Can't get oil filter off

[Corvette Owner]

Originally Posted By: Dan55
You can buy the tool here http://bogertaviation.com/index.php?prod...t&Itemid=23


And here is a video of them using that tool:

 

[Donald]

Some suggestions may be better than others depending upon the access. I agree with a strap wrench as close to the base. If it slides, wipe the filer clean and use medical adhesive tape then the strap wrench.

I have also had good luck with an end cap wrench that had 3 spring loaded jaws that bite into the end and dig in. They sell two sizes of those. They sell cheaper ones that are not spring loaded and I would avoid those.

Whatever you do don't damage the base. If you mangle it with a strap wrench, then move to the large channel lock pliers.

 

[JamesBond]

I have a metal strap wrench similar to the one pictured earlier but it has textured rubber around the inside of the metal band. I purchased it at walmart or some other type of box store. Its more "civilized" than the smooth metal band strap wrench and chain wrench that are in the tool box. It seems that I have to use it every time I get a new-used car, but it always works.

 

[zerosoma]

That is the worst, when they over-tighten drain plugs and filters. My first time changing oil I couldn't get the blasted drain plug off and I gave up. I thought I'd have to take my car in for the rest of my life and was disappointed. Finally with a friend's help I was able to get it off.

When we got our Prius the doofus who worked on it last clamped that filter on their so tight it was not going anywhere. I finally destroyed the filter with a filter wrench and was able to get it off, but it looked like a crushed tin can when I was done with it. Who does this kind of stuff?!?!

Now I finger tighten the drain plugs and give them about a half turn with the wrench. Then I loosen it with the wrench again and give it a half-turn. Sometimes I do this several times just to make sure it's not too tight or too lose. I do this with the filter too, I get it on there snug and then I tighten about another half turn with my hand. This method hasn't failed me yet and I never strip out drain plugs or have a hard time getting the plugs off. Never ever. It's so easy.

 

[stevekk]

Still having trouble.
It has a NAPA 21372 filter that I am trying to get off.
Original filter is Motorcraft FL-820S.

Is this Napa the correct replacement?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[exranger06]

Yes, that's the correct Napa filter. I recommend the 3-jaw filter wrench that you use with a ratchet. That's the only tool that would remove an incredibly stuck filter I removed once. The harder you tug on it, the more it tightens the grip on the filter. Plus, you can put a cheater pipe on the ratchet if you have to. There's no reason you shouldn't be able to get it off with one of those.

 

[stevekk]

As you can see, have lots of access.
Tried using chisel/ hammer... no luck.
Case is very thin.
My best best is clamping on near neck.

What are those 2 hoses?
Cooler for something?

I can remove the metal and purchase that tool in video or make my own? THANKS!!

 

[01rangerxl]

Have you tried a claw type oil filter wrench yet? In my experience these will always get a filter off IF you have room to use them. A pair should be less than $20 at any store with automotive tools.

The hoses are for the oil cooler.

 

[stevekk]

Got it off. WOWEEE.. I'm a happy camper.
Used claw type like you said.
Boy was it on there tight.
No lube on rubber gasket.

One reason it may have been on there so tight, was because of the oil cooler. Notice that once I had filter off, the oil cooler unit is kinda loose. Not real loose, but when you put the new filter back on, you have to tighten up real good to snug up the oil cooler. Make any since?

So I don't have problems the next time, what about me putting on silicon on rubber gasket instead?

 

[eagle23]

If there was no lube on the gasket, I wouldn't go the other way. Just a small amount of oil smeared on the gasket. Works a gazillion times

It sounds like somebody really leaned on it big time. I just follow the instructions (3/4 to 1 turn, depending). Some people go way beyond hand tight and use a wrench to tighten...and deeply regret it later.

Glad you got it free.

I would check that cooler; it may have come a bit loose for all the effort needed to break loose the filter.

 

[mattd]

yes make sure the threaded piece on the oil cooler is tight. They tend to loosen up on overtightened filters, especially fords.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Next time, remove the two oil cooler hoses to get better access to the filter, also it may drain some oil in the cooler hoses.

 

[mattd]

those hoses have coolant in them not oil.