Oil filter won't budg:(

[MyBAC]

I can not get the oil filter off. I need to change the oil before installing it into my truck
Please advise.

[7D8SS]

If you haven't destroyed the filter yet, try letting your engine run till it reaches operating temperature & then, after it cools a little, while still warm ( Not HOT )! Try loosening the filter.

[MyBAC]

Originally Posted by 7D8SS

If you haven't destroyed the filter yet, try letting your engine run till it reaches operating temperature & then, after it cools a little, while still warm ( Not HOT )! Try loosening the filter.

This is a great idea but the engine is on the ground in my garage. I'm swaping my straight 6 for a small block witth all the accessories on it, including this stuborn filter.

[7D8SS]

David, Please do yourself and your new engine a favor & buy a new filter.

[MyBAC]

Originally Posted by 7D8SS

David, Please do yourself and your new engine a favor & buy a new filter.

I bought a new filter. We're trying to get the old one off.
So we can get the NEW one on

[zx2guy]

you could always buy an oil filter remover tool. or a strap ratchet. or hell those hand grippers that go on the back of a filter. you could also hit around the filter with a propane torch, ( i wouldnt recomend it though) you can tap around it with a hammer LIGHTLY mind you. just to break the seal. you could also flaten 2 sides of the filter slightly and put slip lock pliers (if you got one big enough) around it.

[NOVA71]

Hell, just punch a long screwdriver through it and twist it off. So what if you mangle the old filter, It's going in the garbage anyway.

[bobss396]

The screwdriver method works sometimes, but I've ripped the can off a couple of filters doing it. One I had to use a hammer and chisel on the base to get it to budge, worked it counter clockwise until it freed up.

The BEST thing I ever saw was the biggest set of Channelock pliers. My bro worked in a shop and that's all he ever used to take them off, no muss no fuss and never lost a fight with an oil filter.

Bob

[mtmaurer8ooo]

Hey bobss396, what was the name of the shop that your brother worked at so I can remind myself to NEVER go there?? I changed oil professionally for nearly 6 years and I would never, ever put a pair of channel locks on an oil filter, and I never will. Yes, some filters give you quite a battle, but there are proper tools for the job.

David4GG1 - Get yourself a quality oil filter strap style wrench designed to fit the filter size that you have. Get is as close to the base - the gasket end of the filter(it's strongest here) - of the filter as you can and giver hell. And make sure to oil the gasket of the new filter before you reinstall it so the next owner doesn't have the same problem. And DO NOT tighten the filter with anything other than your hand. A shot of brake cleaner on a rag will give you a nice strong grip on the sucka. Let me know if you have any questions. M.

[bobss396]

You spent 6 years at a job doing oil changes? Nice to see people with lofty career goals here. I just thought that the plier method was pretty good for a last resort in this thread, I wasn't advocating it for the average shade tree mechanic as a replacement for the proper tool. I personally use a good quality strap type wrench and also follow the hand tight rule.

Bob

[mtmaurer8ooo]

Nice sissy jab, Bobby. FYI I spent one year doing it while I was in college and then the next 4 1/2 or so managing several stores and I probably made more money doing it then a lot of people you know, but thanks for judging me. I may not be as smart or as educated as you and I may not make as much money but I do know a thing or two about cars so what does anything else matter. If you're pissed that I thought you gave bad advice then too bad, and if you advocate the right way to do it then why did you suggest the wrong one? Have a nice day. M

[bobss396]

mtmaurer8ooo, just returning the compliment in your post. Actually the shop my bro worked in was very good, they tackled anything and everything. No offense meant, I figured yours was a fill-in job. I had put myself through college busting tires at a local shop for 3 years, talk about dirty jobs.

Bob

[Brian R.]

Some penetrating oil (not WD40) on the filter gasket will help loosen it before you start trying to turn it.

[MyBAC]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

Some penetrating oil (not WD40) on the filter gasket will help loosen it before you start trying to turn it.

Thanks Brian, I got it off with my air chisel.

[Brian R.]

I figured, considering how old this post was. I was just giving some advise to anyone else who has this problem and finds this thread by searching the forum.