Stuck oil filter; what do I do now?

sir slack-a-lot · Sep 30, 2004

I was about to do my first oil change on my new Mazda 3, however, when it came to the point of removing the filter, I can't seem to get it off no matter what I do. I've changed my own oil for years, and never had a filter get stuck like this at all! It hasn't moved at all since I've tried getting it off. Seems like some dolt at the factory put it on way too tight. The gasket is compacted so tightly that I can't even feel or see it at the top of the filter.

Any suggestions about tools or methods of getting it off? I already have a few different filter wrenches, and none seem to be doing the trick.

Any help or suggestions would be most appreciated!!

FL-400S · Sep 30, 2004

I think this is where you get a nice sharp screwdriver and hammer it into the filter and torque it off. Or go to wallyworld and find the replacement filter for your car, then matchup one of those filter sockets that only fits that size of filter and try that. Those usually work pretty well.

kev99sl · Sep 30, 2004

Sears (Crafstman) and others make adjustable filter pliers that look like giant channellocks but with curved jaws to fit a filter. This will get any filter off, guaranteed.

ChrisW · Sep 30, 2004

Wait, does the mazda3 use a canister type filter or a cartridge type? I forget if it is either the Mazda3 or the mazda6 that uses the catridge.

The best type of filter wrench I have found to work for canisters is the kinda that looks like this or this.

Right now I am using this which I find to be ok, except in tight spots, I am meaning to get the other kind(s) listed above.

You shouldn't even have to use a wrnech they say, but I guess I tend to over-hand-tighten the filters sometimes when I put them on (even if I can't turn it the 2/3-3/4 tightness reccomendation)

427Z06 · Sep 30, 2004

Yep. When all else fails, the screwdriver and hammer trick is the way to go. When it's time to put on the new one, make sure the mounting surface is clean, and rub some oil on the new gasket and hand tighten only.

[ September 30, 2004, 04:59 PM: Message edited by: 427Z06 ]

mikep · Sep 30, 2004

Either the filter socket or curved jaw dingus is the way to go. I strongly recommend you NOT poke a screwdriver through the filter. Been there, done that and all it accomplished was a mangled filter that was still stuck on the car.

427Z06 · Sep 30, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by mikep:
Either the filter socket or curved jaw dingus is the way to go. I strongly recommend you NOT poke a screwdriver through the filter. Been there, done that and all it accomplished was a mangled filter that was still stuck on the car.

Bull. I've done this numerous times.

DirtyApe · Sep 30, 2004

same here, more times than I care to remember

Always works for me.

cryptokid · Sep 30, 2004

i have done the screwdriver thing many times as well. it awalys works when nothing else will.

i prefer any other method if possible though, as the screwdriver method is very messy.

mikep · Sep 30, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by 427Z06:

quote:

Originally posted by mikep:
Either the filter socket or curved jaw dingus is the way to go. I strongly recommend you NOT poke a screwdriver through the filter. Been there, done that and all it accomplished was a mangled filter that was still stuck on the car.

Click to expand...

Bull. I've done this numerous times.

Bull?

And you were there with me?

Pardon me for offering what was MY experience the one and only time I tried to use that last resort method. The darn thing was on so tight that when I attempted to turn the filter off with the now protruding screwdriver, it ripped through the case like butter.

If you prefer that method you could have simply said you've done it with no problems. I don't see the need to question my veracity.

But it is nice to know you've mastered the fine art of spearing oil filters.

Good day.

Ugly3 · Sep 30, 2004

The BEST way to remove a stuck filter is with a removal tool that looks like a Chinese finger toy. It coils on the filter clockwise and grips the whole surface when you turn it counterclockwise.

My experience with the screwdriver thru the filter was not good. Simply ripped the can to shreads and did not remove the filter.

sir slack-a-lot · Sep 30, 2004

Thanks for all the feedback! I've already tried the screwdriver...unfortunately, the thing is still jammed on there like I can't believe. Even with the screwdriver right through and my hammering at it, it hasn't even budged. I've noticed that the filter gasket is so tight to the car that I can't even see or feel it! I've looked at pictures of the OEM Mazda filter installed on the same mount, and it shouldn't be looking at tight as it was installed! I guess I'll have to head out to find a tool like some of you have suggested.

Thanks for the help!

sir slack-a-lot · Sep 30, 2004

Oh, BTW, it is a canister type. I have the 2.0 L engine, and that has a canister. I know that the 2.3 in the Mazda 6 has the cartridge type filter.

W.T.McGlynn · Sep 30, 2004

I had the same mess with my new Camry.Some Jughead from Japan had in on way too tight.Try taking it off when it's cold.
Good Luck.....

TC · Sep 30, 2004

Try spraying some Liquid Wrench into the gasket gap. You probably won't have such problems in the future. But if you do, maybe due to some quirk with this particular filter application, you might try applying a thin film of moly grease (or other general purpose grease) to the gasket, rather than oil. The filter manufacturers don't recommend doing so, but it should make bonding less likely, and might be helpful such as when filters are infrequently changed or inadverdently overtightened. Strictly follow the tightening instructions on the filter (+2/3rds turn after contact, etc.) unless doing so leads to bonding, then back off in the future. Also, PureOnes have teflon-coated gaskets, and perhaps other brands (Mobil 1?) do too. Spiking can work well, but is certainly a last resort. Here's the ultimate slayer of stuck filters!
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=12180&Referrer=Dealtime

[ September 30, 2004, 06:08 PM: Message edited by: TC ]

ZR2RANDO · Sep 30, 2004

The original post says this is the OEM factory filter..I definitely would not have tried the screwdriver trick on that particular filter. I would have just refilled with oil, and gone back to the dealership and let one of the mechanics loosen/remove and retighten/re-install that particular filter just to make sure there was no crossthreading issue with the original filter installation.
However, it looks like we have moved to plan-b.

Get a good strap wrench (not the filter endcap style). Get the strap all the way down to the threaded end and work it carefully (point now is to avoid further damage to the cannister)
After the filter is removed (The force will be with you...) make sure to clean and oil the threaded connectors (filter and block both), and make sure there are no damaged threads.
Good luck,
and remember.....The force will be with you!
ZR2rando

Chimay · Sep 30, 2004

I would try the filter pliers. Grip it as close to the threads as possible before turning.
Good Luck

Chris · Sep 30, 2004

I'd bring it back to the Bozo's and not worry about it.

Baveux · Sep 30, 2004

if you have room, chisel and hammer used carefully will do the trick

FL-400S · Sep 30, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by ChrisW:
Wait, does the mazda3 use a canister type filter or a cartridge type? I forget if it is either the Mazda3 or the mazda6 that uses the catridge.

The best type of filter wrench I have found to work for canisters is the kinda that looks like this or this.

Right now I am using this which I find to be ok, except in tight spots, I am meaning to get the other kind(s) listed above.

You shouldn't even have to use a wrnech they say, but I guess I tend to over-hand-tighten the filters sometimes when I put them on (even if I can't turn it the 2/3-3/4 tightness reccomendation)

IVe got that crappy craftsman thing with the 3 fingers. ITs junk. I cant use it to remove the filter on my Chevy because it wont cling to the filter itself without pressure. Want to buy mine? I couldnt even sell it on ebay. this is the best wrench Ive found. The one at the top.

http://www.thecountryshed.com/lisle_oil_filter_wrench.htm

Stuck oil filter; what do I do now?

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