I am sure this has been done before, but I have never seen this trick when removing a super stuck on oil filter. I was working on a 99 corolla, that had previously been sitting for about 2 years, and I don't know how the last tech tightened the oil filter, but between that, and it sitting, it was crazy tight! Keep in mind it has very little space to maneuver around to the side of it.
I could tell it was really stuck on when I couldn't remove it by hand, and then I tried a cap on the end. To me, those things seem to slip too easy, and it did.
I knew if it had more grip I could likely get it, so I wrapped the bottom of the filter a couple of times with duct tape, overlapping to the bottom some as well. It gave me tons more grip, and after some serious fighting, it slowly came loose.
Just thought I would make sure this trick is known, and it saved me from further frustration.
I also use the tape idea and a pencil to remove stuck light bulbs in cars and around the house. it provides way more grop and surface contact area and leverage. twist the pencil and the bulb usuall ciomes right out. also works if the bulb is broken and you can tape some of the base to get it turning. standard safety warnings apply.
@sagewyn good idea!
In the past, when I have encountered a very tight oil filter, I have hammered large screwdriver through the filter and used the extra leverage of the screwdriver to loosen it. Very dirty, but works!
Yup, that is my last resort, the trouble was, I had such little space that I couldn't even get a decent size screwdriver up there.
Punching a large screw driver through the filter is my go to solution too. A very large pair of Channel Locks also works pretty well.
I've also used the screwdriver trick for decades. Hasn't failed yet.
Good thinking padding it out like that.
I use these locking pliers. They clamp on very tightly, and they have sharp jaws that really bite in. Plus they lock so I don't have to squeeze AND turn a the same time which is usually the challenge.
And yes: the last resort screwdriver works great, even if it is a bit messy.
Those are some vicious looking lock pliers, lol. I've never seen anything like that before.
Harbor Fright
To remove oil filters, I use this vintage kind and never have trouble, slip the end over the filter and turn the nut on the end with a ratchet and it bites down as the spring constricts around the filter, easy to remove .
That looks interesting, do they still sell those, or do you? 🙂
cool. Now I wanna try it.
oh gosh i dont sell them. probably a swap meet item. This was passed down to me from an old man who wanted to keep his tools in service probably 30 years ago. I always think of him fondly when i use this and other tools he gifted me. I think it may be called coil spring type tool, new brittain is a manufacturer, mine doesnt have any markings though. this same type of tool also works in oil wells to retreive stuck or broken pieces of pipe i belive they call it a grapple. the tighter you turn the tighter it bites in. , release and the coil relaxes. easy peasy. kinda like old toy chine se finger cuffs as well.
i cant endorse a specific brand but here is a new one
https://www.ebay.com/p/18017010896?iid=263603368941
Small Coil Spring Type Oil Filter Wrench Heavy Duty Steel Grips Fliter New W271
or this one.
Large Small Coil Spring Oil Filter Wrench Heavy Duty Steel Grip Fliter W272 W271
you may wanna research if there are specific sizes.
I prefer my old vintage one as I can commune with the old cars and mechanics that have used this to keep many a vehicle oin the road. The old tool has a soul.
i use a ratchet and a 13/16 socket, make sure you have room for these to work in front of the filter . All my vehicle have v-8s with ample space .
I wonder how well that would work with a 5.3L V8. Look how annoying the mounting is!
hmm yes that looks very annoying. it might work looks like plenty of room below for ratchet, assumin the tool fit the filter (diameter) it should work. it will constrict to whatever diameter the filter is. assume it may be able to work on tight diameter around that filter by contricting it slightly then pushing in on if it doesnt readily slide over the filter. The metal on the sides of the tool is thin but strong spring-like steel. i also put a strong magnet on rither my filter or oil pan to catch engine shavings just in case ( unrelated tip)
@mountainmanjoe That is a horrible spot, you can't even get your hand around it!
somebody can have mine when I die. it willprobably be in the trunk of my old firebird.