So today I was changing the oil in my 08 justacooper and the unthinkable happened. As i was installing the new filter I over torqued the oil filter cap and the end of it just snapped right off, apparently I do not know my own strength. I have two questions:

How on earth am I going to get the broken cap off and does anyone know how much the stealer is going to charge me for a new one when I go in on Monday?

Thanks.

 

Sounds to me like your going to have to drill it out.

 

Hmmm, maybe go Caveman - loooong chisel/screwdriver placed on edge, and tunk with mallet. Or, position small set of locking pliers (vise-grips), try to budge slightly in the lefty-twisty way. Or, use a long handled set of pliers to grip edge and budge/twist. Wow, congrats on creating a new one .

Next time, given your super human powers, perhaps ony hand tighten. That is what I've always done with these screw-cover filter types. It will be fine.

The stealership will charge you an arm, leg, your first born, and a large piece of humble pie. Unless some one online here, who also lives nearby your home, can help you out.

That's all I've got. Good luck. Please post your solution though; future assistance for other unlucky souls.

 

Do you mean the oil filter cover #11427557011?

Shouldn't cost more than $45. and you might be able to get it off with one of those oil filter wrenches for the steel, screw-on oil filters. Or some kind of strap wrench.

BTW, the correct torque for the oil filter covers is 18.5 ft-lbs. That is not a lot of torque.

The correct torque for the drain plug is 22 ft-lbs. with a new copper crush washer.

 

Ditto on the Strap Wrench, Walgreens Drugstore had the set of two ("as seen on TV") for about $8.

Great for jar lids as well as Oil Filters and does not crush or scratch like some filter wrenches.

 

Yep use an oil filter wrench to get it off, just like the old days... Hope you have room though...

 

I once had a real hard time getting my cousin's oil filter out. What i did was drilled a hole on its side. Then I stuck a screw driver in the hole and loosen it right up

 

To bad this is going to be an oil change that will end up costing, vice saving money

 

If it is not leaking I'd leave it until you do the next change. Then use a strap wrench on the old one & put the new one on. Take it easy next time & you will be fine. 18 ft lb FTW.

 

Quick update: leaving it in wasn't an option, when the top broke it left a hole the size of a quarter on the top of the cover. I was able to finally get it off using a large wrench. Now attempting to rebuild the cover using some plastic cement so that it will hold me over until I can get to the dealer tomorrow. I'll post some pictures later on today.

 

I see a disaster coming if you're driving around and the cement doesn't hold; oil everywhere!

 

I would not drive with your oil filter housing held together with chewing gum. Leave it until you have the correct part to fix it right.

 

Either that, or have it trucked to the dealer. A fuel filter cover is not going to hold together with glue. The most likely scenario would be a catastrophic loss of oil pressure while driving. You want to replace the oil filter cover, or are you aiming to replace the entire engine.

 

Hot oil under pressure and an oil filter cover held together with glue While it might hold under a quick op check I don't see it holding under normal op temps. If it fails the repair should be obvious and would not qualify under warranty. Buy a friend lunch and get a ride to the dealership much cheaper then a $6000 dollar plus engine repair.

 

Dude, take your medicine and call the stealer and give them the skinny before you booger up your car.

 

This is spot on.........if you have room but I think you can swing it if the wrench has a swivel head like most do today.

 

I'd agree with everyone and recommend you DO NOT attempt to glue the filter cap together. It will fail as soon as any real pressure is applied to it, and you will loose all oil pressure.

If you don't have a torque wrench, find something that weighs 18 pounds (like a sledge hammer) and pick it up using 1 or 2 fingers. Memorize that feeling. Then, using a wrench or handle that is exactly 12 INCHES FROM THE END OF THE HANDLE TO THE CENTER OF THE FILTER HOUSING, use the same force with the same number of fingers at the end of the handle when tightening the filter housing. You'll probably find this is a lot less force than you originally thought you needed.

IMPORTANT: The torque generated by a given force varies directly with the length of the handle; e.g. a 6 inch handle needs 36 pounds of force to generate 18 foot-pounds and a 24 inch handle needs only 9 pounds force to ge the same torque. If you don't have, or can't use, a 12 inch handle, keep this relationship in mind and you'll get very accurate results.

 

SoberAssassin don't keep us all in the dark how is the situation going?

 

If that glue doesnt hold. you may have a big engine fire.

 

Inquiring minds want to know.

 

Hopefully SoberAssassin is not sitting on the side of the road.