Oil filter removal

[Boz]

I recently did my first DIY oil/filter change on my (2) 2009 GTI 130's. I used a short flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry up the cap on the oil filter cannister to access the filter. I noticed when I got the caps off that either I or previous techs at the shop had damaged the seating surface of the cap during removal, I refer to the seating surface that seals against the small-diameter O-ring.

Does anybody have a preferred tool or suggested procedure for removing the oil filter cannister cap that will avoid damage to the cap's seating surface?

Boz

 

[ski-d00]

NO tool is needed. Just pry with your fingers on different sides and it will come out 99% of the time. I've only ran into a couple corroded saltwater units that I couldn't get off without using a brass prybar. Except for the plastic cap on the 02-03 models, which are a royal pain, they come off pretty easy but it takes a little patience and some strong fingers.

 

[red2blue]

You can try a plastic putty knife. Personally, I use a "hawksbill" knife. Has a hooked blade. Mines old so it ain't sharp anymore...either side is used to get mine off...depending on how I'm struggling at the time...heh.