Oil filter stuck

[aa909]

Hi Guys

Needs some advice. Doing my first oil change on my backdraft and the oil filter is stuck stuck, did I mention stuck. Used a filter wrench and now the oil filter is crushed like a soda can

Read about the screw driver method on another site but can't seem to get the screw driver through the entire filter, just half way

What else can I try?

[RET_COP]

I had an oil filter stuck stuck and crushed on a remote adapter. I used a chain wrench right around the rim edge. I was able to get the chain that close because of the adapter. The fuel pump may be in the way if it's on the block.

[aa909]

I just got a chain clamp and the fuel pump is in the way. can't get it against the base and the chain clamp just crushed the filter even more. Won't budge!

arrrrrrrrrgh!!

[Mongoose930]

Hi Art,

I had the same problem - my filter was crushed, twisted and leaking but would not come off - very frustrating. I picked up the KD3508 tool, put a plastic bag over the filter to stop any more leaking and believe me, the filter came off: Amazon.com: KD Tools (KD 3508) Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench Pliers: Home Improvement

Best of luck.

[Cashburn]

I've used the chain clamps on the end of the filter. You turning it correct way?

[aa909]

Hi Jay

I hope so, counter clockwise from underneath right?

it's pretty much crushed at the top and middle now. When I try twisting the chain clamp the filter just collapses and does not turn

may need some out-of-the-box options

[Cashburn]

Even collapsed I've still gripped them and gotten them to twist. Is your chain clamp running out of clamp? Is it too big for the now crushed filter?

Removing fuel pump for more clearance is an option, but I'm amazed this thing could be this tight?

[aa909]

I'm stunned at how tight it is too

How easy is it to remove the fuel pump? If it wasn't in the way I think the chain clamp would do the trick

[wrench87]

i use to use a nylon strap wrench for filters like that, i believe it was from snap on. sometimes you can hammer a screwdriver into the filter and try turning it, who ever installed it did not lube the gasket.

[bobcowan]

When they get really stuck, it's usually the big rubber gasket that's the problem. If you keep twisting on the can, it's probably going to tear, and then you're really hosed.

Get a thin narrow blase, like a putty knife or a gasket scraper. Try and work it in to loosen the rubber gasket seal. Be carefull. If you damage the mounting pad on the block it will never seal properly.

[jhv48]

Remove the fuel pump if all else fails. Two bolts hold it on.

Try taking a hammer to the screwdriver and pierce the filter. If that doesn't break it free, remove the fuel pump for more clamp options.

To reinstall the fuel pump, replace the gasket, and you might have to buy a remote starter button to turn over the engine (disconnect the coil wire first so it doesn't start on you) you want to bump the engine just enough so that the internal cam that actuates the fuel pump arm is at its flattest point. Otherwise you will have a heck of s time reinstalling the pump while compressing the internal pump arm. Bumping the engine to the cam flat spot makes the installation simple.

[Cashburn]

The filter was lubed. This is a first, though most customers leave it to a shop or us...

[Cashburn]

Art, the style I emailed should do it. You need it close to the block now and because of the angle of the filter it will have more clearance if you work from above.

[Cashburn]

Or the YouTube I sent ya with the screwdriver and pipe.

[aa909]

Thanks Jay, saw your email and will look for the strap tool tomorrow and see if it works. There are two things working against me right now, 1) it seems whatever tool I use seems to just collapse the filter housing because it's crushed like a soda can & 2) there's very limited room to apply any force. The rigidity of the filter is compromised so when I apply torque the weakest areas just crumple without turning so if there was more room I may be able to push through. Hopefully this tool will get close enough to the block and lock in tight

All thoughts and suggestions are much appreciated right now !

[ratsnst1]

Originally Posted by aa909

Thanks Jay, saw your email and will look for the strap tool tomorrow and see if it works. There are two things working against me right now, 1) it seems whatever tool I use seems to just collapse the filter housing because it's crushed like a soda can & 2) there's very limited room to apply any force. The rigidity of the filter is compromised so when I apply torque the weakest areas just crumple without turning so if there was more room I may be able to push through. Hopefully this tool will get close enough to the block and lock in tight

All thoughts and suggestions are much appreciated right now !

I take it you did warm the car up befor trying to remove filter

[Ron61]

If none of the above suggestions work, can you get a bicycle chain that has enough clearance to go around the top of the filter and between it and the fuel pump? If so, then bring the ends down to where you can get hold of them and put a small bar through the ends and pull the way it will tighten the chain and be turning the filter to loosen it. We had one that we finally had to take the can part off of and use another method to get broken loose. Some people think that when they put them on, they have to be as tight as they can get them. I just put mine on hand tight and then maybe a quarter of an inch turn with the wrench and have never had a problem.

Ron

[mreid]

I've always removed even the tightest ones from above with a strap wrench. Get as close to the mounting pad as possible and apply consistent pressure. That's the key. Even if it doesn't feel like it is turning keep applying pressure until the sweat drips! It should suddenly start to turn. And remember, righty tighty, lefty loosy!

[Rick Parker]

From either above or below, use a long flatblade screwdriver, place it as close to the outer edge as possible hit it with a hammer to make it register in the seam/base and then tap or hit it several time in an attempt to break it loose. It WILL begin to turn. Just make sure the screwdriver has a good bite, stay right at the seam where the metal is thickest. It gets messy but will come loose.

[aa909]

Hi Rick

Thanks for the tip. sounds like I should try using the screwdriver like a chisel along the seam and see if I can get it to rotate that way

will try it in the morning

very frustrated!