Oil Filter.

Well: during lock down I ordered all the parts for a full service & other time related maintenance items coming up in the foreseeable future on the 1.6 & decided to tackle it a job at a time to fill time & ease the workload.

One morning: air filter, next day cabin filter, next day full brake bleed, etc, etc.

Saved the best for last: Oil and filter change which my daughter's partner; an ex motor technician; offered to do for me at their place as lying on my back on the drive gives me dizzy spells.

Removed under tray no problem then found his extensive tool kit didn't include the correct sized square drive for the sump plug so back to my place to raid my "old geezer's" odds & ends box where I found an 8mm drive; which I had bought for a one off job on the Alfa; buried amongst other long forgotten sockets.

Now the filter. On the 1.6 it is squeezed between the engine & the rad with various wires, hoses, & a stabiliser bar in the way. 

Hand force no good, no space to operate a strap wrench, so back to my old tools again where I found a 3 legged "spider" which fitted but left hardly any room to wield a bar to turn it. The engine was still hot so burnt hand ensued but after a hour of cussing & sweating he shifted it!! I nearly kissed him!! Only COVID stopped me!!!

Now fully serviced & with all time related maintenance items also up to date I shouldn't have to touch it for routine maintenance until 2022.

Wow! I definitely think I’ll let my mechanic tackle my next service then!

My hobby for many years was motor mechanics on my own cars as well as a lengthy period as a support mechanic to a guy who raced a Triumph TR 3 in Thoroughbred Sports Car events. 

I rebuilt my first engine; with my Dad's help; at age 17 & have been working on all types of classic & "interesting" cars ever since with the exception of my company cars whose care I left to the professionals.

Finally age is reducing what I can physically achieve on a driveway but with the help of my daughter's partner I aim to continue home maintenance for a few years more.