Oil filter removal.

Just completed a 12 month service on my Gen.4 and had a problem removing the oil filter. Due to the close proximity of the filter to the sump, my chain wrench could only grip the filter at the end furthest from the seal. The filter was unusually tight - probably no lube on the seal - and although I got it off, the end was mangled. I have been looking at alternatives and Toolstation sell a strap wrench which will get into the restricted space without any problems.
My question is, has anyone got a suggestion based on experience?

Cheers

Roger

On the m series the filter is obscured by the exhaust manifold so I bought a set of cup wrenches that engage with the flats on the filter and are driven by a half inch square. They are great.

www.drapertools.com/product/40105/oil-fi...-sq.-dr.--15-piece-/

Not these exact ones but similar.

I use the 3-claw self-tightening type (Sykes-Pickavant).

productimages.biltema.com/v1/image/image...ame/19-1530_xl_1.jpg

This kind has never let me down but havent been in the gen4 situation. The handle can be at an angle.

When access is awkward I find this style of filter pliers usually gets the job done.
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One of these served me well in the past
media.screwfix.com/is/image/ae235/302RH_...d=257&hei=257&dpr=on

I use a strap wrench that fits onto a socket wrench. I use it because that's what I have had in my toolkit for ages. It works but it is rather awkward, especially taking up the tension in the strap. If I was buying a new device specifically for the Gen4 Jimny I would choose something else.

Many thanks for all your responses. The Gen.4 oil filter is approx. 63mm in diameter which is right at the bottom end of the usual " fits filters between 62-120mm in diameter" so yes, there is a problem of excess slack in chain or strap. I made my chain wrench to suit the very large filter on my LC and so had the fiddly problem of getting it onto the Jimny's filter and then holding it into position whilst lying on my back. Not easy! I intend to visit Toolstation and look at a Draper fabric wrench and consider if shortening the strap material would make it easier to use.

Roger

It's warmer and drier so I got underneath to measure the gap between filter and sump. Answer is approx. 10 mm ( gap actually tapers but 10 mm is close enough). I measured my chain wrench ( std. bike chain ) and decided a bit of grinding would suffice and bingo, it fits nicely, so problem solved ( hopefully, it will be 12 months before I try it out ).

Roger

You could use the time-honoured, if messy, method of banging a big screwdriver right through it.

Banging a screwdriver through is the worst thing you can do! If the filter is tight it just peels the filter open like a can opener, then you are left with a mangled, jagged, dripping mess to remove.
If you're smart enough to oil the o-ring and not over-tighten the new filter it should only be hand tight when the time comes to change it. But most people can't resist over tightening them.