Oil Filter Housing STUCK... need help!

So I was doing an oil change on the truck and drained my oil and the filter, no problem. Then I got to taking off the actual housing, and it would not budge, even with an oil filter wrench. I tried using a pipe extension to get more leverage and heating up the threads but to no avail. I don't want to break it, but I don't know what else to do. Maybe using a 24mm socket instead of the 3/8 drive?

If anyone has any ideas or is close to Aurora, CO, help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Worst case you break it and the part stores can get one within a day

 

I'd use a 24mm socket and breaker bar. Broke out the center of my first filter wrench using 3/8 drive

 

A

$46 OTC 7206 Multi-Purpose Strap Wrench

strap-wrench, with a 2-3' snipe on the handle might do the trick...

 

I found that using a long, 20”+ 1/2” breaker bar torquing slowly with even pressure unthreads the plastic housing easier. My 3/8” bar didn’t do it.
There is a lot of seal drag on these.

 

Alright, I will try using a breaker bar and 24mm socket today. Fingers crossed it works.... Appreciate it!

 

A neighbor brought one of those over to help out, but it didn't seem to work.

 

Did mine the other day and had to use a 24. It was stuck pretty good but that should do the trick

 

@dylantran97 make sure the retaining clip is bent outwards enough so it doesn't catch on the filter housing. You can see it in my picture above the "toyota", I'm pretty sure its on the passenger side.

 

Last option is to stab a screwdriver into the oil filter and turn that baby!!!

PS. idk if it works on the 3rd gen... work on those cheap oil filter tho

 

Were you able to get it with a 24 and a ratchet? I'll probably try that first before asking the neighbors for their breaker bar

 

Ok I definitely see the retaining clip, appreciate the heads up. Bending it out of the way is just to not damage it, not to make it any easier to loosen, correct?

 

I had a 24 and my torque wrench since it's a bit bigger. Mine came off pretty easily with that

 

I'm hesitant to use my torque wrench as a breaker bar... you didn't damage it?

 

Please do not use the torque wrench as a breaker bar.......... this is a very good way to wreck the mechanism in the torque wrench.

 

I didn't really have any other options. I would use a breaker bar if you have one. But no damage

 

It’s an oil filter housing, not a stuck bolt. Your torque wrench is rated well beyond what the filter will need. Be logical.

But do what you’re comfortable with.

 

It's intended design as far as I know is to keep the filter from loosening if it isn't torqued properly. It will catch on the "wings" of the filter housing and prevent it from turning further.

Bending it could help it loosen easier if it is catching the housing, then simply bend it back when you reinstall the filter.

 

my cartridge required a breaker bar and then it broke during removal. replaced with a stock cartridge yesterday and gtg. the dealer did the last oil, so another low skill teenager with an impact gun i guess.

 

Just to update everyone - just got it finished up. After the roadblock yesterday, I decided to do everything I could in one try as opposed to trying one method, then throwing every idea I had at it until something worked.

I started by removing the airdam to get more working room and leverage. Then, I heated up the area with a blow dryer and tapping lightly with a hammer just to loosen up everything - oil, threads, etc. Finally, using a 24mm socket on a breaker bar, I applied a slow ramp up of torque until it broke loose. No drama, easy peasy. Next time, I'll probably do the same thing and order an aluminum housing to replace this one.. maybe it will work better from what I read. Appreciate everyone's help, and hopefully this thread is helpful for those who have this problem in the future!