oil filter tightness question

[Titan]

I think ONE of the reasons a hand-tightened filter may need a tool to loosen is: Temperature at time of removal is warmer than Temp at time of installation. I think MOST do-it-yourselfers change oil when the engine is at least warm, if not hot. That flexible gasket probably swells a bit due to the hot temps, making it more snug than when it was installed...when it is coolest.

 

[Fair enough]

Notice this lady is trying to tighten the lid...

It looks like under the faucet she was trying to loosen. It isn’t a real scene, it was staged and this lady was recorded for an ad and got paid. it’s supposed to be the idea which people relate to. I have a remover, made in USA, old, has wooden handles.

 

[ZeeOSix]

According to the owner's manual.

"The oil filter on Suzuki motorcycles should be torqued to 14.5 foot-pounds (16.5 for the GSX S1000 GT). After hand-tightening, use a torque wrench to achieve this final tightness."

Most Japanese made motorcycles (Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha) all use an OEM/factory "torque stop" style oil filter with a P-gasket. Honda vehicle OEM filters are also torque stop style with a P-gasket and have a tightening torque call-out. Other Asian made cars may also use OEM filters with a P-gasket.

The torque call-out is to ensure the filter is tight enough after the filter bottom out on the seat to not loosen after installation. Again, with a P-gasket once the filter bottoms out on the seat, the gasket is as compressed as it's going to get. If you torque any of those motorcycle filters to spec, the base of the filter is bottomed out on the seat, and any torque beyond that ensures the filter is tight on the threaded mount spud, and doesn't loosen during use.

 

[crashz]

Hand tight for me. I don't really check to se if I get 3/4 of a turn out of it. All I know is that I swear and curse the gorilla that put when I go to change the oil and filter again! How does it get so tight? Its like the gasket vulcanizes to the housing.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Hand tight for me. I don't really check to se if I get 3/4 of a turn out of it. All I know is that I swear and curse the gorilla that put when I go to change the oil and filter again! How does it get so tight? Its like the gasket vulcanizes to the housing.

Filters seem to always be tighter coming off vs going on. That's why they make all kinds of special removal tools for oil filters.

 

[Faawrenchbndr]

I usually hand tighten then tighten a little more with a tool. Well I just got one of those new mobil 1 filters that is made in South Korea. my tool didn't fit and I only hand tightened it. does anyone else only hand tighten? do you think ill have a leak or will it be okay. I took it for a drive and it didn't leak but hoping it will stay that way. thank you for your answers in advance

I’ve only hand tightened filters for the last 42 years….have never had one leak

 

[Lubener]

the local chevrolet dealer likes to do this. the thin acdelco filters normally just crust and twist with a cap wrench. normally have to get my knives cobras in there to get them off. i don’t understand why people think a tool needs to go on an oil filter for installation.

Because 3/4 turn is 3/4 turn whether you use a wrench or by hand. It doesn't matter.

 

[Learn Ya]

I usually hand tighten then tighten a little more with a tool.

I do the same...hand tight plus 1/8 turn or less. Never had one come loose.

 

[Learn Ya]

I’ve only hand tightened filters for the last 42 years….have never had one leak

Years ago, I had a vehicle with an awkward oil filter location. It was in a very tight spot, so I only hand-tightened for easier removal. Never had a leak. Otherwise, I do hand tight plus a smidge more to be safe.

 

[goingplacesanddoingstuff]

Hand tighten and not cranked as hard as I can. No leaks and I just spin them off by hand when the time comes.

I have had to remove some absolutely ridiculously tight filters before, my goodness. On that topic I find all non-destructive oil filter wrenches to be worse than just grabbing the thing. The only tools I use are a set of jaws with sharp teeth for good bite, or a screwdriver jammed through.

 

[RyanY]

Arnold Schwarzenegger or Pee-wee Hermann?

Hmm. Given Pee Wee's incident at the South Trail Cinema in '91, I think his grip strength is just fine.