help - stuck oil filter

[JGorombey]

I have already ran into my first porblem... .

After searching the forums for an answer I decided to post this.

I cannot get my oil filter off... . I tried two different oil filter wrenches. The steel band wrench, and the the movable jaws type wrench. Neither worked.



I then took off the air intake hose for more clearance, but it didn't help.

I almost tried the screwdriver through the filter trick but decided to wait.



What else should I do?





Thanks!!

Jordan

 

[bmoeller]

Must've forgotten to put oil on the gasket last time, huh? I've only made that mistake ONCE.



Do you have a strap wrench? If that doesn't work, time to grab a hammer and chisel.

 

[JGorombey]

I just got the truck..... so I'm not sure what the previous owner did (although he is a dodge mechanic). When you mention the chisel, what exactly do you mean? I have heard of punching a screwdriver through it and using that as a handle.

 

[formula]

Ran into that problem a couple of times. I think some guy strongarmed the filter on :-laf Anyhow, I usually use a big set of channellocks, the jaws open to about 6". Grab the very top of the filter near the seam where it's the strongest, or it'll just crush the casing.



Sean

 

[JGorombey]

Some info I found:



If these do not work, you will have to resort to more desperate methods. However, be careful not to be too aggressive and damage the threads or score the surface of the filter mounting surface. Pierce the filter with a large screwdriver and use it to apply more leverage. If room permits, use a chisel placed at the filter?s rolled edge and tap with a hammer a few times to loosen the base. Insert a pry bar between the filter base and mounting surface to gently loosen a stuck filter. If all else fails, tear or peel the filter?s can off the base. Then use a chisel to loosen the base from the mount.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I've used a strap type wrench with a short pipe extension - but now normally use a LONG heavy plastic handled screwdriver used like the "chisel" referred to above, and driving it with a hammer against the top outer rim of the filter, slowly force it to unscrew a bit until I can then get it the rest of the way by hand.



Yours must still be the original oil filter - installed by the notorious "Cummins factory Gorilla"!

 

[Paychk]

Try using the band type wrench and position it at ether end of the filter, not in the middle. The best place to put the wrench is at the top of the filter, on the bead that joins the sides of the can to the end plate. this is the most crush resistant spot on the filter.

 

[Tom W]

A hammer and screwdriver can work. Use it on the edge to rotate the filter. Try to cut a notch in the edge first then hit at an angle. If I visualize right - try to hit the top left side of the filter toward the block to loosen.

 

[bmoeller]

When you mention the chisel, what exactly do you mean?

If room permits, use a chisel placed at the filter?s rolled edge and tap with a hammer a few times to loosen the base.

Ah, very good Grasshopper. :-laf You got it.

 

[lil red cummins]

this may not help you today, but will next time.



pm jhardwick and ask him if he has anymore of his oil filter wrenches available. these things are perfect and specifically made for the TDR crew.



i don't believe there is any filter too tight for this wrench.



read this thread.



jim

 

[Excessive Force]

I used the strap wrench method too,and almost broke the strap. It finally came loose though. #@$%! #ad

 

[Den_FL]

I used the strap wrench method too,and almost broke the strap. It finally came loose though. #@$%!

Well. . it definately looks like your nick is well deserved





Den

 

[MOverton]

Two men and a strap wrench.

When I first got my truck I had a lot of problems also. This is what I did:



My father stood on a milk crate and bent over the fender and I climbed under the truck with a strap wrench and a long extension. He placed the strap on the filter and twisted the strap. I attached the extension to the bottom of the strap wrench and start turning the wrench. It helps if the person on top holds the strap while you tighten up the strap. After many attempts this was the only way that worked. I hope this helps.

 

[bgilbert]

Well first off, are ya turning the filter in the correct direction? This is why I like the Fleetguard filters, they're dummy proof, actually have directions on the side. Shows which way to turn the filter. Trust me, I've had to look at a new filter to make sure I was turning it right. I've been in your shoes before but it was because I was tightening it when I was trying to remove it . Once this is confirmed, get the intake hose out of the way. I use a el cheapo oil filter wrench from probly Harbor Freight, not sure. Its like a big set of channel locks. You'll want to get ahold of the filter towards the top of it. When using the wrench and if the filter is tight and you try to turn it in the middle you can just crush it instead of turn it. I've never met a filter that wouldn't come off with that wrench. But I'm sure being 6'3" 300lbs helps the lil ole filter come off .

 

[JGorombey]

Well after two busted knuckles, three scrapes, and one puncture wound I finally got it off using a chain wrench. I went through every oil filter wrench the Advance Auto Parts store had. I broke two of them and the others prooved useless. I also tried heating it up and jamming a screw driver through the oil filter. Nothing could budge it. As a last resort I went so sears and bout a chain wrench. Luckily it worked.



Thanks everyone. :-laf

 

[bgilbert]

You'll have to thank the previous owner for using a filter wrench to tighten the filter :-{} . Hand tight! Now that its off, it will be smooth sailing from now on. Plus you got yourself an assortment of filter wrenches now .

 

[JLEONARD]

The first time I changed the Fleetguard on engine fuel filter on my marine Cummins, I had to remove the bracket with the filter, clamp the bracket in a very large vise, and use an 18 inch pipe wrench to get the filter off... . (channel locks wouldn't do it)

Cummins did not lube the gasket at the factory.

That was a 5 minute job that turned into a 2 hour project. Oh well.

Jay