Oil filter too tight.

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 10:00 am

I decided to do my own oil change and switch to Synthetic, and you guys were right, all the parts are very easily accessible. Only problem is that the last oil change (done at a Toyo dealer) they WAY overtightened the oil filter. I can't get it off! (the drain plug was very snug too). I'm using one of those rubber 'strap wrenches' and it won't budge. No way to get it off by hand. Is there a special wrench you can buy to use on these tiny little filters? I have an oil filter wrench, but it's for the old bigger filters. Just wondering what everybody uses to get their filters off. The VIBE is stranded in the driveway with no oil in it till I can get the filter swapped. Everything is closed here today (Canada Day). Thanks for any hints. OOPS! sorry for putting this in the wrong thread Mr. Moderator. Please feel free to move it for me. Thanks.

esjones · Post by **esjones** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 10:04 am

I bought an oil filter wrench at Kmart. You attach a 3/8" socket handle to it and it automatically adjusts to the size of the filter. I can't believe there would be a filter so tight that this thing couldn't get it off, because it actually grips the metal. I think it had the Champion brand on it.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 10:27 am

I bought a $3 oil filter wrench at pep boys. It's a big "hat" that fits over the end of the filter, and attaches to a 3/8" drive socket...It says on it 65mm x 14 flute cap-type oil filter wrench.Best $3 I ever spent! Worked PERFECTLY!It's made by RiteFit, model #A225. Here's a pic:

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cohocarl · Post by **cohocarl** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 10:33 am

I bought one of those cap types that fit over the end of the filter, and accepts a 3/8 rachet.All else fails....Long phillips screwdriver punched through the sides of the filter (messy, oil drains out) (and don't punch it through your oil pan). That's a VERY last resort, but I've done it.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 10:45 am

For his sake, I hope it doesn't resort to that!You can try a plumbers wrench too if you get desperate...

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 12:55 pm

quote:All else fails....Long phillips screwdriver punched through the sides of the filter (messy, oil drains out) (and don't punch it through your oil pan). That's a VERY last resort, but I've done it. I thought about doing this, even had the hammer out, but I stopped myself. If you try that. and it doesn't work, then what? I'll wait till the stores are open and purchase the proper tool. With the right tools, anything is possible. I've always said that, and I'll never say it again. Thanks for the good info Ragefish.

Geo · Post by **Geo** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 1:45 pm

Try and purchase a different type of strap wrench. I just changed my oil for the first time last night and nothing was working. My dad is a diesel bus mechanic, and he had on hand something that I've never seen before, which he said it was a strap wrench. It was like fabric loop attached to a long socket-wrench extension. You wrap the loop around the end till it's tight enough, and then you turn the socket wrench itself and it works really slick - you can get a lot of torque with the socket-wrench. I'll post a picture of it in a little bit

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 1:55 pm

np vibe rater...I am pretty sure the oil filter wrench i showed you will most likely get it off for you...let us know how you fare...

Geo · Post by **Geo** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 1:55 pm

Upon further inspection, this doesn't look like something you can buy.It's a socket extension tool (part #44131) that seems to have the end sawed off and a seatbelt in it... as you can see. If I can find out if it's an actual tool, I'll post a part #.I will say that this tool made getting the oil-filter off extremely easy, took all of 10 seconds once I used this took to losen it up. Hooray for human ingenuity!

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Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Wed Jul 02, 2003 1:49 am

All good posts. Thanks. This turned out to be a very informative thread. I was able to get into an automotive store today (they were all closed yesterday) and there a a whole host of options there, including everything posted here. The VIBE is back in the saddle.

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Wed Jul 02, 2003 5:25 am

You have a good filter wrench. I personally wouldn't go out and purchase another filter wrench. The last person that installed your filter obversely had no clue about what they were doing.When you install a new oil filter you only hand tighten it. NEVER USE A WRENCH ON IT! Once the filter is slightly hand tight, you only need to tighten it 1/2 a turn more. That's it.Now to get the filter off someone brought up the screw driver through the oil filter. This will work. It's really not all that bad. This is a last resort type thing but if the filter is to tight you have to do what ever it takes to get it off.Find a screw driver that is long enough that once pushed through one side of the filter it will top through the other side. Your probably need a hammer to push the screw driver through the filter. You wont need to hit it that hard. It'll slowing go through the filter. Once the crew driver is through the other side you'll be able to turn the filter with the help of the screw driver. Once the filter has been turned a little you can pull the screw driver out and normally turn it the rest of the way of with your hand. If not try the filter wrench again.Hope this helps

Oil filter too tight.

Oil filter too tight.

Re: Oil filter too tight. (Vibe Rater)

Re: Oil filter too tight. (Vibe Rater)

Re: Oil filter too tight. (Vibe Rater)

Re: Oil filter too tight. (cohocarl)

Re: Oil filter too tight. (cohocarl)

Re: Oil filter too tight. (Vibe Rater)

Re: Oil filter too tight. (Vibe Rater)

Re: Oil filter too tight. (Geo)

Re: Oil filter too tight. (silverawd26)

Re: Oil filter too tight. (silverawd26)