Topic: Getting a stuck spin on oil filter housing off?

[mcswny]

I have one of the chrome spin on oil filters and I can get it off for the life of me? It's on there so good.

Any tips?

This one is pretty beat up so I ordered a new one, and wouldn't even mind going back to the OEM filter housing. So damaging this one more isn't a worry. Just want it off.

Thanks.

[70CB750]

Old trick is to drive big screwdriver through it and use it as a lever.  The filter housing is thin metal, screwdriver will pierce it easily, but there will be oil mess to clean.  Better be prepared for it.

[Bootlegger56]

I use a strap wrench (Snap On) to take tough ones off.  If it fails I go to the chain wrench.  I have never had one that it would not take off but sometimes it totally destroys them.   I have used heat before to loosen (semi melt) the rubber seal.  If it completely comes apart (the metal can) you may be able to tear it apart down to the threaded adapter, grab it and then turn it and whats left of the filter base out.  Its a commitment thing.....once you start the destructive process you have to keep going till it comes apart.  I have seen them require cutting off the base with a torch and bringing out the pipe wrench.  I hope yours doesn't take you that far.  I am not an advocate of driving a screwdriver through it (nothing personal 70CB750).  I am also sure there are some others on here with excellent advice.  I like the stock filter housing myself.  Good luck.

[splitt]

I've had good luck with a vise-grip chain wrench. I've done the screwdriver trick also, but like it was mentioned, it's a mess.

[70CB750]

No prob, Bootlegger56. 

People who ask for help with stuck oil filter, typically have only basic tools.  I can come up with 4 or so tools that are ready in my shop to be used on a case of hard to remove oil filter - but if you have just 20sf in your backyard and one toolbox, there is a good chance that you dont have the right tool for the job, but everybody has a screwdriver.

Just saying

[dave500]

chisel it in the undo direction on its seating shoulder,,just another option to confuse you.

[trueblue]

If you can get at it, a decent set of multigrips will undo any spin on filter, you may crush it a little, but that doesn't matter as spin ons are rubbish once they are removed anyway

[tomkimberly]

A big pair of channel locks works great.

[Steve_K]

I had a brain fade once removing the filter on my GMC van years ago.  Turned it tight instead of loose and it would not come off.  Screwdriver, strap wrench all failed.  My day got better when the metal cover and filter guts were removed.  There was a allen wrench socket there.  Easy then to remove.  Maybe, you may get lucky if the other methods fail.
Steve

[Bootlegger56]

I agree with all of the above....that's why the Snap On strap wrench was my first choice.  Its about 2.5" wide and has a 3/8 side drive for a socket wrench.  Just like everybody says...once you start wrenching on it the end result has to be removal whatever the means.

[tlbranth]

I use large channelocks. Grab at the end of the filter where it won't crush easily and squeeze just enough that it doesn't slip.

[mcswny]

Screws into the air filter and using a wrench as lever worked like a charm!

[KennyRedman]

Inquiring minds want to know- which approach did you use?!

[Vinhead1957]

+1 pierce with big screwdriver and spin

[mcswny]

Inquiring minds want to know- which approach did you use?!

I drilled in  2 big screws and stuck a wrench in between the two. Worked like a charm, albeit a little messy. Just got to make sure it's a thick enough screw so it doesn't bend and it's deep enough in the housing so it doesn't shred the aluminum.


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[Bailgang]

A big pair of channel locks works great.

+1

[mcswny]

Mmmm messy


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