Don't you hate it when someone else has changed the oil before you? The instant oil change places seem to use air ratchets and over-tighten everything. Ugh!

Oil filter won't come off. They really have it on tight. I've tried a rubber kitchen gripper, I've used rubber gloves, I've tried my filter wrench (but the filter is too small for it) and I've even tried to turn it with a pair of channel locks but the handles are too long to get up there, grip and turn. Ugh!

Grab it as close to the base as you can with whatever filter wrench you have. That's the strongest part of the filter. Contrary to popular belief, the screwdriver through the body is a bad idea. That's only weak sheetmetal. If space and leverage permit, a strap wrench is probably your best bet.

I have use one that consists of a nylon strap on a square tube with a 1/2" drive ratchet. If all else fails there is piercing both sides with a screwdriver and twisting it off. Problem with this is some filters have very little structural integrity and will tear like tin foil.

I have had to resort to stabbing a screwdriver through the housing in order to remove them when they are put on too tight.

Make sure you have good heavy gloves and be extremely careful.

Oil, sharp thin metal and flesh do not play nicely together.

If you can remove the oil filter mount you might be better able to get some Kroil, or (50%/50% ATF and acetone) or PB Blaster worked in to help break the bond.

And as a last resort, with the filter and mount off the engine, a torch will soften the rubber seal and it will let go.

On my old truck, I found a rubber strap wrench to be invaluable for getting the filter off. Bought a set of cheap ones at Harbor Freight, and they worked like a charm. I really all depends on how much room you have around the filter.

They supposed to be hand tightened with the OF seal lubed prior to install. Use this tool:
Lisle 57040 Large Oil Filter Swivel Wrench

quote:

Lisle 57040 Large Oil Filter Swivel Wrench

I think that's similar to the one I have...
but this is a small filter. It won't adjust down enough. I'll have to get a smaller Filter Wrench.

Lisle 57010 Import Oil Filter Swivel Wrench

I typically use a filter wrench with a rubber strap attached, but have found these work good on filters that are on a bit too tight.

$7 at Harbor Freight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...ches-4-pc-69894.html

I use a strap wrench and never go to an oil service.

Here is an idea. Improvise like heavy wire wrapped around the end of an extension and your socket wrench from below since you do not have much room.

https://www.amazon.com/Automot...ds=oil+filter+wrench

That should work better then the screw driver method.

This type of wrench also works well since you can place it higher up on the filter and can apply a lot of torque.

https://www.amazon.com/GearWre...4PGN60YTQV8EKRQM0ZBY

Borrow or buy the right sized wrench.

I also like 41's idea. Very cleaver.

quote:

Originally posted by a1abdj:
I typically use a filter wrench with a rubber strap attached, but have found these work good on filters that are on a bit too tight.

$7 at Harbor Freight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...ches-4-pc-69894.html

I second this idea. Cap wrenches are great. You still run the risk of rounding-off the filter, but I've found them extremely handy in tight spaces.

You could also get a pair of those claw-grip oil filter pliers. These things. Believe it or not, those can get into some pretty tight places. The filter for my old Mazda Protege was on the top side of the engine under the intake, in front of the firewall. No problem with those puppies.

If they would simply put a 3/8 drive stamped into the end of filter itself it would solve all the filter wrench problems, kind of like when they went from using oil cans to plastic bottles.

quote:

Originally posted by darthfuster:
I use a strap wrench ...

^^^ THIS ^^^

I had to use it on a tight filter once, and never went back to a filter wrench again.

This type has worked for me in the past when I did not have a proper fitting wrench.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hus...nch-HU3JFW/204762449

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:

quote:

Originally posted by darthfuster:
I use a strap wrench ...

^^^ THIS ^^^

I had to use it on a tight filter once, and never went back to a filter wrench again.

I freakin' hate strap wrenches. Though admittedly they will work.

Nothing beats the proper size filter wrench.

quote:

I've tried my filter wrench (but the filter is too small for it)

From what you've described, I'd first try a cap filter wrench of the proper size. Before you deform the dang thing with all that will come next....

eta - I've only had to go screwdriver once, and the pucker factor is high since as mentioned above you are about 50/50 on having the filter just shred around the handle and they you are well and truly screwed. As in loading on a trailer screwed. I picked the biggest mohunkin' screwdriver I had to reduce chance of that.

Of course, this was the first oil change at ~1,000 miles on a '96 Cobra, so I had the guy who signed the engine valve cover to thank for this. Surprising, but not unheard of from factory.

quote:

Originally posted by Georgeair:

quote:

I've tried my filter wrench (but the filter is too small for it)

From what you've described, I'd first try a cap filter wrench of the proper size. Before you deform the dang thing with all that will come next....

Yups...hand, cap, then strap.

If your tradional strap wrench is just a bit to big, you could try putting a 'shim' of sorts under the strap as you put it on. Something that has a little bite to it would be best, grippy like rubber or so.

With some it may be a pain to get the strap wrench in position. Once there, it should get it off O.K..

I had to use channel locks once. Couldn't get a filter wrench of it. Ended up putting a hole in it with a channel locks.

Hand tight is all that is needed when putting them on.