If you're worried about fuel dripping onto the starter, a plastic bag laid across it can act as a shield. I don't know what clearance or access issues you have, but a strap wrench can perhaps get it started to remove it. If there's access to the bottom, a filter wrench might fit. If all else fails, I've driven a screwdriver into a stuck filter and levered it loose.
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Bob & Donna
'98 Gulf Stream Sun Voyager DP being pushed by a '00 Beetle TDI
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