Oil change

1. Release the oil filter

The oil filter should be removable by hand. Invariably, it is not and some sort of tool is necessary to assist in its removal. On lesser cars, this is usually not a problem and there are a wide variety of tools to assist. The oil filter on the Elan is cunningly concealed between the engine and the bulkhead, just below the plenum and above a variety of pipes etc.

There have been a multitude of suggestions for the best tool to assist in removing the Elan oil filter, but I (Geoff) rejected all for a Boa Constrictor. Although there are strap wrench type oil filter removal tools, there are two advantages to the Boa: Firstly, it is all plastic and secondly, I found one in the kitchen cupboard so apart from a clean in the dishwasher afterwards, it didn't cost me anything.

a) Make sure the engine is cold/cool. Where your arm is going, there is no benefit in having a hot engine unless you've got shares in elastoplast.

b) Set the wrench to the same size as the new filter and double back the strap to make sure it doesn't slip; I taped around the handle as well to make sure the strap didn't come out, but this is probably not necessary.

c) Stand by the LH wing and rest your left arm on the cam cover.

d) Feed your right arm in above the coolant tank and below the plenum until your elbow is at the coolant tank; you should be able to feel the filter to the left.

e) Remove your arm, feed the wrench in and fit on top of the oil filter.

f) With the wrench on the top of the filter and at a slight upward angle, there is just enough room to apply sufficient force to free even the most stubborn filter.

g) Remove wrench and pop in dishwasher.

h) Gently release then tighten up the filter by hand.

i) Take the car for a spin to warm the oil.

2. The dirty bit

Continues same time tomorrow.