Stuck Oil Filter

Hey all,

Any advice on how to remove a stuck oil filter?

Thanks,

Amy

 

Oil filter wrench or strap wrench. Alternatively, if you're replacing the oil filter, you can jab a screw driver into the side to get additional leverage because you're going to throw the old one away anyway. The oil filter should be installed with a smear of oil on the seal and it should be installed hand tight then just a little bit more. I understand that age and heat might cause the filter to seize on the post but it shouldn't be Hulked onto it.

-J

 

What tools have you tried on it so far?

 

Try turning it the other way.

 

I use the c-wrench style. Almost destroyed a filter the dealer installed. Wet new filter gasket with oil and install 1/2 to 3/4 turn past contact with base.

 

I've used a chain wrench before. Crushed it a little, but worked well. Had to remove the plastic engine cover to get more room to work.

 

Screw driver. Right through it and turn

 

I've used the screwdriver-through-the-filter approach in years past on some d*mned tight filters. It works, but once you've started you HAVE to finish -- it's a one-way street to go down.

Those three-wing clamp things like that Harbor Freight item work pretty well. I have an older but not-dissimilar style and it's taken off any filter I've gone after.

But I've had pretty good luck with a grippy rubber sheet too, as in a kitchen jar lid remover. That's the easiest place to start.

The top-mounted filters on our 4.0L 1GR-FE engines is a beautiful thing when one needs access. They're right THERE.

My old filter tool:

 

If you’re local to a member on here, I’m sure they would come over and help.

 

I use a strap wrench and they are incredibly effective. I've never had it not get it off the first try.

$9 Performance Tool W173C Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose 6" Strap Oil Filter Wrench

https://www.amazon.com/Performance-...locphy=9032489&hvtargid=pla-568255147346&th=1

 

A good pair of large channel locks works too.

 

You guys are making it way too complicated.

Take a big screwdriver and hammer it through (with a hammer) so it punctures both side. Push/pull loose with hands.

Easy!

Ask me how I know

 

Should be a last resort only... Try the correct way with proper tools first... I have had this method go south on me in the past (after exhausting all other methods) where the screw driver was just tearing the thin filter walls... Total disaster...

 

At least the second generation Tacoma 4-liter oil filter is right up on top where you can get to it. I've struggled with far worse - small block Chevy / Mercruiser boat engines for instance. There aren't enough joints in the human body to get to those - even when they come off easily.

 

Well? Did ya get it?

 

This type of wrench is the best oil filter removal tool in my opinion. I purchased mine from Home Depot, but it looks similar to this one from HF.

 

Used to use a strap wrench but I have arthritis and fuck that shit. I use this Lisle tool, filter comes right off:

$13 Lisle 63600 Oil Filter Tool,U.S.,2-1/2 - 3-1/8

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-...t=&hvlocphy=9033494&hvtargid=pla-568875585782

 

Something I’ve learned is there is no one tool that works for every situation. If you have just one vehicle, then yes. But if you work everything, you need an arsenal of weapons.

My go to one gets about 95% of them, a discontinued lisle plier type rebranded Napa.

The cup ones or ones that you need access to the end are limited. There isn’t always room to be able to use it.

$32 OTC 4568 2-1/2" to 5-1/4" 3-Prong Self-Adjusting Oil Filter Remover

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QP8BNS?ie=UTF8
Like this one, which has the most leverage of all I own because you can put a ratchet to it with extensions and adapters. One problem with it is it won’t get the really small diameter ones.

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Oil Filter/PVC Pipe Pliers, 9" (1773631)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052XR0FS?ie=UTF8
For small diameter ones.

$30 Channellock Oil Filter Plier, 2-1/2 to 5-1/2 In

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009WG5T4?ie=UTF8&th=1
For big ones.

LUMAX LX-1818 Silver 2-1/8" to 4-5/8" Locking Pliers Adjustable Filter Wrench. for Oil Changes. The Adjustable Locking Pliers is Ideal for Taking Off Filters.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MD3EO4?ie=UTF8
This one I just got, not sure yet.

 

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