Stuck oil filter

[genolan]

Any tricks to getting a stuck oil filter off, It's a large NAPA 1515 filter and the clearance from the end to the frame is less than an inch making an end socket or even a metal slip on oil wrench impossible to get on. I tried a rubber strap wrench and it started to crush the filter so I stopped. Any advise?

[Dwight]

crush it
it has to come off and your going to install a new one.

I have driven a screw driver thru the filter to get it off

Dwight

[aa909]

Originally Posted by genolan

Any tricks to getting a stuck oil filter off, It's a large NAPA 1515 filter and the clearance from the end to the frame is less than an inch making an end socket or even a metal slip on oil wrench impossible to get on. I tried a rubber strap wrench and it started to crush the filter so I stopped. Any advise?

This has happened to me as well. I tried removing a cold filter and it wouldn't budge and started to crush.

Get yourself a large wrench like this:

https://www.channellock.com/440-Straight-Jaw-Plier.aspx

Close it around the filter, crush it until the wrench has a solid grip on the filter. Then Lean over and put all your weight into the handle of the wrench and maintain constant pressure until the filter turns. Don't rock back and forth, keep the pressure constant and the seal will eventually give and the filter will turn.

Good luck

[blykins]

Go ahead and crush it. It will crush to the point where it will start to spin.

[genolan]

I was trying to avoid the crush it approach but I guess I have no choice.

[Shootnride]

I've removed a couple in the past by driving a large screwdriver through the filter and then use the screwdriver like a T-handle. Works pretty well.

Good luck

Ted

[RockBit]

If you can get some large channel lock pliers on it near the seal end, you wo't have to crush it to get it off. Driving a large screw driver throughout it always works, but is a little messy.

[jimbo01]

I had the same problem but was able to get it loose with a strap wrench. I then replaced the filter with a canton remote filter system. Got most of the parts I needed from Summit racing. It's not an easy job but now the filter is located under the radiator fill. If you don't know how to put ends on AN hose get someone who does do it. At least now the filter is easy to access but you must use the NAPA or Wicks filter. All others will leak. I tried several.

[Rick Parker]

Unfortunately all the Ford Engine installs in most Cobra Chassis that do not utilize a remote filter mount end up with either the use of an undersized filter or one that is very difficult to access. Best option is to carefully plan a remote filter location. Barring that, the nipple that the filter screws onto CAN be shortened to allow for a longer filter to inserted between the frame member.

Here's How:

Measure how many full threads the filter can has in it (this will vary by brand of filter). Engage threads in filter and screw it on the number of turns so the nipple threads are engaged fully, then measure carefully fronm the filter gasket to the block mounting pad, this dimension is how much can be removed from the nipple itself. By doing this you may be able to find a longer filter that will fit, or at least allow for a little more room to install existing filter and for fitting wrench to install or remove. It's not necessary to overtighten when installing.
You can also get creative by using a GM Sourced 13/16 thread filter and machine and weld together portions of each mounting nipple. There are aftermarket filters such as K&N #3002 that is sized between a Ford full size FL1 and Ford's popular FL300.

[genolan]

I finally got it off by using a rubber strap wrench and a piece of curved metal to place under the pivot arm to spread out the pressure so as not to crush the filter. It worked so well the filter came off without crushing.
Thanks

[undy]

That's the exact reason I have a set of 18" channel locks. No stuck oil filter has ever beaten them!