Stuck Oil Filter

RichH · Sep 7, 2011

Large "strap wrench".

Next time BE SURE to wipe a bit of oil on the filter's rubber gasket.

Steve Dion · Sep 7, 2011

Use a strap wrench. If you cannot remove it with the wrench, then you can take a large screw driver and punch it through the can. That usually does the job. Be sure to have some oilsorb rags under the filter, 'cause it will make a mess.

Stu Jackson · Sep 7, 2011

Don't know who told you that. Hand tight for the Racor primary fuel filter, but you need a strap wrench to tighten the oil filter. You do NOT want an oil filter falling off your engine. Other stuff above: very good advice.

Witzend · Sep 7, 2011

When changing any filter, make sure the gasket is still stuck to the filter when removed and not still on the block. Two gaskets make quite a mess when one slips out of round and creates a gap for the oil to gush from.

seadaddler · Sep 7, 2011

Tool ?????

Not a problem use any type wrench to twist it off,big or small on only the filter to help it start to turn and I have used many different auto tools to do so and yes only hand tight but will all your might real tight for sure will work.
Nick

Ron20324 · Sep 7, 2011

I hand tighten when putting it on, then again after the engine warms up and rechecking the oil level- and checking for leaks.

woodster · Sep 7, 2011

2/3rds to 3/4 turns

most oil filters recomend that when the gasket touches the surface that you tighten it 2/3rd to 3/4 turn more ...if you over thighten them the gasket could become warped and then leak .......

regards

woody

higgs · Sep 7, 2011

Always hand tighten. That is basic.

Ross · Sep 7, 2011

A large pipe wrench may help or not.

Rick Webb · Sep 7, 2011

Bet it Comes Off With no Problem

I change my own oil on everything I have ever owned. Generally I probably tighten a bit more than called for and I can usually grab the oil filter and remove it by hand (unless it is particularly hot). Have a good oil filter wrench and make sure and deliberate contact it will spin right off.

Benny17441 · Sep 7, 2011

Oil filters are hand tight + 1/4 turn.

Ralph Johnstone · Sep 7, 2011

This May Be a Bit of an Oversimplification ............

......................... but wouldn't it be a good idea to loosen up the filter just a little bit now before it really cooks onto the mounting surface after a full season of use ?

Don12364 · Sep 8, 2011

For many years on several old cars I tightened up the oil filter until it "felt right". This usually meant using a strap wrench. I never had a moment,s trouble taking them off and never had a leaker either!

Then I bought a boat and learned? that it only needs hand pressure.

Even today I am suspicious of a leak every time I only hand tighten a filter because the rubber gaskets are pretty hard material and need some pressure to create an effective seal.
The truth is it is only a mechanical seal and there is a 'right' amount of compression required.
I feel this is hand tight - but just about as tight as you can get it without using a wrench.
And then watch it for the first few hours of running - and give it a little tweak now and again - but not to actually move it but just to make sure it won't move.
And keep on worrying!

rfrye1 · Sep 8, 2011

To Steve Dion........

Yes a large screw driver "usually" does the job when all else fails. BUT I can tell you from personal experience, when I was much younger on my car, when you get to this point and the Large Screwdriver fails, you are "SCREWED". Now you got a huge hole in your filter and its still stuck. My "personal experience" cost me a tow truck and a mechanic to get my filter off! Boy did I learn a good lesson as a 20 yr old college student!!
I find a tough filter will be undone with a large pair on Channel Locks, grip down as close to the base (engine side) as possible. Dont squeeze too hard and bend the filter, but just grip it tight and turn. Same thing with the band wrench, get it down low near the base before you pull hard on it.

Good luck.
Bob

MrUnix · Sep 8, 2011

Engine Maintenance 101

I can't believe this topic has generated so much discussion, considering it should have been one of the first things learned about vehicle maintenance! I don't think I have ever seen an oil filter that didn't have instructions printed on the side.. 1) ensure old gasket didn't stick in place, 2) put a film of NEW engine oil on NEW oil filter gasket, 3) twist on until gasket makes contact, 4) turn an additional 3/4 - 1 full turn. Just for grins, I went out in the garage and looked at some of the oil filters I have.. Fram, Purolator, Bosch.. all have the instructions printed on them, and all say 3/4 to 1 full turn after contact. That by the way is just about the limit of what you can do by hand, so no need for a wrench when installing.

As for removal, all the methods already discussed will work.. some better than others. I have 5 or 6 different oil filter wrenches in the garage, and have used the screwdriver method as well. Most of the time, it's just a matter of how much clearance you have that determines the method. The best I have found for tight places is the one that uses a standard 3/8 socket wrench and has three spring loaded fingers that grip tighter as you turn. Harbor Freight has them for about $8. Soft-strap wrenches also work well if you have the space.. if not, the rigid strap with swivel handle types can usually get in where the soft strap ones can't. The pliers type as well as channel locks will work, but you need enough room to turn them. Save the screwdriver for method of last resort!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxSya1YNMKI

Cheers,
Brad

Rick Webb · Sep 8, 2011

Screwdriver, Absolutly as a Last Resort

I went to help somone after they could not get their oil filter off. I think it was a Chevy with a 327 because the filter was straight up and down anyway he could not get it with a filter wrench and went with the srewdriver method. The screw driver ended up ripping through the sides of the filter and we ended up using a chisel to get the base of the filter off. He chaged his filter more often after that.

Make sure the rubber "O" ring is on the filter when you remove it. I had one stick to the engine once. The seal of the new filter next to the old seal held for a few minutes then blew 3 1/2 quarts of oil onto the garage floor in nothing flat.

Alan · Sep 9, 2011

Sorry Stu, I have to disagree with your statement about needing a wrench to install an oil filter. There is no need for any wrench to INSTALL but a strap wrench is the one way to REMOVE the filter. An oil filter cap wrench is another alternative. Most oil filters are usually marked with "Hand Tighten Only" or "3/4 to 1 Turn After Gasket Contact". Using the wrench produces the problem that Ducati may now face with removal.

seadaddler · Sep 9, 2011

Hand TIGHT

And when ever you check the oil level check the filter with your hand too,I check my oil level often.

Stuck Oil Filter

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