Trouble getting oil filter off MX5 NC

[urbandriver]

I attempted my first oil change ever today, on my NC MX5. Everything was going smoothly until it came to removing the old oil filter. I had already bought the correct 14 flute oil filter socket and on the new (unfitted) filter, it fits like a glove so it is definitely the right diameter. However the oil filter on the car just won't budge. I tried my wrench as well as a cordless torque wrench and the cup just slips out and spins free. I tried WD40 as well with no luck. The oil filter is in a really awkward position on the NC as it hangs upside down and has restricted access, so filter pliers probably won't fit into the gap. I was also reluctant to punch through the filter with a screwdriver in case it still didn't come off and I'd compound the problem.

So I gave up and just changed the oil probably ruining 30 quids worth of good oil because I couldn't get the old oil filter off.

Any tips/tools for next time, to remove the oil filter on the NC?

[Lincsls1]

Don't know if I can help much really.
I've always managed to get them off with my hands and rubber gloves as they give extra grip. They have been on very tight and it has felt like I wasn't going to get off, but by just maintaining the torque with my hands they very slowly start turn free - it does hurt the old hands though
Did the tool fit the old filter nice and snug or did it seem like it was a poor fit?
I would try a different type of tool, the rubber band type ones.
Failing that, next time let a garage do it just the once.

[urbandriver]

Thanks, I got the car a few weeks ago, so it's a first filter change for me. The dealer said the car had just been serviced by his mechanic, but the oil was as black as midnight and the difficulty of removing the oil filter suggests otherwise...

[Nickp82]

The pliers type removal tool will work , it’s a little awkward but there’s space to get them gripped on.

[Pando99]

I usually find that putting force on and trying to maintain it for a period time that you can manage for a few times will help move the rubber seal on the metal face.
It will eventually go, i also try to get as close to the actual seal end as possible to get the load on it

Good luck

[Bainbridge]

I use a chain type oil filter removal tool and it grips down fine once it is looped around the filter, which is fiddly.

I once resorted to the screwdriver stab method when I couldn't find the filter removal tool. It worked but was messy.

[NMNeil]

Air impact gun with a flat tool on the edge of the filter.
https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools-compressor...
https://www.amazon.com/KELEN-Hammer-Smoothing-Smoo...
Just like a hammer drill it uses a series of small jarring/loosening impacts. You could also try using an impact wrench set on low on the proper tool you bought.