The last time I replaced the oil filter, I left the oil-filter cap on the fluted end of the filter. Now, the oil-filter cap just spins on the filter. I've gotten the cap off but the fluted "corners" of the filter have been rounded off so I don't think I can use a new cap. How can I unscrew the filter? Is there another tool that I can use to grab onto the filter?
Several.
Oil filter strap wrench will do, if you want to make a mess bang a long sharp screwdriver through the filter and use for leverage. I did it once ...messy. Boris
The handle on the "KD Tools Universal Oil Filter Wrench" may prevent its use because there's not enough room around the oil filter.
I found a similar strap/band-type wrench (see below) operated by a
3/8"-drive ratchet extension that looks more promising.
If all else fails, the big Sears screwdriver driven completely thru the filter works... although a bit messy.
The one I use the most looks like a cross between a huge pair of water pump pliers and a T-Rex although I probably have a half dozen other types. It all depends on the filter placement.
I've done the screwdriver removal several times..... very messy....
The first time I did this I found my replacement filter was the wrong kind and I had to walk to the auto parts store.... I learned a valuable lesson that day...
I tried the strap-type oil-filter wrench shown at:
I turned the wrench as hard as I could but the oil filter would NOT unscrew. (I didn't try harder because I was afraid the oil filter might collapse and then it'd become more of a bear to remove).
Running a big screwdriver through the filter and using it as a lever to turn the filter sounds good but I don't think there's enough room to reach the screwdriver to turn it.
Any other ideas?
Sounds like your filter is on way too tight. Usually I can remove mine by hand.
The metal band type wrenches (good ones) have teeth/cuts on them that helps grip, nylon bands tend to slip. At one point, Sears sold one that used a rubber strap.
Last time I had this problem, I sent the old lady to th store. She returned with a tool that looked like a large pair of pliers. With 5 or 6 sharp teeth. Squeeze it onto the filter and the teeth bite into it. It's short enough to reach in there but long enough to get plenty of leverage and make a breeze of the tightest filters. Grab it closer to the engine to reduce the possibilty of twisting the cannister. If all else fails, fill the engine back up with oil and take it to Jiffy Lube.
Carl
Use the metal strap type... should be just fine. Although it's messy, the screwdriver method will work. You don't have to turn it far -- just break it loose. Then you can do it by hand or with the strap style you have now. Like everyone said -- it is messy. Before I got a cap-style for my motorcycle, I used the screwdriver method (two or three oil changes). It worked every time but made a mess.
Eric
I'm not sure how it could ever be that tight. I always do my own oil changes. I put a drop of oil on the filter rubber gasket and tighten it as snug as possible with one hand. I rarely need to use 2 hands to remove it.
I have a good selection of filter wrenches because every vehicle I buy seems to require one for the first oil change. My favourites are the fluted cup (fits my 1/2 inch drive bar) and the floppy closed pliers. I haven't used the GBF screwdriver in many years.
Merrill
The first time I tried to change the oil-filter on my new Jeep Liberty, I couldn't get the oil-filter off so, after struggling with it for hours (it seemed), I ended up taking it to a lube place. (I suspect that the oil-filter was installed dry at the factory).
I did the next oil-filter change. I oiled the rubber gasket and screwed the filter until it was snug then turned it another 1/8 to 1/4 turn.
That was only about 3,000 miles ago and 9 months ago -- I only put less than 6,000 miles on my Liberty in a year -- so I don't know why it's so darn hard now.
P.S. What are "floppy closed pliers". Can you find a picture of one and send me the URL?
Thx, Gary
Ok... what is an 'oil filter cap' and why would you leave it on a filter?
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail >An oil-filter cap (or cup) fits snuggly over the fluted-end of the oil-filter. For a pic, see:
I left the cap on the filter because I knew I'd need it for the next oil-filter change and I didn't want to go hunting for it in my garage.
Ok, so you left the removal tool in place and it destroyed the oil filter if I am reading this right? You are extremely lucky it didn't wear through allowing all your oil to puke out. I have seen too many dead engines from things like that. Even happened to me, by the time the oil light came on from a head that came loose opening an oil passage on a flat 4 during a highway trip, the engine was fried. (the $tealership actually screwed that one up)
I think the tool is now likely damaged as well so I think I would just glue the sucker back onto the filter and remove it that way. JB weld or some other epoxy comes to mind.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail >The removal tool did NOT destroy the oil filter; it just rounded-off the flutes on the filter.
Now, I need to find something that will grab onto the filter so it can be unscrewed.
Do you realize how thin the oil filter metal is? Mine rubbed on the engine mount once and blew/wore a hole through it very fast. It wore out the crease on a flute. Rounding the flutes wore on the flute crease marks also. I still figure you were lucky....
So what about just gluing the tool back onto the filter???? Like I said, the tool is also likely worn so it wouldn't be good to use again anyway.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail >Mike,
What he is not saying here, is whether he used the "oil filter removal tool" to install the filter, that now won't come off. I am betting that he did. Spin-on oil filters are designed to be installed by hand.
I don't care how tight this filter is. None of them will resist big channel-locking pliers or a pipe wrench for long.
Earle
I caught that to Earle. He actually 'does' say he used it to put the filter on in one post.
I'll be he just uses his hand next time....
Mike
Earle Hort>
I had to use the "removal" tool to install the oil filter because it's hard to squeeze one's arm between the fan-shroud and the tie-rod, reach the oil filter and screw it on -- there's just not enough room to work in. Anyway, I turned the "removal" tool just enough to result in an "hand-tight" fit.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.