AC Delco PF Filter Problems?

[Intelman34]

I dont normally use regular AC Delco PF filters unless I am only keeping it on for 250-500 miles. I usually use the UPF series.

The two times I have used them (the PF52), they seem to lock themselves onto the car. I hand tighen (I am not a strong guy by any means) them just as I do any other filter. When I try to get it off, I cant get it by hand or with the oil filter wrench (it just bends the filter and spins then). I have to use a strap wrench with a 1/4" drive massive socket wrench to even get the thing to turn. It is usually crushed into a ball by the time it comes off.

Motorcraft, SuperTech, AcDelco UPF... all come off just fine from all my cars. I never have any problems. Just whenever I make the mistake of using an AC Delco PF series... I cant get the thing off.

Does anyone else have this problem?

 

[Patman]

Interesting you should mention this, as I've noticed this too, although I also only use this filter if I'm doing a short Auto-rx interval for instance. Must be the material they use for their gasket.

 

[occimacinance]

I use PF47. Last time on a rush before a long travel had to change the oil at the first place I've saw. The term "amateur" would be an exageration for their skills, they tighten it with wrench... it was bended already at the install. Second time, 8mo/5oookms after I went to a professional place and it came of easily with a wrech w/o a further bend.

Stupid comment but just in case... do you oil the gasket?

 

[Mike_dup1]

What kind of wrench are you using?

I have tried a lot of them and the best ones I have ever seen and used are sold by snap-on, not chaep but worth every dime IMO. It a strap type, actually a HD 1-inch metal band and an adjustable swivel handle. You can slip it anywhere along the filter, I can often get in on about 1/2 way and the filter comes off real easy. You could not break this tool if you tried, very high quality. I have neve collapsed a filter in 20 yrs using this.

On occasion I have purchased some of those (el cheapo) socket type tools that fit over the end of the filter, there are metal and plastic ones readily sold at discount stores etc. I find these will bend the filter because they are grabbing it on the weakest end. The metal in some of these filters is so thin, you can punch with a finger nail clipper.

I may jst the quality of the tool you are using

[ April 05, 2003, 09:20 AM: Message edited by: Mike ]

 

[vettenuts]

I have never had a problem like this with any AC filter. I just replaced the PF47 with a PF52 on my wife's car. Wonder if it due to the length?

 

[Pluto5]

One thing you can do that is even more obsessive than oiling the gasket is disconnecting the ignition and cranking the engine to build up the oil pressure before starting it.

 

[Patman]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pluto5:
One thing you can do that is even more obsessive than oiling the gasket is disconnecting the ignition and cranking the engine to build up the oil pressure before starting it.

---

I've done that a couple of times when I was younger!

I don't see oiling the gasket of an oil filter as obsessive though, it's a necessity.

 

[unDummy]

Oil will cause the filter gasket to expand and self tighten.

I've seen installed hand tightened filters refuse to come off and tightly installed filters come off without filter wrenches. I guess it depends on gasket material used and whether the gasket was soaked prior to filter installation.

Also, you need to consider whether you installed a hot or cold filter and are trying to remove a hot or cold filter. Oil canister heat/pressure expansion over time can cause it to become snug.

 

[Intelman34]

Whoops, I saw in my post I put PF52... typo there... I use the PF25 when I do use it. When I use the UPF, it is a UPF1218

The filter wrench I am using is some graphite wrench that snaps on to a socket wrench. Its available at Wal-Mart and such for $3. It is a cheap POS, but it works fine for other filters. When I hand tighten a a filter, hands usually get it off. I also have the metal band filter wrenches were you slide them on the filter and you turn them to get the filter off, but that does not fit.

The strap wrench I have is a heavy duty one. It has saved my butt these two times. It works for everything.

It is just these stupid AC Delco PF series filters. No other filter has ever given me a problem so it is not something I am doing wrong.

I do oil the gasket.

 

[Patman]

I always oil the gasket too. I've heard a few people say it's better to put some sort of grease on there, but I can't recall which kind is best to use.

 

[Mike_dup1]

Every filter manf. recommends you wipe some oil on the gasket prior to installation. It helps seal and prevent the gasket from being torn when tightened.

I always back off the filter slightly (1/4inch +-) after I have installed it. It just puts less stress on the gasket in the event you went a tad to far and it twisted slightly.

 

[ZR2RANDO]

I've never had a problem when I used the Ac filters. Years ago I had a filter that had a few metal shavings in the threaded inlet, I don't remember the brand right now, but I remember that I did not use it. Ever since then, just as a side habit I guess, I always sqirt some oil on the threads and on the mounting surface of the filter, then smear it on the gasket,,,,It's just my way now of making sure I look for those burrs or shavings or whatever other defects may show up,
I've also never cross-threaded a filter either, the oil helps

 

[labman]

It would be interesting to know where the problem AC filters came from. I have mostly used AC for years and never remember a problem. I usually use my versatile 16'' Channel Locks, but did buy one of those cheap metal socket things and it worked fine on the PF 52's. Most of my filters came from K-Mart and more recently Wal-Mart, Parts America, and Advance Auto. I oil my gaskets and threads. I drain hot and let drip as long as I can, so usually goes on cool. Due to nobody stocking the PF 1177 and 2244G's locally, I have been using a variety of other brands now, Purolator, ST, etc. and see little difference. I am tightening them enough that the gaskets never leak. The case may crush a little, but not enough to keep it from coming off easily.