Hey guys. Stewart is over and we are changing my oil. Someone (not me) put the filter on waaaay too tight last time. Now we can't get it to break free. Tried an oil filter wrench. Tried going through the side with a screwdriver to get some leverage.

No joy.

Any ideas?

 

Do you have a strap wrench?

 

Yeah. its just crushing the filter

 

Use a strap wrench like Grant said or if you don;t have one take a belt and wrap it around the top of the filter like a strap wrench with a piece of pipe t for it to roll around then use a pipe wrench on the pipe. I did this trick with a peice of Romex wire.

Or take a long chisel and try to spin the rim of the filter

 

How about an old leather belt, just off the top of my head, might work.

 

Righty tighty, lefty lossie.

Pete, just keep twisting, it'll breakfree.

 

Even if its crushing the filter?

 

Yep, just grab it lower than what the threaded neck sticks in there. Have Stewart or one of your boy's on the screwdriver at the same time if you can fit.

 

The screw driver all the way through? That should do it.

One time i drove the screw driver through the strap on the strap wrench and the filter All the way through.. Through both walls of the filter and strap.. The screw driver and the strap wrench handle were lever points then.

 

I've crushed the filter housing with the wrench, and now I busted Pete's filter wrench too.

I'm the one who put this filter on the last time the oil was changed, and there is NO WAY I got it this tight. It's like the rubber gasket turned into a welded seam or something....ARGH this is frustrating.

Stewart

 

Don't worry, if worse comes to worse and the entire filter collapses and all the metal skin peels off the filter you can still get this off. Been there and done that. It's not too bad.

The larger the wrench or strap the better. More surface area = better grip. Once the filter is dimpled, it's going to crush. Hopefully it will crush into a shape that will be strong enough to break the bond. Don't forget to use a smaller wrench or strap when the filter allows.

Edit: Look at the top of your new replacement filter. See all those little holes around the outer edge? If the existing filter comes apart into a million pieces and you're just left with the steel plate and rubber o-ring stuck on the block after all the housing and paper filter has been torn off, you can still get it off.

You just need either something like an old fashioned steering wheel puller, or a few screwdrivers or bolts. Stick the bolts/screwdrivers/whatever you have available into opposing holes in that plate after the housing has been ripped off, then take a long screwdriver or prybar and lace it between the bolts to form an H type shape. This will allow you to lock into the plate with the o-ring wedged against the block and provide enough leverage to break it loose.

 

Just a thought. If two people can fit, how about one trying to use the screwdriver as the other one is using the belt. Just a thought.

 

Jeez, can't you two do anything right? we cant leave y'all alone for no time before you're in trouble.

try to tighten it just a smidge, then loosen it. Yeah, I know it sounds dumb, but it has worked for me in the past.

 

Belt trick picture.

 

I knew Peter didn't tighten it up the last time, it's rumored that he has dainty hands..........
Sorry Peter, couldn't resist.