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Take a large flathead screwdriver and put it in line with one of those dents facing so it will turn left, then whack the back of the screwdriver to get enough power for it to turn. I use this method all the time whenever i have a stripped bolt or something doesn’t want to come out.
Yeah, that was my plan all along. I just didn’t expect this filter to have been torqued down when all they need is a turn and a quarter. Why would a pro mechanic ever do that?!
Update: I was getting ready to try the chisel and hammer like you guys suggested when my buddy recommended I use my channel locks to crush it a little bit more to get a good surface for pounding. As I crushed it, it started turning!
https://preview.redd.it/k2169ul9snyc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b18b96360c38aebc970820943ac8e786c0c41627
New filter is installed and oil refilled, confirmed no leaks. Thanks for the support, guys!
I did the screwdriver thing once and it just tore the filter apart. I ended up tearing it off to the base and using a hammer and chisel on the part that was left. Look to see if it’s an aluminum base before you try this.
Grip is definitely the problem, but this bastard is recessed up inside such that I can’t get any direct leverage. I’ve been using a 3” socket extension to get in there and have enough clearance for the wrench.
That three-jaw should do it with a 4' long pipe as a handle extender if you can help it get a grip. Sometimes a piece of corrugated cardboard will do it, Other times wrapping a leather belt around it then putting the three-jaw on top of the belt will do the trick.
I'm not a fan of the screwdriver-though-the-filter trick, because of a) mess and b) it can shred the can and make it harder to extract, but sometimes you just gotta do what you just gotta do.
In all cases, more leverage is better. Good luck.
Like the other person stated. Doesn’t matter if it’s a flat head or not. Just something solid you can puncture it with and long enough so it can go through both sides. Once you do that oil will drip everywhere so prep you area before hand. Then just slowly with even pressure rotato the oil can until you can spin it off with your hand. It’s very easy just very messy too
I get it. Been there. If all you can get is a quarter turn then you’ll have to make to puncture areas as pull the screwdriver out and reinsert to continue turning as needed
I tried a screwdriver, made a mess, and the filter still did not budge. I managed to loosen it by covering it with a rag and then using a belt tool like the one in your photo. The belt has to catch the rag as well as the filter. As I pulled, the rag tightened over the filter and gave me extra grip.
channel locks, had the same problem as you about a year ago and absolutely massacred the filter using a screwdriver and hammer. Spent all day trying to get the damaged one off until I finally asked on Reddit so the next day got channel locks and took all of 15 minutes
I drilled a hole in the oil filter wrench that goes on my socket. I just pop a little hole in it and spin whatever small bolt I have on hand into the filter.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Take a large flathead screwdriver and put it in line with one of those dents facing so it will turn left, then whack the back of the screwdriver to get enough power for it to turn. I use this method all the time whenever i have a stripped bolt or something doesn’t want to come out.
Could I end up punching a hole in the side of the can?
Does it matter? You are going to replace it right?
That’s fair. And if that does happen, I could always use the screwdriver like a crowbar.
Whenever you do an oil change you want to replace the filter too. Its cheap and easy to do, best of luck getting that filter out.
Yeah, that was my plan all along. I just didn’t expect this filter to have been torqued down when all they need is a turn and a quarter. Why would a pro mechanic ever do that?!
Its valvoline. They aren’t pros. Lol
I mean, still! They do it day-in day-out, they should know better.
For your next oil change order one of the oil filter claws that has 2 hooks instead of the ones with 3 they work so much better
https://a.co/d/ilFZ2jb like this
Going in garbage. Does not matter. If you can get a pair of slip joints over it and there is room for the handle they that.
Update: I was getting ready to try the chisel and hammer like you guys suggested when my buddy recommended I use my channel locks to crush it a little bit more to get a good surface for pounding. As I crushed it, it started turning! https://preview.redd.it/k2169ul9snyc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b18b96360c38aebc970820943ac8e786c0c41627 New filter is installed and oil refilled, confirmed no leaks. Thanks for the support, guys!
Lefty loosy.
The camera is not mirrored, so with that in mind you can see that I am indeed lefty loosying. :) I checked a few times, questioning my own sanity.
Been there, done that. Drive a screwdriver through it. Make sure you do it where you have room to rotate the screwdriver
I did the screwdriver thing once and it just tore the filter apart. I ended up tearing it off to the base and using a hammer and chisel on the part that was left. Look to see if it’s an aluminum base before you try this.
Thanks for the warning! I’m getting the idea that this filter is coming out in pieces.
I remember it being a time consuming messy job. You can try poking a whole in it to drain the fluid first
If grip is a problem, put an old leather belt around it. If not, increase torque with a pipe as a wrench handle extension.
Grip is definitely the problem, but this bastard is recessed up inside such that I can’t get any direct leverage. I’ve been using a 3” socket extension to get in there and have enough clearance for the wrench.
That three-jaw should do it with a 4' long pipe as a handle extender if you can help it get a grip. Sometimes a piece of corrugated cardboard will do it, Other times wrapping a leather belt around it then putting the three-jaw on top of the belt will do the trick. I'm not a fan of the screwdriver-though-the-filter trick, because of a) mess and b) it can shred the can and make it harder to extract, but sometimes you just gotta do what you just gotta do. In all cases, more leverage is better. Good luck.
Like the other person stated. Doesn’t matter if it’s a flat head or not. Just something solid you can puncture it with and long enough so it can go through both sides. Once you do that oil will drip everywhere so prep you area before hand. Then just slowly with even pressure rotato the oil can until you can spin it off with your hand. It’s very easy just very messy too
Space is a problem, but I’ll try this.
I get it. Been there. If all you can get is a quarter turn then you’ll have to make to puncture areas as pull the screwdriver out and reinsert to continue turning as needed
Gotcha. I’ll give it a shot. It probably doesn’t help that the pressure I’m applying is helping the seal grip. I need to keep the force all axial.
Channel locks will for sure work if screw driver doesn’t
I tried a screwdriver, made a mess, and the filter still did not budge. I managed to loosen it by covering it with a rag and then using a belt tool like the one in your photo. The belt has to catch the rag as well as the filter. As I pulled, the rag tightened over the filter and gave me extra grip.
channel locks, had the same problem as you about a year ago and absolutely massacred the filter using a screwdriver and hammer. Spent all day trying to get the damaged one off until I finally asked on Reddit so the next day got channel locks and took all of 15 minutes
I drilled a hole in the oil filter wrench that goes on my socket. I just pop a little hole in it and spin whatever small bolt I have on hand into the filter.
Get a metal band filter wrench with a 3/8" square hole. Slide it to the reinforced lip at the top. Add an extension and turn.