DIY Oil Change filter wrench

[AZLambo]

To all of you do-it-yourselfers:
Re: Oil Change on your Gallardo

Unfortunately, Lamborghini decided to "hide" the Gallardo's oil filter on
top on the engine, tucked back in there between the air intakes.

I like to do oil changes myself. I read John Monahan's oil change procedure on LamboWeb, where he found, that to get to the filter housing, to unscrew it, he had to remove the air intakes to get his hand and a "tong" type wrench in there (see "A"). I didn't want to have to remove anything. Lamborghini sells a "cap type" filter wrench (see "B") in which you can get it in there with your hand, and then get a ratchet-type closed end wrench in there and
loosen the filter housing. The cap wrench is about $120.00, and no, a cap wrench at your local auto parts store won't work. The filter housing is an octagonal thing, where a regular "fluted" cap wrench won't fit. I decided to fabricate an octagonal filter wrench from 1/4" aluminum plate (see "C"). It works great. You can get your hand, forearm, and the wrench in there and loosen the filter housing, and then unscrew it completely with your fingers.
I have sold a few already. They are $39.00, and you need to send me a self-addressed padded envelope that will hold the wrench - approx. 4" x 8".
If any interest, please e-mail me at: AZFerrari@aol.com

Thanks,
Jeff

[pdisme]

Here's the article on how to do that oil change that Jeff described:

http://www.lamboweb.com/Repairs_Section/Gallardo/Repairs_Oil_Filter_Change.htm

I had seen this wrench and I thought it was just a convenience item but then I realized it eliminates the need to mess with the air intakes which is a big plus in my mind. I'm going to order one of the wrenches soon I think, I've got about another 1000 miles before I want to change the oil and I'm not driving the car the 90 minutes to Lambo Orlando just for that since my first service still won't be for several more months.

[Lasombra52]

Lambo Orlando, is that the dealership in the Longwood area, northeast Orlando off of SR 427? I can't believe that I forgot the name of that place.

[pdisme]

They actually have a formal name but that's what I've always called it, don't know the correct name. :) It's something motorcars, one of those fancy type names.

[Lasombra52]

http://ultimatemotors.com/

[pdisme]

That's the one. I've heard they have a really good reputation with good knowledge of the more historical Lambo's too.

[Lasombra52]

Let me know when you make it up there. My office is about 10 or 15 minutes from there, and the "mansion" (haha) is about 30 minutes. Unless your just dropping it off and running back to Tampa.

[pdisme]

I'll probably have it trucked there since the first service isn't an in and out in a day type of thing, but I'll be out for the photo shoot you're setting up anyway so you can check the car out then.

[Lasombra52]

I see. Thought it was an in and out kinda deal. What all gets serviced during the first maintenance?

[pdisme]

Mostly just fluids and check things out but if you saw how difficult it is just to do an oil filter change on the Gallardo you'd understand why it probably takes a while for the rest. :)