2 litre CU A/C - Oil strainer plate

[Zündfolge 1-4-3-2]

re -1983 2-litre CU A/C
type IV Oil strainer plate arrangement

hi, advice sought;

Just after getting the van I changed the oil. When I removed the strainer plate fixing, the plate didn't want to release from the casing and drop down. Hardly a master mechanic-ing start I know - but there we have it
I didn't want to force anything so I re-assembed until next time.

So now Its next time, and I want to clean the strainer assembly. Any tips to release a fast strainer plate with-out damage whilst engine still warm/hot?

Tips gratefully received from those that have been there already and prevailed!

general image of van: http://s1177.photobucket.com/albums/x356/Atomicpepper/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

regards

Zundfolge

[CovKid]

Flat-bladed knife and ease off gently all round. Normally they come with gaskets, one each side. You can still buy new ones if needed - both strainer and gaskets (or you can make new gaskets from stiff card or gasket paper). If the strainer was fitted using hylomar or similar, you may well find you have to purchase a new strainer as it'll be stuck fast

[Zündfolge 1-4-3-2]

CovKid,

Thanks for the steer, & sounds like a plan. You may be spot on with the sealant idea, I noticed what looks to be a blue-tinge around both sump and strainer areas, slight, but there none the less. Thanks again for takin time out to reply, and I shall no doubt be posting an epic-fail reversal of fortune and a thanks in the near future.

Your reply has encouraged. Many many moons ago I had VW A/C car/van and oil change were routine. First experience with Type IV was an epic-fail - what with folks fittin alternative engines etc I became befuddled by a strainer plate!.....................nearly didn't post due to embarrassment, like I say, I didn't wanna force anything, damage the fixing threads etc.

regards Zund

[CovKid]

I'd go for something like a 1930s wide butter knife, slightly sharpened right round, or a scraper of similar dimensions. Essentially you're aiming to break that seal. You can still get gasket paper in some places and I still make my own carb gaskets - give it a go. If not and it gets horribly mangled, you'll just have to get a new strainer. Its likely someone in the past either didn't have proper gaskets or the originals were damaged, hence the sealant. Not a great place to use it though - as you've discovered.

Take some pics - may help someone else who hits the same problem.

[Zündfolge 1-4-3-2]

Wilco re images, & shall try the knife approach. Like you say, this is probably not an isolated case, so maybe one for the record for those in similar circumstances. Was unexpected the first time.

If knife struggles, as plate it is inset in the case, may also fashion something to get in, good fit around plate edge/union to incur minimum collateral damage.

shall get back with results

Zund

[jason k]

to be fair your probably making work for yourself for no reason.
the cu motor has an external oil filter to remove the crud. the strainer is a throwback to earlier days.
just drop the oil via the sump plug and use a good quality filter.

[Zündfolge 1-4-3-2]

just to get back. got man flu at moment, plus wind x rain minus garage = take a look over weekend.

Understand what you mean by being a bit of a throw back. however just want it to be like it should be i s'pose, in the sense if I didn't clean it it would be because I chose not to, rather than because it won't come apart.

Guess that how these stories start,...........plus it may help some newish starter out if i can sort it and contribute with pics.

zund

[jason k]

entirely your choice, the mesh in the strainer is soooo big the only thing it will catch is a bearing!!!

[Zündfolge 1-4-3-2]

Didn't mention it initially, but oil was changed via the strainer plate fixing hole the first time as the sump plug didn't want to release with out the risk of damage either. However, was sure I could sort it and have done today with a better tool. The plug and threads are fine. relief.

Then rain stopped play, so shall tackle the stainer plate next week sometime.

Zund