Changing VR6 Oil Filter Housing - advice

[Tubbs76]

Hi all,

I've had a slight oil leak for some time and from what I can see, seems to be coming from the oil filter housing, id say more than likely from the (figure o ring. My understanding is that this is a pain in the ass to remove, especially the top bolt connecting it to the block.

I guess the easiest way to remove this would be to pull the front end off, radiator, etc.. and remove accordingly. From what i can see, the 2 bottom bolts should be accessible from under the car. Looking down from the engine bay, you can see the top bolt, is it possible to remove that top bolt without having to go to all the hassle of removing the front end? I'm making the assumption if it was that easy, everybody would be doing it right

HAs anyone attempted this from the top and succeeded? Thoughts appreciated,

[mb1907953]

Hopefully that works! But basically it was a matter of pulling off the whole front end whilst i did the service and obviously dumping the coolant (did about 1 billion flushes but the stuff is still a little cloudy).

You can get away with keeping the gas in the aircon if you balance the front end on a paint can or something so as not to damage the AC system pipes on the left.

Once the front end is off its a pretty easy job actually. Much better than trying to do it with the end bolted on, you'll just break something.

Be careful with the crack pipe whilst youre there, i did all the coolant gear at the same time because i was there anyway.

[mb1907953]

And yeh, definitely remove the front end, its really quite easy. A few bolts behind the fog light covers, dump coolant and disconnect all electric plugs (takes a bit of experimentation) and also disconnect that silver AC gas recharge point then the whole thing should come away. I also disconnected the aircon receiver dryer on the Left to give me more flexibility.

[Tubbs76]

thanks for that, surely has to be an easier way? lol

[Tubbs76]

I had the opportunity to do this whilst i was changing out my radiator and hoses. time permitting, needed it back on the road asap and didnt have the opportunity to do so. How I regret that now ...

[Tubbs76]

Just wanted to confirm i did this without having to pull the front end off. Simply used a 1/4 drive with 2 short extensions. You can reach the top bolt either directly in front (fornt engine bay facing down) or from side access (Coil pack side) to do so. As always, space could be better but def enough room to get your arm in there and do the hob. a little fiddly but doable...

[Tubbs76]

Thought i would post some pics. Not the greatest but you will get the idea. A little tight getting the top bolt off due to lack of arm space but an def be done. The bottom two are a piece of piss. When re installing though, nake sure you put both bottom bolts into the housing before lining up otherwise if you do one the right first, yu wont be able ot put the left in as the air con line is in the way..