Can't get oil filter unstuck, 08 Element/CRV.

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Garyd

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I tried to change oil on my 08 Honda Element for the first time and I can't get the oil filter unstuck. First, it is in an impossible place with very little room to get any leverage but it also seems to bet stuck on very tight. Are there any Element owners out there who have any tricks to getting the oil filter unstuck? I'm guessing the Honda CRV has the same issues since it is essentially the same vehicle, so any CRV owners out there as well that have any tips?

I've never seen a mainstream car with such a hard to access oil filter plus dealer must have put the filter on extra tight with my last oil change.
 
Well, run the filter for 2 changes this time while you are getting help.

We've all had to get a filter wrench of some sort for a bad one now and then. I have band wrenches, ones that fit the filter end stamping that take a ratchet to turn, etc.

For a junker, I'd drive a big screw driver into it and lever away. But never on a newer car ...

Good luck !
 
Look at the oil filter location on a Mini engine, and you will feel better about yours.

What sort of tools are you using to try to get the filter off?

Harbor Freight has an incredible filter wrench that looks like vice grips on the back end, that's just amazing for super-tight filters.
 
It must be in a different place on your Element; the '08 CR-V I used to own had the filter mounted vertically right behind the engine in an easy location. I didn't even have to drive up on ramps if I didn't want to. Is yours mounted horizontally up on the side of the block?
 
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
Here you go. I have NEVER had an oil filter out smart this filter wrench. If you have the space for it, and I think you do, then this tool should be in your toolbox. Its literally the only oil filter wrench I have needed for the past 10 plus years. Its adjustable, and fits everything I work on, and it grips like Godzilla.

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-Oil-F...RGW0ESBA72E2PY9


Great!
 
Do you have the special expensive Honda approved fully adjustable oil filter removal tool ??

If not and a large screwdriver fails to penetrate the German steel can, just leave it till it blocks and then sell the engine.
 
I have an 03 Honda CRV. The first time I changed my oil filter I removed the right front wheel for access from the wheel well. From that point thereafter I figured there must be an easier way and found just enough room to access the oil filter from the rear of the axle without removing the wheel.
 
Ditto to what Hokiefyd said, my '08 CR-V had the filter vertically mounted behind the oil pan, I would have guessed the Element would be the same. I had an '04 that had it horizontal up on the back of the engine that dribbled all over the frame, hence Honda added an extension at some point that went down the back and had the filter a little more conveniently located. That said, I'm pretty sure I could still get a rubber strap wrench on it. I bought the rubber strap wrench the one time I had a really tight filter on the ex-wife's Subaru after the cap wrench kept slipping off.
 
I have an '07 Element, mechanically identical. I've had luck coming in from above and over the the engine, reaching down to spin it. My first oil change had the filter on super tight so I mangled it off with some channellocks. It wasn't pretty, so I bought one of these that are actually for Honda motorcycles, but they fit the OEM filters on the cars as well. It fits perfectly and you can get a lot of leverage.

34s2xb5.jpg



Of course, I do all my own changes and haven't had to use the wrench I bought since I just hand tighten them and can hand remove them now.

If you were local, I'd just loan it out to you!

https://www.amazon.com/Show-Chrome-Oil-F...l+filter+wrench

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Show-Chrome-Accessories-Oil-Filter-Wrench-/322346691379?hash=item4b0d5c2b33:g:RxMAAOSwj85YQPb~&vxp=mtr

(I actually have the second one from eBay, same as pictured above, the handle has a cutout that fits the drain plug!!)


I would personally not be afraid to mangle the filter with some big pliers to get it off. You should have room from above to reach it (may not be able to see it, but can feel for it).

Good luck!
 
Originally Posted By: ET16
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
Here you go. I have NEVER had an oil filter out smart this filter wrench. If you have the space for it, and I think you do, then this tool should be in your toolbox. Its literally the only oil filter wrench I have needed for the past 10 plus years. Its adjustable, and fits everything I work on, and it grips like Godzilla.

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-Oil-F...RGW0ESBA72E2PY9


Great!

If you can't wait for Amazon, AZ sells a similar design and same size but sold under the OEM name. 'I' have had good success using it on Honda sized filters.

https://www.autozone.com/shop-and-garage...nch/297190_0_0/

I googled 08 Element filter location, one pic looked like it would be in a difficult spot. If you can access to end/dome of the filter, a cap wrench should work. The cam action linked doesn't require exact fit of the end.
 
Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
Look at the oil filter location on a Mini engine, and you will feel better about yours.

What sort of tools are you using to try to get the filter off?

Harbor Freight has an incredible filter wrench that looks like vice grips on the back end, that's just amazing for super-tight filters.


I tried using a Fram filter pliers, a cap ratchet tool and a rubber strap tool. Crushed the filter a lot with the pliers and the cap just kept spinning off and the strap wouldn't budge it but the other problem is there just isn't enough room to get any leverage.

I actually have a 08 Mini Clubman S but I have only had the oil changes at the dealer but I was shown that if you can easily access the oil filter housing from the top of the engine if you unscrew and move over a plastic tank.
 
It is a bit awkward to get at, but I was lucky and could get it off by hand for my first change and since then I don't over tighten. My tip is to try it by hand with some leather gloves, sometimes they give you more grip if the filter is a bit oily.
 
Originally Posted By: Dave Sherman
Ditto to what Hokiefyd said, my '08 CR-V had the filter vertically mounted behind the oil pan, I would have guessed the Element would be the same. I had an '04 that had it horizontal up on the back of the engine that dribbled all over the frame, hence Honda added an extension at some point that went down the back and had the filter a little more conveniently located. That said, I'm pretty sure I could still get a rubber strap wrench on it. I bought the rubber strap wrench the one time I had a really tight filter on the ex-wife's Subaru after the cap wrench kept slipping off.


Apparently Honda didn't add the extension to my 08 Element because it is still in the horizontal, back of the engine location with very little room for leverage, especially anything that has a long handle.
 
Originally Posted By: EdwardC
I have an '07 Element, mechanically identical. I've had luck coming in from above and over the the engine, reaching down to spin it. My first oil change had the filter on super tight so I mangled it off with some channellocks. It wasn't pretty, so I bought one of these that are actually for Honda motorcycles, but they fit the OEM filters on the cars as well. It fits perfectly and you can get a lot of leverage.

34s2xb5.jpg



Of course, I do all my own changes and haven't had to use the wrench I bought since I just hand tighten them and can hand remove them now.

If you were local, I'd just loan it out to you!

https://www.amazon.com/Show-Chrome-Oil-F...l+filter+wrench

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Show-Chrome-Accessories-Oil-Filter-Wrench-/322346691379?hash=item4b0d5c2b33:g:RxMAAOSwj85YQPb~&vxp=mtr

(I actually have the second one from eBay, same as pictured above, the handle has a cutout that fits the drain plug!!)


I would personally not be afraid to mangle the filter with some big pliers to get it off. You should have room from above to reach it (may not be able to see it, but can feel for it).

Good luck!



I wonder if they sell this a Honda motorcycle dealers or any motorcycle accessary shop?
 
Last edited:
I will second bubbatime, that wrench is not to be reckoned with. I've never had that fail.

If you do end up using it, I find that I have to squeeze on it slightly to for it to "bite", but once it does it puts tremendous force and you can just use a ratchet.

For the amount of effort it saves you, you'd be a fool not to get one. Everyone doing an oil change should have a wrench, period. I don't muscle the filters on and they're still too tight a year later so it's really unavoidable for me.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
It must be in a different place on your Element; the '08 CR-V I used to own had the filter mounted vertically right behind the engine in an easy location. I didn't even have to drive up on ramps if I didn't want to. Is yours mounted horizontally up on the side of the block?


Same here. My '08's filter is easily accessible and since I don't overtighten upon install, very easy to remove.
 
Originally Posted By: Sayjac
Originally Posted By: ET16
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
Here you go. I have NEVER had an oil filter out smart this filter wrench. If you have the space for it, and I think you do, then this tool should be in your toolbox. Its literally the only oil filter wrench I have needed for the past 10 plus years. Its adjustable, and fits everything I work on, and it grips like Godzilla.

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-Oil-F...RGW0ESBA72E2PY9


Great!

If you can't wait for Amazon, AZ sells a similar design and same size but sold under the OEM name. 'I' have had good success using it on Honda sized filters.

https://www.autozone.com/shop-and-garage...nch/297190_0_0/

I googled 08 Element filter location, one pic looked like it would be in a difficult spot. If you can access to end/dome of the filter, a cap wrench should work. The cam action linked doesn't require exact fit of the end.

It is a tool worth having.
 
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