Changed oil today, couldn't get the filter off!

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FCD

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Went to change the oil and filter on my 1988 Escort today, and i was unable to get the filter off
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I tried the best i could probably nearly snapped a tendom and couldn't get the [censored] thing off, best of all it's right at the back of the engine in the middle of the block so it's hard to get to from either side, also tried from underneath with no success.

I think it might be because the engine was nearly warmed up and hot, also today was a pretty hot day with a high of +37C ( 99F ) , i last changed it in February and it was 10C that day ( 50F ) and i was able to get it off no problem, i only tightened it by hand.

I will attempt to get it off with the engine cold another day, the engine only takes 3L so i have 2L of change in case i spill a lot taking it off.
 
Bummer! I recall driving a screwdriver through one once.

I picked up a three pronged tool to go onto a ratchet and it seems to make the job a snap. This one.
 
I’ve only had this problem with the first oil change on a new vehicle or after a dealer changed the oil. I’ve learned to loosen both the drain plug and the filter before doing the entire change.
 
I like the idea of just waiting for it to get cold. Might make all the difference.
 
Originally Posted By: PimTac
I’ve only had this problem with the first oil change on a new vehicle or after a dealer changed the oil. I’ve learned to loosen both the drain plug and the filter before doing the entire change.


This! DIY
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First make sure you're loosening it and not tightening it. Sometimes being on your back looking up like rollinpete said mixes things up for a moment. If you can't get it off giant Channel Lock pliers or stabbing a screw driver through it have always worked on the few I've encountered over the years that wouldn't come off.

I'd love to try a good fitting cap wrench and a blast from an impact gun on a test mule. Having the Channel Lock pliers or stabbing through it with a screw driver as a back up. The impact gun is something I've never tried though. I could swear some of these quick lube or dealer oil change guys use them to install the oil filter and the fill plug on a lot of cars.
 
1) Good grip? Twist it off.
2) OK grip but no turn? Try sloppy addition of masking tape. Make it flop around (sticky side up and down-all krinkly). Might work
3) Strap wrench. Go for the base plate so you don't crush the filter
3a) second choice is strap wrench on the end of the filter.
4) Correct size cup wrench
5) those 3 pronged things. Like the cup wrench, they slip sometimes. Nobody ever has a perfect fitting one.
6) those channel lock style pliers
7) Screwdriver Valentine is the last thing you want to do. No guarantee of success and the sheet metal can can just tear
 
I have used strap type filters in past for some very challenging filters I could not get off any other way. These will crush the filter until it finally comes off.

 
The spring loaded 3 finger one that goes on like a cap wrench is the one I use if I cannot get a filter off the normal ways and have access to the end.

Lisle probably makes the one I have.

Over the years you build up a collection of oil filter wrenches.

I have broken the spot weld on a HF cap wrench.
 
I just use a metal type adjustable oil filter wrench with the claws on it when I can't get one loose. Works every time as long as it can fit in.
 
Puncturing the oil filter with screwdriver (or any other implement) in an attempt to remove a stuck filter is a really bad idea. If it doesn't work you have just bricked your car.

Filters cases and internals currently are much more lightly constructed than 40-50 years ago when the screw driver thru the oil filter trick might have made maybe slightly more sense.

I have a 20" channel-lock pair of pliers that in 50 years has never failed to un-stick a stuck oil filter.
 
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