Stuck oil filter off and I don't know what to do

[MasonAutoX]

So Ive started like 3 threads today because I'm so new to working on these things, but I ran into a problem that I've never had before. The oil filter is stuck, but stuck as in trying multiple methods and failing over the course of three hours stuck. tried both the channel lock filter removal tool and the one the similar one that only has one handle and no luck. Should i try taking a blow dryer and putting it on hot and seeing of that works to loosen the threads?

[DanielDudley]

Driving a big screwdriver through the filter housing will often work, but the most powerful method it to take a sharp cold chisel, and hammer a chiseled shoulder on the ridge at the base of the filter. The hammer and chisel will spin it off.

[A horse with no name]

Try banging a big screwdriver from on side to the other to unscrew..Let me know how you made out...Thanks

[boyt911sc]

Mason,

Have you tried to remove the oil filter using the correct size oil filter socket? Piercing the oil filter with a big screw driver would be your last resort. There are several tricks you could implement like big channel lock and the ultimate chisel option. Be careful not to ruin the oil tank in the process. Keep us posted.

Tony

[T77911S]

yea, dont think i would put a screwdriver thru it.
you turning it the right direction?


perhaps this is a result of no oil on the gasket before it was put on?

[JohnJL]

Can you drive it a bit to heat it up? Sometimes some heat will loosen it up.

[shadowjack1]

Mason
Where are you located? A Pelican may live nearby and have the tools needed to do the job.

[Jcslocum]

A screwdriver is the simplest and most effective way of doing this. Get some rags under it to catch the oil and take you big ass pry-driver and go in the one side and out the other. This gives you essentially a big T handle to use for leverage to break it loose. Have no fear, nothing will hurt the engine or tank.

[universeman]

Chisel on the bottom/rim is the less risky way to go, doesn't totally destroy your filter

[big911fan]

As others have said, the screw driver should be your absolute last resort.

If you rip through the metal sides with a screwdriver, which is entirely possible since it's on so tight, you will have even less "purchase" surface to get it removed. It could be a real mess.

Perhaps try one of those oil filter wrenches that have a cam lock effect and are open ended. You can pick them up at most flaps. Even a Porsche end cap wrench might not work because it may slip on the ends and round off the flats. Borrow one if you can to try it. It's the easiest solution if it works. The multi-fit plastic end wrenches probably won't work because they are not exact fit and may have too much slack in them. Try to get the exact Porsche dimension size if you can.

[SCadaddle]

Here's a thought......

Place a large metal hose clamp around the filter with the tightening screw on top and facing the rear. Tighten clamp as tight as you can then use a tool to hit the tightening screw to spin the filter off. If it slips try a latex glove between the clamp and the filter.

And yes, I am sipping my coffee at a Holiday Inn Express right now.

[MasonAutoX]

Big911fan- Ill check an auto parts store when i get home, before the screwdriver method

T77911S- Unless the OC54 replacement Ive gotten is a different thread direction, then yes.

John, it can't be driven right now, been just sitting for 18 years and the car is a bit pulled apart. I was going to try and heat it using a propane torch/heat gun/air dryer.

Shadow- Im located in Heber City, Utah (15 minutes from Park City) and I do not know of anyone but hopefully someone on here is nearby

Jon- Ill try the screwdriver method when I get home

Thanks for the input everyone!

[Plavan]

Stubborn oil filters are no match for "Arnold".

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by JohnJL

Can you drive it a bit to heat it up? Sometimes some heat will loosen it up.

+1. I tried to loosen my oil filter this winter, while the car was cold, and it wouldn't budge. This Spring, I tried again after a drive, and it came right off.

[rockreid]

there should be a very small, very cramped place in Hell for those who don't apply a thin coat of clean fresh motor oil on the gasket of an oil filter before installing it.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Plavan

Stubborn oil filters are no match for "Arnold".

That is a definitely a Tijuana speed wrench.

[Amstaff]

I agree that the screwdriver should be last resort. Hit the local auto parts store for the "socket" that fits on the end of the filter and use a long handled ratchet.

Captain Obvious says "lefty loosy, righty tighty "

[James Brown]

one of these should work, if not

one of these, or

last resort is the punch method

[porsche930dude]

I think this kind works best

[mikesride]

I've had this happen on an old Fiat once... the cap end wrench just ended collapsing the filter (it twisted....like wringing out your chamois) Cold chisel on the seem didn't work either, just started cutting thru....ended up tearing the body of the filter off and chiseling the actual threads off the housing...hope you don't have to go that far. those threads would be pretty tough to get to.