Hi all, while I am familiar with the older big blocks a service question about an ‘03 v11.
The oil filter cover is very stiff. Can I remove the sump complete without the filter cover to get at the filter?
Ian
Yes, and it’s good to remove the sump to do a thorough clean-out, every so often.
Some V11 owners put a large Jubilee clip around the oil filter to prevent it from unscrewing itself, which used to be regarded as a potential issue.
So can you remove the sump without taking off the filter cover?
Yes, it’s easy to drop the sump. 14 screws, I think. Remove the oil line at back of sump so you can clear the pan away to clean it and to inspect inside the motor / the mesh filter, but you don’t have to uncouple the rear oil hose if you prefer not to.
Hopefully you have the 8-flute filter removal tool / cup to spin the filter off. It’s not multiple flutes like later / other filters (I think it’s 8, but it’s something like that).
You might want to add a hose clamp round the filter while you are in there, though I never did.
*Do make sure that the rubber sealing ring from old filter is removed from the motor fitting, as it can stick there… with catastrophic result if new filter is attached on top of it.
Many thanks 
I am going to get a sump extension for my EV1100 so the oil filter can be screwed onto the front of the extension. At present I have to drop the sump which has 14 Allen bolts. The filter (replacement) is internal along with a sludge filter which is reusable.