Removing oil filters

obi_waynne

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What are the best tools to use on an oil filter? The "chains" seem quite popular but there are quite a few interesting designs on the market at the moment.

What do you use?
 
Hammer and a screwdriver :lol: If I am reservicing my own car though I don't do them too tight and change them often enough to budge them with just the power of pimp hand.
 
They don't need to be screwed on too hard anyway. When I used to service my own cars I found hand tight to be adequate provided the rubber gasket is oiled. All I used to do is check it after first drive when engine had cooled down and tweak it 1/8 turn (45 degrees) at most.
 
The BMW's filter (M52TUB engine) is located in a 'bucket' right at the top adjacent to the PAS reservoir. This is brilliant, for me, anyway. Even I can get a 32mm socket onto the lid - open it - lift out the filter element and drop in a new one, taking no more than about 10 minutes in the process.
 
A guy came into the motor spares shop I work in on Sundays and asked for a filter wrench. He had a rubber strap type but wanted a chain one as he couldn't undo the filter with his. Under interogation it transpired that his wrench wasn't slipping, he just couldn't move the filter! It took me a while to convince him that a chain wrench wouldn't make any difference if his strap wrench wasn't slipping :)

Suggested a long screwdriver and hammer, as mentioned above.
 
I tend to use a can of ''man up'' and my standord issue mark one ''hands''.

If you fail becasue you slip all the time, then get some rubber intertubing from an old bike and use that as grip. If you still cant get it off, then get your self down the gym!! lol :eek:
 
I have a big socket for the element with a cap type and a metal strap tool for the canister ones. Although canisters I can often get off with just my hands, or if not, aye, knock a screwdriver through it.

The Bora is handy as the filter is in a housing at the front of the engine so dead easy to access.
 
I have a big socket for the element with a cap type and a metal strap tool for the canister ones. Although canisters I can often get off with just my hands, or if not, aye, knock a screwdriver through it.

The Bora is handy as the filter is in a housing at the front of the engine so dead easy to access.

Oh, I forgot to mention, all the cars I have changed oil filters on have had easy access. Escort, Mazda 323. Not changed my own on my Evo. Just realised, my advise might not be to helpfull if it is tucked away somewhere that hands cant really get to :embarrest: my bad
 
Quote: Originally Posted by HDi fun View Post
BBJ: "If you still cant get it off, then get your self down the gym!! lol "

Alternatively, engage the services of a local escort agency.


Your going straight to hell for that one!

Don't know what you mean? Ford has made some very good mid sized cars :embarrest:
 
Quote: Originally Posted by HDi fun View Post
BBJ: "If you still cant get it off, then get your self down the gym!! lol "

Alternatively, engage the services of a local escort agency.


Your going straight to hell for that one!

Don't know what you mean? Ford has made some very good mid sized cars :embarrest:

Smart arse...
 
They all tighten themselves when driving.;)
I've got a chain and strap for some reason.

Yeah but you'd think that if they get chanfed every 6 months or so then they would be so bad,

also any advise when changing the oil, everytime I change mine and when I come to remove the filter there is still a ton of oil in it and I always spill it down the front of my engine, not on the floor though, in my catch pan.
 
If the hand of stamford can't shift it then I use a chain wrench and ratchet. Never had to use a screwdriver as yet. Never understood why so many people wind them up so tight.
 
If the hand of stamford can't shift it then I use a chain wrench and ratchet. Never had to use a screwdriver as yet. Never understood why so many people wind them up so tight.

I use to be one of those people :embarrest: until I learnt better off it.
I thought the oil filter must be screwed on as tight as or it will leak oil all over the place in no time at all! :)
 
Stamford, earlier today:

iphone-in-megahuge-hands.jpg
 
When you've drained the oil have you tried jacking up the rear of the car? Might help keep the oil in the filter.
And I guess you warm the engine before draining?
 
I love Machine Mart, that looks like quite a substantial tool and amazingly enough, change from a ten pound note :amazed:
 
i use what loz has got as well.

had to use a set of stilstons on the wifes as the golf has a large nut on the end of the filter and the tool wouldnt go over it
 
Considering spin on filters it's a good idea to not just oil the rubber gasket but also to clean the mating surface where it meets the engine block.

Significant lower arm strength helps the removal process - I have plenty of that - but if it's 'glued' itself to the block the none of us have a chance without some mechanical leverage assistance.
 
Considering spin on filters it's a good idea to not just oil the rubber gasket but also to clean the mating surface where it meets the engine block.

Significant lower arm strength helps the removal process - I have plenty of that - but if it's 'glued' itself to the block the none of us have a chance without some mechanical leverage assistance.

Aye, and a lot of time with canisters they're buried somewhere at the bottom of the engine surrounded by gearbox and drive axles and you just can't get your hands round it.
 
Considering spin on filters it's a good idea to not just oil the rubber gasket but also to clean the mating surface where it meets the engine block.

Significant lower arm strength helps the removal process - I have plenty of that - but if it's 'glued' itself to the block the none of us have a chance without some mechanical leverage assistance.

Sound like you excersise that part of your anatomy quite regually...
 
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