audijim113

I've done some reading and the "nut" molded to the plastic cap which covers the cartridge housing is a common problem. It gets rounded and won't turn. Solutions include an aluminum "cap" but some concerns about whether it might get seized to the housing. So, I bought a plastic one and will make sure it doesn't get tightened too hard.

My question is not whether to go aluminum or plastic, but how to get the current plastic cap off? Is there room to use a vice grip pliers or will it just squash the nut further? Is there room to put a big old pipe wrench around the top edge of the plastic cap? What about poking a hole in the plastic with a screw driver and use it to turn the cap off?

Any thoughts?

Mister Bally

Use a six point socket for best results.

richard-tx

In the future, buy a torque wrench and use it. The torque spec is on the cap.

audijim113

Now that i have two replies stating the obvious, does anyone have a suggestion on how to get the cap off that the nut has already been rounded. (not by me BTW!)

Panelhead

Clean the top of the cap with a solvent. Mix up some epoxy and pack the socket.
Install on the oil filter cap and let it cure. Then back off and discard the cap.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

A simple socket would do nicely... so many mechanic imposters out there, it's scary.


Actually, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-3-Piece-Jar-Opener-Set/dp/B00BERJNWO/ref=pd_sim_79_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41L-o8to6fL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&ps c=1&refRID=5B9THCZWN8BXBDTBFAN5" target="_blank">a small rubber jar opener</a> may work.
File 2 opposite sides for a crescent wrench to grab?

Cheers,

<a href="http://www.dognmonkey.com/audi/change-oil-on-audi-a8l-d3.html" target="_blank">Louis</a>

mishar

That depends on what you have on hands. Two 1/2" holes for the beginning and then improvise. Careful with the holes not to damage the housing. Or few smaller holes connected and a long chisel in the slot plus a pipe wrench.

richard-tx

I would start with two 1/4" holes, stick two screwdrivers in the holes and turn it loose with a bar. You will likely have to go at it from the wheel well.

nathanwind

You may want to try a small rubber strap wrench, similar to these (like you'd be getting an oil filter off...though I know it's a tight squeeze in that space):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K92810A/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1XKNZSYY CSYX8

Another option is they make these sockets from Metrinch that are designed for metric or sae, but they also work great for rounded-off nuts (which may work for the oil filter cap).

Panelhead

The epoxy will not drop chunks of plastic cap into your engine. Plus, if really Hillbilly Riggin' the socket can be left stuck on the cap so only a 1/2" drive extension is needed for future oil changes.