Learned a valuable oil changing lesson today...

[synthetic_crazy]

I was changing the oil on my Corolla today(with Pennzoil Ultra

) and learned an important lesson. After I had drained the used oil out, I started to remove the old oil filter. Unfortunately, on the last oil change I must have had a super-strength moment and put the oil filter on with my "torque-wrench" hands! Normally I don't have to put the car on ramps to change the oil; I just lay on my side and reach up and loosen the filter with one hand. Today however, I couldn't even budge the filter!

I ended up jacking up the passenger side of the car and removing part of the plastic shielding on the underside, just to be able to get two hands on the filter. Finally, after twisting with all the strength I had, the filter slowly inched off

. This time I made sure I didn't "torque" the new filter on

. Anybody have a similar learning experience?

 

[JustinH]

Next time try a piece of sandpaper in your hands to get some extra grip on the filter..

 

[daman]

Or just not put it on so blasted tight.

 

[SuperDave456]

If you have changed oil long enough this will happen.

I used to bust tires and change oil and I have seen filters that you had to hammer a screwdriver through to get off. Then sometimes the screwdriver just peels off the can and you have to use a hammer and the screwdriver like a chisel to knock the threaded end off.

I find it amazing that all these stripped drain plugs happen, yet you never hear of anyone stripping or breaking off an oil filter housing.

 

[tomcat27]

ya. one time I was changing the oil on a friend's Camry. the filter is up there, blocked by stuff, and would not budge. I get out a hammer and screwdriver and try the kamikazee method. the filter cannister simply broke open and shredded. it took three tried to get it off. I was VERY scared!

 

[musicmanbass]

I run into that problem when someone has taken their car to a place where they put them on way too tight.

A pair of oil filter pliers is always my tool of choice and hasn't failed me yet.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Hand-tighten!

 

[SWSportsman]

I've had filters that were definitely on tighter than I initially installed them. I believe that the constant thermo-cycling can tighten them.

 

[river_rat]

I almost gave up on one and had it towed to a garage after the canister shredded. And I'm the dope that put it on.

 

[MrMeeks]

Yes, filters should be tightened with one hand only-No wrench.

always inspect to see if the old filter gasket is not stuck to the engine,because this can occur.Be certain to wipe the threads and base plate of the new filter to remove any factory machining crud.Once a quick lube installed my Truck's filter and they must have used a 5 foot pipe to torque it,because after I punctured the filter can trying to remove it the Ford had to be towed to a shop . Working with a 700psi impact wrench it was finally removed after 4 hours of hammering.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Always keep those oil filter pliers handy.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: daman
Or just not put it on so blasted tight.


Agree!

Once you've don't it too many times you'll learn NOT to over tighten it.

The only vehicle I HAVE to use a serious oil filter tool is the 3.5l V6 Honda of my Dads. It tightens up no matter how loose you put it on. If it does not leak on the install it WILL be so tight when the OLM comes on.

Bill

 

[Nick R]

Mine always ends up quite a bit tighter than when I put it on. I have to use an end-cap style filter wrench with a ratchet to break it loose since there isn't room to get any other kind of wrench in there.

 

[The Critic]

I have never been able to remove any used oil filter with my bare hands.

Lately, I have been using my nylon oil filter cap to tighten my new oil filters. I don't crank them down hard with the cap/ratchet, just snug.

Yet, I have never had any issues removing the old oil filter as long as I had the pliers tool.

 

[Bill in Utah]

I should admit that I have to use a normal end cap with the Subaru as its a bear to get to...

I wish it was still that new looking!

 

[Trajan]

So glad my filter access is from the top.

 

[robshelton]

I installed an ATK engine (2.0 Mazda) in my dad's 84 Mazda pick up back in about 1987 and a buddy put the filter on "...Just for me." We were working outside in freezing rain and he put it on as tight as he could with a strap wrench. I've never had one tighter than that one! Strap wrench slipped and a cap wrench twisted the can. Drove a large screwdriver through it several times and ended up shredding the filter but to no avail. Next tried heating it with a propane torch but it wasn't hot enough. Ended up driving a chisel between the filter and adapter, damaging the adapter. Nearly had to replace the filter adapter but after I removed it from the block and a lot of filing and sanding against a flat surface I got it to work.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I rather over tighten the oil filter when I put it on then to get the filter loose and dump all oil on the street. Some S2000 owners did not put on the oil filter tight enough and it got loose and dump the oil within a mile from home.

 

[Vilan]

Did you oil the gasket on the new filter? Might help it come off a little easier next time.

 

[synthetic_crazy]

Originally Posted By: Vilan
Did you oil the gasket on the new filter? Might help it come off a little easier next time.


I did oil the gasket, but it didn't help much. I guess changing the oil is a constant learning experience!