Need an Oil Filter changing TIP!

F105 wrote:

rocmoc wrote:
Changed the oil filter on my Cat today. It is always a pain to get the filter off. For the DIYers, any tips? I have tried a strap wrench, handle too short to get enough leverage. The end of the filter is not shaped for a socket, just smooth surface so a socket is out (I use WIX filters). What I do is use a 24" pipe wrench that fits in only one position and allows about 1/4-1/2" of movement. Then try like heck to get another bite for another 1/4". Takes forever but it works. Only about 1/2" of the filter hangs low enough to get a bite so it is a tough job. Love to hear what others do and please don't answer take it to someone else as that is a no brainer. I am not over tightening the filter as the previous owner took it to shops only and the first filter I removed was tighter than mine. Have changed oil & filters for over 40 years on cars & pickups so not a newbie, just not on a DP; I have now for a few years on this one.

Thanks,
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

I've done this many times over the years with cars....
and it certainly works.

But if you do this, you are COMMITTED. Your engine will not run a single revolution until YOU are successful in removing the old oil filter and replacing it with a new one.

Hopefully, all of us do it yourselfers will only face this once per vehicle, regardless it's still a difficult choice.

Be sure you lube your new oil filter (with cleanoil), pre fill it (if it mounts verticle) and don't overtighten it!!!

BUT THE FIRST TIME, SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, HAS TO GET IT OFF.

It's messy, but have you tried punching a screwdriver though the canister and then turning it? This is assuming you have drained the pan and still have your oil catcher in place.

It sounds like you may not have enought room to do this and you might contact an oil change place and see how they do it and what tool they use.

rambler2011 wrote:
Get a pair of channel lock pliers big enough to get a good bite on the filter. this may be a little better than the pipe wrench.

hotbyte wrote:

F105 wrote:

cmarq wrote:
Go to Napa or auto tool store and get a strap wrench, it is a web strap on a square shank that is 6-8 inches long put the strap around filter and turn the shank until it winds up tight to filter. the end of shank takes a 1/2 square drive you can use a 1/2inch extension and rachet to remove filter. I worked for Cummins for many years and thats what we used. You can also buy a large filter wrench that doesn't have a handle just a short stub which has a square drive hole in it again put a extension in and use a rachet. They come in different sizes you would need the right one for your filter. They are a little easier to use. The strap wrench one size fits all. NAPA has them they aren't the cheapest but you may have one close by.

Didn't the OP say he tried and couldn't use a strap wrench?

OP sounds like he is using typical oil filter wrench with attached handle and the handle does not have clearance to turn. I think cmarq is describing a strap wrench that does not have a handle but instead you stick an socket set extension into it and turn from further away avoiding hitting the handle.

barnaclebill wrote:

moisheh wrote:
Try installing your filter according to the instructions! You must be torqueing that filter onto the engine! I would not use Wix filters on my diesels!

Moisheh

You "would not use Wix filters" can you tell us why?
Wix filters is a division of Dana corp. (Perfect Circle, Dana Axle, Spicer to name a few) and has always produced top quality products. Perhaps that has changed?

moisheh wrote:
Try installing your filter according to the instructions! You must be torqueing that filter onto the engine! I would not use Wix filters on my diesels!

Moisheh