Oil filter Disaster

[grantikal]

I am having a hard time loosening my 97's oil filter. The two common tools I used were the oil filter loop wrench and the the filter pliers. None has worked and in stead has damaged the filter, it either crunched it or punctured it. Can someone suggest a tool or method of loosening this damn thing? I don't want to damage it further and i heard about the screwdriver through the cylinder method but i am worried if that tears the casing, then I know I will be in deep crap....

Thanks for any suggestions...

 

[ELVATO]

Filters are cheap. If it comes down to it, do the screw driver method. Motorcraft filters are like 3 bucks at Walmart. I had to do this for my parents' PSD F250. After that, I just ended up getting bigger pliers to put more leverage on.

As a side note, who tightened the filter last? I usually just hand tighten them.

 

[grantikal]

the previous owner, he told me he took it to big O tires to get it done. this is actually my first oil change on the truck. Also, i agree hand turning is probably the best way to do it.
I hope i dont make it worse.. Thanks VATO

 

[tonydiv]

I've had to actually chisel them off with a hammer and chisel on the rolled flange.

Moving the loop wrench to the very base will keep it from crushing. You could also slip a piece of pipe on the wrench handle to get more leverage. PB Blaster on the gasket could help.

 

[grantikal]

I like this suggestion "PB Blaster"
i will swoop by after work and get a can.
I will update later today.
crossing my fingers!

I've had to actually chisel them off with a hammer and chisel on the rolled flange.

Moving the loop wrench to the very base will keep it from crushing. You could also slip a piece of pipe on the wrench handle to get more leverage. PB Blaster on the gasket could help.

 

[Eric]

Someone did not lube the gasket and installed it too tight. I have used a huge pair of Channel Lock pliers (16" version) and that has never failed on the most difficult of filters. Keep in mind it's a one shot deal as it will cave in the filter so no driving it after trying and failing to remove.

 

[grantikal]

I tried the smaller size pliers and it punctured it. I drive the Expy to work on Fridays and i hate to miss doing so tomorrow. I love my Expy, makes me feel superior to all...

Someone did not lube the gasket and installed it too tight. I have used a huge pair of Channel Lock pliers (16" version) and that has never failed on the most difficult of filters. Keep in mind it's a one shot deal as it will cave in the filter so no driving it after trying and failing to remove.

 

[Remo]

It's already been said, but here is what I would do...

Use either the loop wrench or the pliers.
Use the tool at the base of the oil filter near the engine.
Use a piece of pipe on the handle for extra leverage.
If that can't do it, I'm not sure what to try next.

Once you get it off and go to install the new one...
Make sure you put some fresh oil on the seal before installing it.
Put it on hand-tight only. Do not tighten it with a wrench or pliers.

Good Luck!

 

[Boomer]

Most filters are 3/4 or 1 turn past the point of first contact. Prior to lubing the gasket I take a permanent black marker and draw a line from the middle of the filter outward. This way you have a reference point where you started from to achieve the 3/4 or 1 turn. Yep I am a virgo.

 

[ShalloWater]

I use one of these on a socket extension with a u-joint.

 

[grantikal]

I got something similar to this but it was so tight the ratchet stripped the center of it.

I use one of these on a socket extension with a u-joint.

 

[grantikal]

Thank you all for the suggestions!
A buddy helped me out and together we were able to removed it. We had to removed some screws from the front bumper guard and moved it out of the way in order to get better leverage and push rather than pull counter clock wise but it was still a struggle. Finally, we had to go to the last method and punctured a screw driver through the filter. That worked but the SOB was so tight that it had to be turned almost a full revolution in order for it to be unscrewed by hand. Indeed this was a ***** to remove but it got done..I lubed the new filter with fresh oil and tighten it by hand. I have the bloody knuckles to prove it

 

[ELVATO]

Ah, yes, nothing like bloddy knuckles filled with used motor oil to prove your manliness.

On that note, I am not happy with Ford's liberal use of sharp plastic. I somehow always manage to get a cut when changing out my oil.