I have mentioned before how I have found, with the most recent Omega's I have owned, that the Halfords drive for a 3/8ths socket set fits perfectly, with button depressed, into the internal square within the "nut" on the top of the oil filter canister.  This also gives the advantage that in the limited space available of it being 'ratcheted' undone.

Once detached this is how the canister top with Halfords 3/8ths socket drive still attached appears:



Yes I have received comment in the past about how I could sheer the main canister from the side of the engine.  But why?  What is a greater risk; using a spanner on the top, or this small socket drive, which is no longer than a spanner, and therefore can inflict no additional leverage / stress on the canister itself.  

With my latest oil change, adding yet again to the many undertaken on an Omega, I have not experienced any difficulties, with indeed yesterday's losening of the top hardly requiring much pressure at all.

I do the same on my own as I know its been put on to the correct torque.

I would never do this on anybody elses car....as you risk cracking the cap if its on tight

Neat idea - and well pointed out too if overtightened.

Now Lizzie if that drop is the sum total of oil spilt I'm going to have to tap you up for some pointers.
For such a straight forward job, the oil-change (well the filter change part) is becoming my pet hate as it just so **** messey with all the **** going every ** where all the * time. *   *   **.

Oh for a lift ....

JohnM wrote on 30. Mar 2010 at 12:51:



I simply use an old 5 ltr oil container laid on it's side, with a large square hole cut out of the top.  Then, as Andy has already stated, you undo the filter canister cap slowly until oil starts leaking out into the container below, loosen the cap just a bit further, and then leave for a few minutes for the bulk of the oil to drain out.

This usually avoids a complete armful of oil!!

Andy B wrote on 29. Mar 2010 at 19:34:

round hole on mine too.