Modern Vespa

hi had a problem getting my oil filter off for an oil change, so frustrated the first time I had to just change the oil and not the filter. Ordered the oil filter /ratchet attachment from scooterworks and well that dont work either! Cant get the darn thing in there no room once its on the ratchet!

Any body get the snowflake oil wrench from oops clunk thud .com? I hope that works I have one ordered. Saving money on the do it myself oil change is costing me a fortune! Not to mention the frustration. I did manage to get it off this time. the old " Hammer/screwdriver" method. Dont want to do that again. I was praying it would come off after I poked the hole through it. Any advice for future oil changes accepted. Be nice! women dont usually change their own oil!

Make sure you remove the old rubber gasket (it may stick to the engine casings).
When you're installing the new filter run a drop of motor oil over the filter gasket. Tighten the new filter by hand- it's tuff to say how much, but the official torque rating is 3 to 4 foot/pounds.

Here's the wiki procedure
https://modernvespa.com/forum/wiki-oil-change-gts


Good luck with it!


Regards
Harvey

i use on of those rubber strap thingamubob's i got at sears for $8

I feel your pain. I've tried EVERYTHING you mentioned AND ordered the oil wrench below too. I haven't tried it yet, but in retrieving the picture from Scooterworks site, I noticed that it works on Piaggio and Buddy models - no mention of Vespa. That may be another $20 down the drain.

Both times I've changed my oil, I finally had to resort to a pair of Channelocks (pliers that can be found in any Home Depot, etc.), but it's not the best solution. Channelock does make oil filter wrenches, which I may try next, but there may not be enough room to position them.

I enjoy changing my oil especially since I have two GT's - $$$ x2, and I have control over the job. Blew oil all over the place once from a dealer oil change that didn't seat the o-ring back in place properly. Had a failed gasket too from very likely the dealer not changing it out when they changed the rear tire. Keep an extra one of those now too. Gradually, I am becoming more self sufficient and enjoy maintaining my scooters myself.

Good luck!

Oh for goodness sake!

Just hammer a screwdriver through the filter and twist it off. Or use channel lock pliers. The oopsclunk device doesn't work well as you can't get enough leverage with your hands. I'd cancel the order as this device is a complete waste of time. And yes I have used one. Sorry!

I wondered about those too. . . something like what is pictured below?

I also just noticed on the Wiki that oil filter channelocks were used. . . looks like they have a lot of models at Sears. . .

Sorry rock star to take up all your time! The rest of this message is to others who who posted ... I use a 5# aluminum foil loaf pan for my oil drain pan , works great!

You're not taking up any of my time! I was just kidding. Seriously, use a screwdriver! Hope you manage to get it off...

No.....plastic lever with teeth on "biting" end....the loose rubber strap is then wrapped around filter and cinched through slot on wrench.

All the filters, either piaggio or aftermarket have a raised area at the end with either a slot, or a six-sided protrusion. The slotted ones will take a 5 or 6mm hex key parallel in the slot, acts as a T-handle. The other ones will take a 17mm(maybe 19mm- I don't recall) socket.

I use the Channelocks brand oil filter wrench (the one in Stungover's post photo) and it works great. The "snowflake" wrenches work well once you get a stubborn filter off. I think their design is to limit the amount of pressure you use to tighten the new filter so the next time you do an oil change you don't have to struggle with an oil filter that was put on too tightly. I think the real problem stems from everyone tightening the new filter way too tight. It is just in everyone's nature to give the filter just a little extra tightening when one installs it and that is where the problem originates.

i bought a pr of channel locks at a garage sale. worked great.
greasys advice.

Once you perform one oil/filter change yourself, future changes should be a breeze. My experience with the GT as well as cars I own that I change the oil on is that installing and removing the oil filter should be performed without tool, just your hands. Hand tighten and hand remove in most cases.

You sure about that torque rating for the filter? The Wiki and my Vespa workshop manual says 4-6 Nm

I think you're right, Thanks! I've modified the orginal post to reflect the proper number.
The Workshop manual lists Oil filter on crankcase fitting at 27+33 nm (this is the value I confused it with) and Oil filter at 4+6 nm.


Regards
Harvey

I got it on hand tight as tight as my little tendonitis prone wrists could make it . Went out for a ride and no leaks so I guess I'm good to go! Whats the general rule on how many miles in between the oil changes? I got it at 250 miles and changed it ( no filter couldnt get it off) about 1600 and just did it at 2900 with the sucessful filter change this time. Thanks for all your help guys it made me feel good to get this done myself. I wonder what a dealer would charge. I got my filters from scooterworks for $10 , the first one I bought at the dealer for $20.

Carb engines, 4000 miles. Fuel injected engines, 6000 miles.

Or every year if mileage is less.