stuborn oil filter removal

I used a large pair of adjustable Channel Lock pliers to grab the oil filter and twist it off. This is really a plumbing tool, but it fit the oil filter well. If you have one, consider giving it a try.

 

Never use a tool to tighten the filter, just tighten by hand. It doesn't even need to be that tight.
I take my filter off with my hands, and it never leaks.
Always put oil on the seal and tighten firmly by hand.
Yeah I know you get twice as much use from that expensive filter tool if you use it to tighten the filter. Use it to loosen the filter then put it back in the tool box.
Okay?

 

The only issue I ever had was changing the oil in an old Ford V8, late 70's vintage. The oil filters were kept in an unheated shed, and it was around -25 C, previously down to -40

When I put the new filter on, the gasket actually cracked. So I refilled the oil, started it up, and wondered why the oil pressure gauge needle was bouncing up and down between 0 and 60 psi

Happened to look through the space between the open hood and the cowl, and had a geyser of oil gushing up. Oh cah-rist what a mess, oil everywhere

The old filter was still warm, sitting on the bench. I took the gasket off it, removed the new filter, transferred gaskets, and had to refill the oil, as most had been pumped out

It was a good lesson to learn. Always keep your filters at room temp!

 

Or live somewhere warmer. :madgrin:

 

What I have done, rather than buy a specialty tool just for removing / installing oil filters, is to use a section of an old belt. If you cut it just long enough to encircle the filter plus about 2 inches, you can wrap it around the filter and use a pair of pliers to grab / twist the loose ends. It essentially works the same as a strap-wrench; it grabs as it turns.

 

+1 on jreed's idea about channel lock pliers. That's what I happen to be using currently. I haven't found a small enough cap or band wrench to work. The pliers have been working so far.

On other, larger oil filters I have trouble with I might put some skateboard tape (aka step/stairs tape) around the filter or inside the band of the band wrench.

K&N oil filters have a nut on the end of the filter. That can make things easier, but they're pretty expensive.

I once was reduced to trying the screwdriver method. It didn't work and I wound up having to tear all the filter casing off with a pair of vise-grips. I then used the screwdriver to tap the filter base holes until it started moving in an off-ward fashion.

 

Yeah, that would probably work too

 

I've used them on a 2000 GMC Sierra and they really are handy with that nut welded on the end. Not sure if they're worth the extra cost though

 

Jayman, with all the hoopla about the nut on K&N filters, imagine my surprise when I found it to be simple formed steel that wasn't very dimensionally strict. I wound up with a big crescent wrench on it, and then went back to the standard strap wrench. It CAN work, but I didn't find it all that useful. With so many others from which to choose, I chose a different filter the next time.

I, too, find a 1/2 to 3/4 turn past "touching" to be sufficient. Fine tuning the fit is simply a matter of experience.

 

I do recall that a 6 point 1 inch socket was loose on that "nut." I can't recall what size socket I used, but I had to hunt around the toolbox for one that fit tighter.

 

Use 65 mm filter wrench and a 2 in extension.

KD3253 ---- No problems

Cheers

 

That's great. I have one of those wrenches as well, it has a square hole for use with a 3/8" extension and ratchet. However I didn't mention it because I thought the band wrench would work better. In any event, now you have another tool to rattle around in your toolbox.

 

After struggling with slippage on my first Prius oil change with the cheap stamped end cap wrench I had I decided there had to be something better. I ordered this http://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Oil-Filter-Wrench-Assenmacher/dp/B000W1R492
It is cast Al with flutes at least twice as deep as the stamped models. Never had an issue again.

 

Good to hear. Remember: hand tight is usually good enough for an oil filter. I've never used a tool to put on an oil filter

Unless you count ME as the tool!

 

Patrick

I thought you knew that manliness is judged by how many tools you have rattling around in your toolbox?

 

Hi Jay,

So true, and this is why I am tempted to buy the oil filter wrench suggested by Picasso Moon next time I need to place an Amazon book order. That wrench sounds much better than the stamped steel cap wrench that I have which fits loose.

I had previously tried a composite plastic cap wrench sold by Kragen. This fits very tightly on the filter, but it works about 5 times, then the 3/8" square hole loosens up so that the wrench has to be discarded. If they had a metal center section attached to the composite plastic cap, that would be a good solution.

 

The first time I changed the oil and filter wasn't much fun. I thought it would be easier with my Dad's 'help' at his place, but of course he knows best, and it was pretty frustrating. The most recent time, I parked it on the slight slope outside my garage and crawled right under. No ramps, no jacks, and I was done in under ten minutes.

Has anyone else thought of using rubber kitchen gloves for oil changes?

 

I use disposable latex gloves that Costco sells in boxes (similar to what you'll find at your doctor's office.) It's good to not allow used engine oil containing carcinogens to get on your bare skin, and of course this makes it very easy to clean up.