Oil filter change

The genuine Honda oil filter wrench, heavy stamped steel, will NOT get rounded. Couple it with a long-handled wrench, you’ll get the filter off.

You can do this anytime, will only lose the 1/2 cup or so of oil trapped in the filter; the bulk of the oil is lower, in the sump.

I’ve had one of them since around 1990; perfect fit on Honda (naturally), Toyota and Mazda.

 

As long as you want, but I wouldn’t drive it any longer than absolutely necessary. A simple solution would be to go to NAPA and get a Carlyle Tools Swivel Oil Filter Wrench # 77-3324. Won’t have to worry about it happening again.

 

If it's a normal type filter (no, I haven't changed one on a PRIUS) - I had a car where access was very poor - and I'd drive a screwdriver through it, and use the screwdriver to get leverage - after ¼ turn, could do it by hand.

 

BTDT; usually on a car that I've bought. You'll tend to remember to put a thin film of oil on that oil filter O-ring; when you have to pound a screwdriver trough it to get it off. Dry O-rings against the engine block will tend to stick to the block.

 

True, always a film of oil, and only tighten as specified.

I had some cars where you could get 2 hands on the filter and didn't need a tool at all to remove. But can't remember which one it was - and there was no room for either hands or a normal tool. Undoubtedly the service department had the "right" tool.

 

I converted our 3rd gen to spin-on style, and when I get the Toyota filter there's a clear-plastic seal over over the gasket end. When peeled off there's a clear grease already applied to the gasket. The box says to oil the gasket, the Repair Manual says the same, but I've just gone with the grease that's on there.

 

I only hand tighten my oil filters. I haven't had a leak yet, knock on wood, even with the thin 0w20 and 0w16 oils.

You can also try shoving 3 pieces of sand paper @ 33 degrees intervals on those loose oil filter cap wrenches.

 

Don’t think it’s been mentioned: torque spec is 18 ft/lb for the permanent housing style, 13 for spin-on (or 3/4 turn past first contact).

 

Did you get it off?

 

i had the same issue recently, the oil filter housing was a bitch and a half to get unscrewed. my filter "wrench" was slipping and getting rounded off, but exchanging it for a different brand wrench worked. both were the same nominal size but the other brand must have been made a bit tighter. unfortunately i don't remember the brand name and i'm not at home to check, but you might try a different one anyway.