How to deal with a stuck oil filter
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- Issue Time
- Mar 15,2024
Summary
Oil filters protect your engine from wear and premature wear by removing dirt, carbon and metal particles from the oil.
Over-tightening and improper lubrication are two of the most common causes of a stuck oil filter.
To remove a stuck oil filter, you can use an oil filter wrench, a screwdriver, or sandpaper.
Oil filters protect your engine from wear and premature wear. It removes dirt, carbon and metal particles from the oil, preventing damage to bearings, journals and cylinder walls.Changing the oil filter is a routine task when changing your oil.While changing your oil is very simple, it can be a bit time-consuming, especially if your oil filter is stuck.
What causes a stuck oil filter?
There are usually two reasons for a stuck oil filter: over-tightening and improper lubrication.
One of the most common mistakes DIYers make when replacing an oil filter is using the same torque as the lug nuts. In fact, the engine oil filter requires less torque. It's also important to lubricate the new oil filter gasket to prevent it from sticking to the engine. The oil filter should only be hand-tightened and needs to be dry enough to have a firm grip when installed.
But depending on the filter brand, even if the filter is installed correctly, the rubber seal may expand slightly, which may make the filter difficult to remove.
How to remove a stuck oil filter?
There are several tools that can help you clear a stuck oil filter. The good news is you probably already have them in your garage.
Using an oil filter wrench
Using an oil filter wrench is the most common way to remove a stuck oil filter.
Make sure the engine is warmed up before trying to unscrew the filter. Then, spray some WD-40 or other penetrant spray to loosen the filter.
There are two types of oil filter wrenches you can use, depending on the specifications of your vehicle. The first one is mounted directly on top of the filter cover. The second type is for paper oil filters and allows you to remove the cap from the housing.
If the wrench slips, use sandpaper or valve abrasive
Sandpaper is arguably the cheapest material for unscrewing a stuck oil filter, but valve abrasive is a cheap, rough gray paste that can be purchased at almost any parts store and works just as well good. It also works on some round bolts and sliding Philips head screws.
Use sandpaper or VG compound grit adhered to the filter to loosen it. You can perform this method manually or with the help of an oil filter wrench.
Use a screwdriver
Many DIYers consider the screwdriver method as a last resort when trying to remove a stuck oil filter because of the risk of the old filter breaking off. This can make it more difficult to remove the stuck part.
Using a screwdriver can also create a mess because hot oil can escape from underneath the vehicle. So if you plan on using this method, be sure to have some oil pans and mats around.
To remove a stuck oil filter with a screwdriver, drive the flat blade as high as possible into the old filter and turn it counterclockwise. In extreme cases, some people will push a screwdriver through the filter and then use the screwdriver as leverage. However, this is a last resort.
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