Oil filter removal
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Oil filter removal
I hate to ask this, makes me feel stupid, but here goes...
I've got an oil filter that absolutely will not budge. I tried the normal strap type filter wrench, and pulled on it until it actually dented the sides of the filter to where the wrench wouldn't even tighten on it anymore. Then I tried tightening a C clamp on it, it crushed it in even more, but it still wouldn't move. Tried large pliers, got a good hold on it, but still no luck. Finally I drove a screwdriver through it, when I tried to turn it, it just opened up a big hole and still wouldn't move.
I'm desperate!
I've never in my life had a filter that is stuck so bad. My dad and I wasted pretty much our whole Saturday just trying to get this stinking filter off. I really don't want to have to have it towed to my mechanic for this, both for the expense, and because it would look really, really ridiculous. Do you guys know of some really good (or evil) ways to get it off? (Other than maybe some C4 
)
I've got an oil filter that absolutely will not budge. I tried the normal strap type filter wrench, and pulled on it until it actually dented the sides of the filter to where the wrench wouldn't even tighten on it anymore. Then I tried tightening a C clamp on it, it crushed it in even more, but it still wouldn't move. Tried large pliers, got a good hold on it, but still no luck. Finally I drove a screwdriver through it, when I tried to turn it, it just opened up a big hole and still wouldn't move.
I'm desperate!
I've never in my life had a filter that is stuck so bad. My dad and I wasted pretty much our whole Saturday just trying to get this stinking filter off. I really don't want to have to have it towed to my mechanic for this, both for the expense, and because it would look really, really ridiculous. Do you guys know of some really good (or evil) ways to get it off? (Other than maybe some C4 )
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 424
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From: southern Indiana
Try driving a screwdriver through another part of it, like close to the engine side.If it starts to rip a hole in it keep turning it.It will pile up enough metal to to stop ripping it and should come-off.iv always used this method and always got them off.Or like iv been told ,when the filter starts to crumple with the filter wrench give it up and head down to the 15min lube.
Tim
Tim
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 828
Likes: 3
From: Baltimore
Put your strap wrench around the base of the filter. By that I mean, put it actually on the seam at the bottom of the filter. It is the strongest part of the filter. If you bend that part of the filter, you will also bend the bottom which holds the gasket to against the block and this would help free up the filter. My guess is that the filter will break free long before you bend the base of it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,203
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From: where the deer and antelo
I'm sure you are smarter than I, but when I am laying on my back, looking upside down at what I'm working on, I sometimes will tighten things like oil filters and drain plugs while trying to remove them. Make sure your not pulling my typical bone head stunt 
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Clinton,Illinois
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Fort Bragg
i have had good luck removing an oil filter with a course piece of sandpaper. wrap it around the filter itself, before unscrewing it
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Murray
Go to autozone or any local parts store .. they have an oil filter socket sometimes called an oil filter cap wrench in the cheapo tools dept. They only run about 7 bucks and they snap right on a 3/4 drive ratchet... it goes on the bottom of the filter and makes it a sinch to get off and on.
-Chris
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
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I had one stuck on a tractor and tried all the things you did,screwdriver,etc. I never tried the other methods that were suggested but an oil filter pliers are the greatest thing since sliced bread. I have a cheap pair from autozone and work. Make sure you try them at the base of the filter and good luck! Let us know how you make out. Matt
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 134
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From: North Carolina
Guys, thanks for all the great suggestions and ideas. 
I think I will try to get a set of those oil filter pliers Matt mentioned. I think I've seen them at Wal-Mart before. If that doesn't do it I'll get more drastic.
And yes, I'm trying to turn it counter-clockwise.
I even came in and read through my Chilton's manual one time to make sure I wasn't going insane and forgot which way it should turn. But thanks for asking, I wouldn't put anything past me... 
Also, I'll make sure to not put the next one on with the wrench. My dad had always used a wrench when tightening filters, but I guess I got over eager with this one. He even asked me yesterday, "what'd you do, slip the breaker bar on the end of the wrench?"
I think I will try to get a set of those oil filter pliers Matt mentioned. I think I've seen them at Wal-Mart before. If that doesn't do it I'll get more drastic.
And yes, I'm trying to turn it counter-clockwise.
I even came in and read through my Chilton's manual one time to make sure I wasn't going insane and forgot which way it should turn. But thanks for asking, I wouldn't put anything past me... Also, I'll make sure to not put the next one on with the wrench. My dad had always used a wrench when tightening filters, but I guess I got over eager with this one. He even asked me yesterday, "what'd you do, slip the breaker bar on the end of the wrench?"
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 17
From: Hesperia, CA
The old rule of thumb was to tighten up the filter until the gasket touches the housing and then tighten the filter 3/4 turn. I have done this for over 50 years and have never had a problem.
I did get a stuck filter off once by heating the filter base around the gasket. This was a last ditch effort after everything else had failed and the can was so badly destroyed that there was nothing left to grab onto. I got the thing real hot and it just came right off with the fingers.
Good luck, Gary
I did get a stuck filter off once by heating the filter base around the gasket. This was a last ditch effort after everything else had failed and the can was so badly destroyed that there was nothing left to grab onto. I got the thing real hot and it just came right off with the fingers.
Good luck, Gary
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,166
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From: wi
ok this sounds insane but the rubber gasket on the filter is whats stuck and ive seen one of the quiklubes take a propane torch and melt it outa there and spun it of by hand id make shure i have a bucket of water layin around tho
