Removing oil filter to hack at a/c pump bolt

[Seric]

So I am trying to get my a/c pump loosened up to change the belts and the bolt near the oil filter is really really snug. So snug I have almost no feeling left in my hands trying to pry it off with a small open-ended wrench. I just changed the oil and don't care to empty the tank again. Can I pull the oil filter off to get a larger wrench on that bolt without a big mess? I know I will get normal spillage from the filter, but I don't want a quart or more spilling out.

It looks like the filter holes are pretty even with the bottom of the filler tube so I don't think that will be the case, just asking to make sure.

danke

[DRACO A5OG]

Have tried a socket wrench? I took mine off with a socket wrench to install my Magnecor wires. I had no issues.

If you have to use an larger wrench why not drain a quart of oil to insure you won't get too much spilage.

[Seric]

The bolt isn't accessible for a socket wrench, at least not that I can see. This is the right side closest to the front of the engine compartment.

[DRACO A5OG]

Can you post a pic?

[KFC911]

Obviously since the filter is the highest point, you'll have no more oil to deal with than when you're doing an oil change (i.e. the oil that's in the filter itself). I'm not sure if reusing the filter is OK though once you break the rubber seal. I would say probably, but maybe other's can confirm.

[3.2 CAB]

As far as I have seen and have heard, you can remove the oil filter with limited oil spillage. Now this is for the OC-54 filter, I can't say about other filters. Can you get a crowfoot wrench with a ratchet on it? Good luck!! Tony.

[burgermeister]

Isn't it possible to unbolt the compressor completely with 4 bolts from the top, and then go after the adjusting bolts once it's off? Mine has been out for some time, and it's a bit too chilly to wander out and search for it, but I thought on the 3.2 compressors there are 4 bolts holding the compressor to a bracket, and then 4 bolts holding said bracket to the engine side bracket (this is where the belt tension is adjusted).
I remember struggling with the crappy access bolt, and once I had the whole thing apart it looked like the method mentioned above would have been much easier. I never put the compressor back on, so I haven't tried it...

[MBAtarga]

I've got as SC and have never had an oil filter obstruction when removing the compressor. What model do you own?

[Seric]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

I've got as SC and have never had an oil filter obstruction when removing the compressor. What model do you own?

'86 3.2


I have the OC-45. Another member close to home says that re-using the filter is just fine. I will try a crow's foot.

Thanks to all for your responses so far.

I am contemplating ripping the a/c out soon

[john walker's workshop]

remove the three long bolts around the top of the compressor that hold it to the lower mount, lift and remove the belt. no need to attack the lower bolts until the compressor is off.

[Seric]

Worked once I took the filter off.

[DRACO A5OG]

Great, you were right, I guess mine was not so tight when I removed it.