Board logo

Removing a stubborn oil filter
computid - 2/5/12 at 09:42 PM

So, this evening I thought I'd give the minari a much needed oil service. I set to and drained the oil from the sump then moved onto the oil filter.

So far I've tried:

Undoing it by hand
Using a strap wrench
Using a chain wrench
Using a sealy oil filter wrench
Hammering the sealy oil filter wrench
Hammering a screw driver through the oil filter and trying to turn it.

None of which have moved it an inch. I now have a very holey and dented up oil filter.

Anybody got any ideas? I'm rather stuck as I want to get it changed ready to drive up to stoneleigh on sunday.

Daddylonglegs - 2/5/12 at 09:48 PM

What the heck did you tighten it up with??!!

Should only be finger tight then a little 'nip up'.

Sounds like you might end up having to destroy the filter and use mole grips or similar?

mookaloid - 2/5/12 at 09:49 PM

oil filter pliers - these have never let me down yet

computid - 2/5/12 at 09:50 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Daddylonglegs
What the heck did you tighten it up with??!!

Should only be finger tight then a little 'nip up'.

Sounds like you might end up having to destroy the filter and use mole grips or similar?


I didn't tighten it up, the previous owner did and I think it was about 12 years ago. I always tend to fit the ones with nuts on the end to make it easy to undo then in this exact circumstance!

Daddylonglegs - 2/5/12 at 09:59 PM

In which case chap I think you ought to pay the previous owner a visit and get him/her to do it

Peteff - 2/5/12 at 10:02 PM

Can you get to the lip where it meets the engine to give it a clout with a hammer and chisel ?

MkIndy7 - 3/5/12 at 12:03 AM

Could try 18" stilsons high up on the filter rim should just open wide enough or 24's if not, done the trick for me last few times if there's some available to you.

T66 - 3/5/12 at 05:29 AM

As previously stated - Hammer and bluntish chisel on the rim, have fun

owelly - 3/5/12 at 05:57 AM

If the canister bit is completely mashed, cut it off to gain acces to the base plate of the filter and use an angry-grinder wheel fitting tool to remove it. The base plate should have a ring of holes and the prongs of the grinder tool can fit into one or more of these to get a good purchase.

will121 - 3/5/12 at 06:13 AM

quote:
Originally posted by T66
As previously stated - Hammer and bluntish chisel on the rim, have fun


This worked for me, but using an old screwdriver rather that a chisel

jimgiblett - 3/5/12 at 07:56 AM

With really stubborn filters a good method is to put a jubilee clip around it near the base. Use a ratchet and 7mm socket to tighten up as much as you can with the screw head on the left hand side. Insert a large screwdriver with a steel shank that goes through the handle into the screw slot and give it a good few taps with a hammer. I have yet to have not been able to remove using this method. Pouring some boiling water near the base of the flange may also help unstick the rubber seal.

- Jim

steve m - 3/5/12 at 08:00 AM

I have always wacked a big screwdriver straight through the filter, and used that as leverage
also sometime trying to tighten it more will loosen it, sounds daft i know, but does work!

steve m - 3/5/12 at 08:01 AM

Its not a left hand thread is it ?

melly-g - 3/5/12 at 09:46 AM

Yep chisel and hammer for me too, usually works!

Ninehigh - 3/5/12 at 05:28 PM

quote:
Originally posted by steve m
Its not a left hand thread is it ?


We'll hear the "DOHHHHHH!" in the air if it is

rusty nuts - 3/5/12 at 06:05 PM

I've never had a filter that I couldn't get off, had a few really tight ones . If you can get at the filter with a large pair of water pump pliers (mine are about 18" long) then they will shift it . Failing that a chain type filter remover used with a decent length 1/2" drive breaker bar normally works

steve m - 3/5/12 at 06:29 PM

I still maintain, your turning it the wrong way

Dopdog - 3/5/12 at 07:11 PM

come on then is it off yet?

02GF74 - 3/5/12 at 08:23 PM

quote:
Originally posted by steve m
Its not a left hand thread is it ?


if it is for the CVH - that is Ford engine so is standard RGH thread ... so unless OP is disoriented by being under the car, it won't be LH. ... in fact, thinking about it, I cannot name a single car part other than steering components that will have LH thread, there should be no need to it on an engine.

rusty nuts - 3/5/12 at 08:29 PM

quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
. in fact, thinking about it, I cannot name a single car part other than steering components that will have LH thread, there should be no need to it on an engine.



Some wheel bolts and viscous fan couplings or a start

steve m - 4/5/12 at 07:04 PM

So is it off yet !!

flak monkey - 4/5/12 at 07:08 PM

You need these, never fails.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/oil-filter-pliers/38864?cm_mmc=Google-_-Datafeed-_-Automotive-_-Oil%20Filter%20Pliers&gclid=COPb2Y6q568CFQ1lfAodsndl1Q

maccmike - 4/5/12 at 07:36 PM

take sump off to have proper look.

computid - 4/5/12 at 09:01 PM

Right, got it off at long last. Hammered a huge spike through it and then stuck a rod on that and used a lot of ooomph to get it moving. Took a hell of a lot but at long last its off.

Heres some photos for your enjoyment:


http://minari.atechplace.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2.jpg
http://minari.atechplace.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/3.jpg
http://minari.atechplace.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/4.jpg

Daddylonglegs - 5/5/12 at 10:13 AM

Well done! Bet that hasn't had an oil change in a while then??

computid - 5/5/12 at 06:11 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Daddylonglegs
Well done! Bet that hasn't had an oil change in a while then??


Thanks. I think its last oil change was 12 or 13 years ago!!!