Stuck oil filter.  Help?

"Big Bubba Ray" (eganward01) 08/29/2015 at 21:15 • Filed to: None

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I was changing the oil in my sister’s ‘07 Forester today. Everything was normal/fine until I went to remove the oil filter. That thing was on there like a real sumbitch. The thing just won’t budge no matter what. It doesn’t help that the filter is located right in between the exhaust manifold so it’s hard for me to fit my big ass hands up in there. My sister tried, but her man hands prevented a good grip also. Any suggestions on how to get this damn thing out?

epidemike > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:18

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Have you tried with one of the special “loop” wrenches?

ly2v8-Brian > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:19

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Big pliers.

Big Bubba Ray > epidemike 08/29/2015 at 21:20

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Like this?

I own one, but it’s too big for the filter and waaaaaaay too big to fit between the exhaust manifold.

Big Bubba Ray > ly2v8-Brian 08/29/2015 at 21:21

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There’s like zero room for any big pliers. I don’t know why Subaru would put the filter in such a hard to reach spot. The filter on my ‘05 Outback is easy as can be to access and change.

Jcarr > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:21

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Filter socket and a long extension?

Brickman > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:21

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That’s not an engine, it’s an oil filter :P

Wrap duct tape around the filter, use rubber gloves and turn :)

I was also going to say you could punch a hole and put a socket extension for leverage but looks like there is no room.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:22

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Idiotic design.

It’s strange that it won’t budge at all. I have to bear-hand the Sable’s filter because it is freaking huge and I have to use my kung fu grip to move it the first 1/2 turn. The difference here is I have decent access to the filter whereas you do not

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:24

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Yeah someone has to show me a car where this actually fits. I bought one of these 7 years ago yet the 5 cars I’ve owned since made it useless for access.

doodon2whls > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:24

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OR

WITH

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:25

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Extra wide vicegrips and use some flat rubber shims where it grips?

DoYouEvenShift > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:25

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The claw!

Steve in Manhattan > Brickman 08/29/2015 at 21:25

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That’s a good idea. Or take it back to the place that put it on and say: “You put it on - get it off.”

McMike > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:26

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Google “oil filter socket” See if one of those may fit the hole.

Then go get one.

ly2v8-Brian > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:26

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At least it's cold. I hated these when I worked at iffy lube.

Big Bubba Ray > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/29/2015 at 21:26

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I use mine on my Datsun and my dad’s Suburban. Kinda useless on most other cars that I work on haha

Big Bubba Ray > Brickman 08/29/2015 at 21:27

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Tried the whole duct tape thing and it didn’t work! I wish I could stab it with a screwdriver and twist it, but there is literally no room to do so.

1111111111111111111111 > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:28

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3m sandpaper with the sticky back. Wrap the grit side on the oil filter and use gloves while turning.

Big Bubba Ray > doodon2whls 08/29/2015 at 21:28

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I have one of the three arm clamp things and it still didn’t work. Just kept slipping on the filter.

Bullitt Ride > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:28

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Stab a wide wood chisel into the middle of it and then use a pair of pliers to turn the chisel.

Jcarr > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/29/2015 at 21:28

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Works great on our beater ‘96 Ranger. Probably because it's a little 4 pot in a big engine bay.

dogisbadob > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:28

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and no place to stick a hammer and srewdriver, either!

Big Bubba Ray > Jcarr 08/29/2015 at 21:29

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I tried my filter socket and all it did was slip. The damn filter wouldn’t budge at all.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Jcarr 08/29/2015 at 21:29

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Ohhh you have the 2.3? Stick I assume?

Big Bubba Ray > DoYouEvenShift 08/29/2015 at 21:30

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I have one and it didn’t work!

Jcarr > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/29/2015 at 21:30

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Auto actually

epidemike > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:31

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Yup. One ghetto way of doing it is to jab a screwdriver in there and use that as leverage to twist off the filter. Considering the tight spot, I wouldn’t suggest trying that since if you fuck up the filter it may be even harder to come off.

deekster_caddy > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/29/2015 at 21:31

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I use those all the time!

Big Bubba Ray > 1111111111111111111111 08/29/2015 at 21:31

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Holy shit that’s killer idea. Gonna try that tomorrow! Thanks!

epidemike > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:32

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That second one, find out the size of your filter and get the right socket. That should work in getting it off.

Big Bubba Ray > McMike 08/29/2015 at 21:32

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I’ve got one of those clamp filter sockets and all it did was slip on the filter for some reason.

deekster_caddy > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:32

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I think there is a smaller size of the 3 pronged thing. That’s always come through for me.

Big Bubba Ray > dogisbadob 08/29/2015 at 21:32

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Yep, it’s a real pain in the ass!

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:33

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Fellow Subaru oil filter hater here. I (seriously) sprained my thumb trying to get one off of my Leggy.

Poke it to release the pressure and use one of the clamp / three arm filter wrenches. Only thing that worked for me.

dogisbadob > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:33

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next time, use a Purolator PureOne or Purolator Synthetic, which has a textured grip for easy removal :)

Big Bubba Ray > deekster_caddy 08/29/2015 at 21:33

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I’ll swoop by Autozone or something tomorrow to see if I can find an even smaller one that what I’ve already got haha

Big Bubba Ray > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 08/29/2015 at 21:36

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The only reason that I haven’t poked a hole in it is because I’m scared of it not coming off at all and my sister not being able to drive haha

I’m gonna try a few different things tomorrow and see if anything works.

I, literally feel your pain. I’ve got arthritis in my right hand and squeezing/trying to turn it for an hour really left my hand aching!

ly2v8-Brian > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/29/2015 at 21:36

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My truck.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:37

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Even though these aren’t the best filters in the world, I’d recommend one for that car.

Big Bubba Ray > dogisbadob 08/29/2015 at 21:37

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Dang, I didn’t know Purolator made textured grip filters. I told my sister to get a Mobil1 filter.

As for this last filter, I didn’t put it on/change the oil. Sis was off at school and had some idiotic Subaru dealer do it after I told her not to! Hopefully she’ll listen to me in the future haha

lonestranger > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:39

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That was going to be my suggestion, punch a screwdriver straight through the can, but there’s probably no room.

Big Bubba Ray > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 08/29/2015 at 21:39

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I forgot these existed. I’ll probably have my sister return the Mobil1 filter she got and grab one of these instead. Thanks!

Big Bubba Ray > lonestranger 08/29/2015 at 21:40

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Yep, zero room to do so!

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/29/2015 at 21:42

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Oil change technician here: fits pretty much every vehicle I’ve worked on that doesn’t have an Ecotec (use a weird socket thing, done from the top).

dogisbadob > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:44

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Mobil1 filters are great! They’re rated to 15k when synthetic oil is used. For a hard-to-reach filter like that, I’d run the longest drain possible. Something like Mobil 1 Extended performance, or Castrol Edge Extended (gold bottle)

The Fram Ultra is also supposed to be very good, and also rated to 15k.

dogisbadob > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 08/29/2015 at 21:46

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Not as good as they used to be. Outsourced to Mexico. Previously, they were the same as Mobil 1 filters.

Another filter with an innovative cap is the AFE line. It has a 3/8 square hole. It’s US-made, most likely similar to the Mobil 1 and old (American) K&N

Fram Ultra, and also Purolator Synthetic, have a textured grip.

dogisbadob > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:47

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No need to do that, if you don’t overtighten the Mobil filter. Remember to apply some oil to the gasket before installing!

The AFE filter would also be a good idea. Most likely similar if not identical to the M1, but with the nut on the end.

K&N outsourced to Mexico, and the new filters are not as good as they were before.

Wacko > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:49

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I have that 3 arm clamp and works for me, it tightens as you turn it. I hold the clamps till it has enough force to squeeze the filter and comes off. (Suzuki dealer used to put the filter on way to tight. I even had to re-tread to put on a new filter)

iSureWilll > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:52

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Giant channel-lock pliers. Squeeze as hard as you can angled down to the bottom and rotate. You should have plenty of leverage. Just don't squeeze so hard you cut into the filter making oil drip down all over your arms!

Big Bubba Ray > iSureWilll 08/29/2015 at 21:52

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There’s not enough room to rotate the pliers! It’s so damn tight in there it’s insane.

iSureWilll > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:53

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It's not as good as you think. The hex head made for a socket rounds off very easily so if it's on real tight, you'll round off the hex head and be in the same predicament.

Big Bubba Ray > Wacko 08/29/2015 at 21:54

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For some reason the clamp isn’t working for me.

I don’t know why the Subaru dealership put this filter on so damn tight but they’ve fucked things up on my sister’s car before so this doesn’t surprise me too much.

TulsaMtnBiker (OkieRising) > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:54

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Tried one of these?

http://www.amazon.com/Channellock-20…

RJO619 > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 21:55

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put a rag between the clamp and the filter...keeps it from slipping

Big Bubba Ray > iSureWilll 08/29/2015 at 21:56

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The next filter won’t be put on too tightly haha

The only reason it’s messed up right now is cause my sister went to the Subaru dealership to get her oil changed when she was off at school. Ever since I started changing my own oil a few years back, I’ve never had a stuck filter!

Big Bubba Ray > TulsaMtnBiker (OkieRising) 08/29/2015 at 21:57

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Ain’t no room for that stuff, unfortunately.

Big Bubba Ray > epidemike 08/29/2015 at 21:58

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Ya I’ve done that before on my Datsun. It worked there cause the filter is literally just stuck on the side of the block, unobstructed from anything. There’s no room to use that method on the Subie.

Xyl0c41n3 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/29/2015 at 21:59

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My oil filter is pretty snugly situated, and I’ve got small hands, but even then, I can’t get enough leverage from either the top or bottom to get the damn thing off. Strap wrenches are the only thing that work. And it fits well enough from the bottom.

So there ya go! Now you know one car where they actually work: a Ford Fiesta. :)

Xyl0c41n3 > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 22:00

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I use one on my Fiesta. Just changed my oil last week, actually. :)

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 22:00

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You can drop the exhaust manifold for better access, it’s like 3 bolts a side the whole thing will fall on the ground!

FlimFlamMan > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 22:00

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Use your 3 prong with the 3m sticky sand paper.

Big Bubba Ray > dogisbadob 08/29/2015 at 22:00

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Yep, I told my sister to get Mobil1 oil and filter as well. She came home with Mobil1 synthetic instead but it’s not a big deal haha it was on sale and this way we can prolong her oil changes a bit. She’s an extremely conservative driver so changing about every 7k miles should be perfect for her and her car.

Big Bubba Ray > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 08/29/2015 at 22:06

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That’s more sensible that what I was about to do to that car after an hour of struggling with the damn filter haha

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 22:07

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I’ve done it, its way easier than it should be.

Theropod > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 22:17

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Wow, what were they thinking? The filter on my 2014 Forester is right on top of the engine; almost reason enough to by one.

Big Bubba Ray > Theropod 08/29/2015 at 22:24

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That’s SO CONVENIENT!. Subaru was smoking crack when they designed this. Even on my ‘05 Outback the filter is super easy to get to and take out. No idea why they would design it the way it is on my sister’s car, but it’s a massive pain in the ass.

Big Bubba Ray > Xyl0c41n3 08/29/2015 at 22:26

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It’s such a satisfying feeling using one of these around a filter and having it pop right off! I’m still restless and annoyed that I couldn’t get the filter off haha

Urambo Tauro > dogisbadob 08/29/2015 at 22:27

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Remember to apply some oil to the gasket before installing!

^THIS!

AthomSfere > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 22:33

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If it hasn’t been mentioned yet, the loop wrench thing is good (But I see you didn’t it).

Even better:

Get a filter wrench for your car that you can put on an extension and breaker bar.

AthomSfere > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/29/2015 at 22:34

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This is basically just a pipe wrench, and just as frustrating!

iSureWilll > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 22:37

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I just realized the stuff around the filter is alllll exhaust heat shield right off the header... That's very unfortunate. Good luck.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 22:46

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When all else fails, use a screwdriver. Just pound it through the filter and use it as a handle.

Big Bubba Ray > AthomSfere 08/29/2015 at 22:56

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I have a loop wrench but it won’t fit between the manifold. I also tried the clamp type wrench with an extension but the damn filter wouldn’t budge.

Dean > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 23:20

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Jiffy Lube......let them figure it out as you relax and read an outdated car rag....

AthomSfere > Big Bubba Ray 08/29/2015 at 23:28

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Yeah, I don’t mean the clamp type.

I mean like these:

http://www.restockit.com/otc-gm-oil-fil…

NotRichBMWOwner > Theropod 08/29/2015 at 23:51

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Best design ever.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/29/2015 at 23:59

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Subaru Impreza 2012+ oil filter is right on top of the engine!

Steve in Manhattan > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 00:02

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I used Mobil 1 in a 300D, a Honda CRX Si, a Camry wagon 5M, and a ‘97 SHO. I heard that once you go synthetic, you should not go back. Wonder if it’s true ....

DipodomysDeserti > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/30/2015 at 00:07

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I was able to use one on a Commercial diesel truck with a four inch wide oil filter. That's the only thing I've ever seen one work on. It still crushed the filter.

DipodomysDeserti > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 00:13

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What's funny is after owning a 2002 Ranger I thought the Forester had a great oil filter location. Fucking Ford put it I between the headers at a weird angle with no visibility. The Forester was a bitch to get off the first time. I used grip tape and gloves.

DrJohannVegas > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 00:18

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Strap wrench. Gets em every time.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/30/2015 at 00:19

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8 replies - clearly I hath been showneth.

MikeP3 > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 00:22

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Add a little contact cement to the filter and the socket? Use the three-arm gripper but first wrap the filter with a twisted strand of duct tape around the filter? (twist the tape so that the sticky side is on the outside). Double sided tape works too.

Autofixation > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 00:24

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http://static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/…

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 00:37

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http://www.amazon.com/AMPRO-T75871-F…

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 00:58

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What I had to do on the first oil change after I got my car was hammer a long and strong screwdriver *through* the filter and use some muscle to get it off. The previous owner had the oil changed by some jackass at Mr. Lube.

I’m not sure if you would be able to do that here from above or below... and I just read in the comments below that there isn’t the space to do that.

But if nothing else works, then you may end up having to remove the exhaust manifold to create the space so you can.

And then never get your oil changed at the place that over-tightened the filter in the first place. It’s probably also hard to get off because they didn’t put a layer of oil on the rubber gasket... which is what a competent mechanic is supposed to do.

Wacko > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 01:20

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Good luck

His Stigness > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 01:57

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Pretty much every lube tech and general repair tech overtightens these things, it’s why I’m glad I only work on German cars now which use canisters up top, or have a drain plug so there is ZERO hot oil that gets on you.

samssun > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 02:12

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You can make a strap wrench out of a leather belt, just arrange it so the direction you pull cinches it tighter and eventually it’ll come free.

plak424 > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 16:20

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wrap the filter in duct tape then use the filter wrench. It’s worked for me before on stuck filters before

epidemike > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 21:00

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You could always poke a hole and then with some long needle nose pliers, twist it loose.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Big Bubba Ray 08/30/2015 at 21:43

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orcim > DrJohannVegas 08/31/2015 at 01:11

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Shoots - left a response to this comment as the right answer last night (using a flat bladed square shanked screwdriver plus webbing/whatever) but it didn’t take, apparently.