolt or plug missing from this spot in the photo. Anyone know what is the solution to my problems (both the oil filter and plug)?

Cheers, and TIA!!

[PRY4SNO]

Help!

I've got to get back to Calgary and take care of some business (CQ --> mechanic, among other things!) before a New Year's snowboarding trip.

Any input/suggestions appreciated! I'm basically wanting to confirm that I have Audi of Canada tow it to Southgate Audi to replace the plug they forgot during the coolant flush? Yes, no?

[illaudiill]

looks like u were wrestling with the filter

[Matt C]

Just drive a screwdriver through the filter and twist it off. Put some plastic bags underneath it to limit the mess, and use a hammer and your longest screwdriver to get some leverage. Without looking at my car, I don't know about the plug.

[PRY4SNO]

looks like u were wrestling with the filter

Yup.

Big FAIL to me for going > OCI... shoulda known better.

[PRY4SNO]

Just drive a screwdriver through the filter and twist it off. Put some plastic bags underneath it to limit the mess, and use a hammer and your longest screwdriver to get some leverage. Without looking at my car, I don't know about the plug.

I fail to see how that method would work as the filter connects to the block via female --> male (filter --> block).

Maybe I just don't get it...

[Pothole]

he means drive a screw driver or ice pick in to the side of the filter to get some leverage on the thing, if a got a big channel lock that will work too

that hole looks like it there so you can check the wearing of the internals, i believe there is suppose to be a rubber cap on it but i don't think it is a critical component,

anyone want to back me up on this im not 100%

[absolutegtr]

Get a proper oil filter removal wrench....was the best $6 I spent.

Driving a screw driver through the filter is not a smart move.

[PRY4SNO]

he means drive a screw driver or ice pick in to the side of the filter to get some leverage on the thing, if a got a big channel lock that will work too

that hole looks like it there so you can check the wearing of the internals, i believe there is suppose to be a rubber cap on it but i don't think it is a critical component,

anyone want to back me up on this im not 100%

Gotcha.

Thanks!

Last question before I rock-and-or-roll here, do I pull toward me or push toward the firewall with respect to the oil filter? I assume that's what got me into this pickle in the first place...

[PRY4SNO]

Get a proper oil filter removal wrench....was the best $6 I spent.

Driving a screw driver through the filter is not a smart move.

I was torquing so hard on my proper wrench that I bent the wrench. Photo shows filter.

My bad.

[PRY4SNO]

With respect to the spot where the plug should be, can I just clean it and tape it over for now?

[Pothole]

from the top of the filter pull towards the font of the car, counter clock wise from the view of the windshield washer reservoir

[PRY4SNO]

from the top of the filter pull towards the font of the car, counter clock wise from the view of the windshield washer reservoir

So, from the firewall to the headlights.

[Pothole]

yep,
they should only be "hand tight", but they usually arnt

[absolutegtr]

left loosey, right tighty.

Always "imagine" youself looking at the filter/screw/bolt from head on.

So yes, from pull from firewall to headlighs

[Capt. Obvious]

That hole is just a check hole for timing/inspection purposes. I'm pretty sure there was never anything in from the factory. And if there was, it was just a rubber or plastic plug. Mine has been missing as long as I've owned my car.

[mrbacardi35]

get under the car and use the expression righty tighty, lefty loosey..lol

[PRY4SNO]

left loosey, right tighty.

Always "imagine" youself looking at the filter/screw/bolt from head on.

So yes, from pull from firewall to headlighs

Don't need the shit just the info. I work on petrol refineries for Shell and Imperial Oil among others. Happened to be high-strung due to being in a rush is all. Shit happens.

Now that I'm asking the stupid question I'd figure the public nature of such a request for such clarification should be reason enough for you to be not always busting my chops.

[PRY4SNO]

That hole is just a check hole for timing/inspection purposes. I'm pretty sure there was never anything in from the factory. And if there was, it was just a rubber or plastic plug. Mine has been missing as long as I've owned my car.

Thanks, D.

[PRY4SNO]

Wow, this hummer is some tight.

I swear that the thing is fused on via electrolysis and thus caused the crushed effect as a result... because even with the screwdriver in, it's SOLID.

Looking for a snipe.

[Dos::Avants]

Were you using the "Hulk Hands" instead of an oil filter wrench?





Here's a link that might be of help next time. Be careful not to cross thread the filter when installing a new one. Also, apply a thin layer of oil on the rubber seal of the filter. Hand tighten up to 3/4 turn from where the filter makes contact to the mating surface of the oil cooler.


http://a4mods.com/#index.php?page=we...oilchange.html

[Dos::Avants]

Don't need the shit just the info. I work on petrol refineries for Shell and Imperial Oil among others. Happened to be high-strung due to being in a rush is all. Shit happens.

Now that I'm asking the stupid question I'd figure the public nature of such a request for such clarification should be reason enough for you to be not always busting my chops.

Man, you really sound aggravated. I don't believe his tone was condescending at all...

[windyctyaudi]

I think all B6A4 came with that hole, mine has it too. I posted about it almost 2 years ago and I never got a solid answer so i assumed it was normal

[PRY4SNO]

I'll leave the hole as is.

[Dos::Avants]

So, did you finish the oil change, or not?

[davkav]

Wahay! My first post. haha

The holes just for examining the flywheel is all.

Usually comes with a rubber plug. Nothing to worry about for the moment.

[PRY4SNO]

So, did you finish the oil change, or not?

No sir, can't get the filter off.

Going to try a couple things before I call Audi of Canada and get a tow to the stealership to have them fix it for me.

Any last suggestions?

EDIT: Tried a bigger screwdriver and used a pipe wrench as a snipe. Bent screwdriver. Calling for tow truck. *groan*

[LampyB]

you tried the screwdriver method and still can't get it the filter off??? damn that's the sign of a seriously poor oil change! did you crank the sh*t out of it in the wrong direction or what?

[PRY4SNO]

you tried the screwdriver method and still can't get it the filter off??? damn that's the sign of a seriously poor oil change! did you crank the sh*t out of it in the wrong direction or what?

I even tried tapping the filter with a hammer to loosen it a bit... it's just too tight. Have been contemplating WD-40... or a torch to momentarily heat it up. Gettin' kinda desperate here. But I figure I'll face the music now and save myself further hassle.

Unless there are any more tricks left up your guys' sleeves.

[PRY4SNO]

Wow must give props to Southgate Audi Service Tech Chris... he answered my phone call with my synopsis of my situation in good humour and offered some good advice.

He said to cut the filter off (using a chisel and hammer) and then pry the base plate off the block to loosen it at the threads. Word is the filter should come off as such. He said if that doesn't work to have it towed in and they can have me making tracks today.

Wish me luck!

EDIT:

Phoned Audi Roadside and had to beg the guy on the line to not charge me, he said that the car was out of warranty so I was liable for the fees. But I used my charm and phrases to have it 'on the house.' I asked him if, in the effort of goodwill, they would tow me for free because I'm trying to get home for the holiday season. Said that I wasn't charged any of the previous times I was towed and asked if he'd just push it through in the spirit of the season. He relented.

Waiting three hours for a tow now. Could be worse, I could be outside in the -30C!

[Capt. Obvious]

I'll leave the hole as is.

That's what she said?

[Papachristou]

just put a rachet in the OFF position and crank it so you know which way to turn!

$700 for a coilpack and coolant? ouch! did u use KY?

[B6JoeS4]

just make sure you don't put a screwdriver through your new filter to tighten it. :)

[PRY4SNO]

just put a rachet in the OFF position and crank it so you know which way to turn!

$700 for a coilpack and coolant? ouch! did u use KY?

I had it towed in because my spares wouldn't work when I tried them myself.

They charged me for the diagnostic and plugged one of mine in once it'd warmed up.

Then they did the coolant drain plug (~$250 + labour... up to $450 so far) and a flush (~$75 parts + labour), then with the tax... somehow came out to nearly $700.

And this is what I get for trying to save a buck or two doing my own oil change. Just my luck.

[PRY4SNO]

$180 at the stealership.

It took three guys to take the damn thing off.