Stuck Oil Filter

[Kate]

Any tips on how to remove a hard-to-reach, stuck oil filter? (Before I resort to napalm.) It's on the bottom, very back, portside.

I tried the oil filter wrench. (And have the bruises to prove it.) It didn't budge. I considered the screwdriver-through-the-filter technique, but don't think there's enough space to drive a screwdriver through or to turn it once through.

[billk2632]

Only put a screwdriver through it as a last resort - that usually just tears the filter apart, makes a mess and still doesn't get it off. Get a plyer type wrench or the cap style wrenches that fit over the top of the filter like a socket. My 4.3 had the block mounted filter port bottom like that and could be a PIA sometimes. Was always able to get it with the plyer style wrench. Coat the oil filter gasted with a little oil when you re-install and it won't stick so bad. Only hand tighten an oil filter.

OIP.jpg

[bruceb58]

Strap filter is the best for getting off stuck filters. If it starts to crush You can put strips of metal in where it starts to crush.

www.amazon.com/Tools-3149-Nylon-Strap-W ... 180&sr=8-4

These types also work well.Just make sure you order the correct size:
www.amazon.com/ARES-56040-Adjustable-Ma ... 5406f&th=1

[Kate]

". . . plyer style wrench."

Used that. Didn't work.

"If it starts to crush You can put strips of metal in where it starts to crush."

Thanks for that. Didn't think of it.

[Kate]

Finally got it off with a band swivel wrench.

Thanks for the tips.

[painkiller]

Have you tried using a strap wrench? If that doesn't work, you might want to give penetrating oil a shot. Let it soak for a while to loosen things up.

[billk2632]

Glad you got it off - a stuck filter can turn into a real mess, especially once you put a screwdriver through it and now the case is all torn up. Assuming you are re-installing the new filter, be sure to put some oil on the gasket and don't overtighten it. 1/2 a turn or so - hand tight is all you need. I don't know why people put a wrench and tighten these things down - just makes a mess for the next person doing the oil change.

[AsLan7]

Have you tried using a strap wrench? If that doesn't work, you might want to give penetrating oil a shot. Let it soak for a while to loosen things up.

So glad you found us pk.

Appreciate your input. Any pics of your Cobalt?

And welcome aboard mate.

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