Can't Remove Oil Filter

[Pwk0202]

Okay, so it's my first oil change on my 04 WRX. I'm extremely frustrated because I CANNOT remove the oil filter as hard as I try. What's weird is that the oil filter on there now is smaller in diameter than the right sized purolator. I'm probably going to have to take it into some shop and have them pry off the filter because I simply can't do it. Has anyone had this problem?

[fengshui]

If it absolutely won't come off by hand. Jam/Stab the filter with a screwdriver and use the leverage to get it off. Its not pretty, but it'll let you remove the old filter to put a new one on.

-Chris

[04blkWRX]

Sears sells an oil filter wrench with 3 arms that tightens it's grip as you try to turn it. It's never let me down. Cheap, too.

[gusto]

yeah just get the filter wrench...

[digitalexpl0it]

happens on my 2003 all the time I use the screw driver method every 3k miles

[Fixxxer]

The screwdriver method works. You can also wrap some Duck Tape or electrical tape around it to give you a better grip.

[NOTimprezed]

Originally posted by digitalexpl0it
happens on my 2003 all the time I use the screw driver method every 3k miles

maybe you should put a bead of fresh oil on the rubber seal. and only hand tighten it, 1/4 turn after it stops. you should never have to screw driver anything. should always come off turning by hand.

[Pwk0202]

Well thank you for all the tips. I went underneath my car last night, jammed a screwdriver into the filter and gave a good turn and VOILA! I was able to remove by hand after that. I drained the oil, put in my new Fumoto valve, and filled her up. I'm hoping next time will be a lot easier. Again, thanks for all the help.

[GunsNF'nRoses]

My GF's car was done by a shop, and they had it on tight, so I put on a rubber dishwashing glove to give me grip, and twisted it off with some effort.

[GV27]

I just use a big pair of channel-lock pliers.

[wrxinfx]

Just a tip for you guys. The scredriver method works but is damn messy. the channel lock pliers work but space is limited under there. My dad the mechanic gave me an interesting solution. He works on big trucks.

Try a leather belt. Slip it over and through the buckle. Then in the opposite direction, pull the belt so that it cinches the filter. pull in a circular fashion and ...woila! Filter loosens and comes off with your hand. Works in tight areas where wrenches don't reach... like those damn Acura and Honda engines.

[Wrinkleboi]

dont know if it was you or someone else who recommended the leather belt thing to me a few months back, but when nothing else worked it did the trick. two thumbs up...
o-|-<) bryan

[WRX05]

Originally posted by Pwk0202
Well thank you for all the tips. I went underneath my car last night, jammed a screwdriver into the filter and gave a good turn and VOILA! I was able to remove by hand after that. I drained the oil, put in my new Fumoto valve, and filled her up. I'm hoping next time will be a lot easier. Again, thanks for all the help.

How's the Fumoto go on? Is there good ground clearance? Im always afraid that those things hang to low. I love the idea but Im always thinking about them getting knocked off by some road debris. I used to have a Fram Sure Drain on my Frontier PU and it was great.

[Pwk0202]

So far the Fumoto is great. Not leaking or anything. The ground clearance is wonderful - no problem at all. So don't worry about it.

[KurleeDaddeeWRX]

Originally posted by WRX05
How's the Fumoto go on? Is there good ground clearance? Im always afraid that those things hang to low. I love the idea but Im always thinking about them getting knocked off by some road debris. I used to have a Fram Sure Drain on my Frontier PU and it was great.

I had a fumotovalve on my WRX for more than 30k miles and it never got damaged even with the nipple section which makes it longer. I am looking into getting one for my SRT-4 as well.



http://www.fumotovalve.com