Oil Filter Stuck

Hi,

Doing a spot of Sunday jobs, including servicing my MGF. Everything was going well until it was time to remove the oil filter, it's stuck.

I bought the car requiring some TLC and it obviously hasn't been serviced for a while prior to purchase, I don't know if that is the cause of it?

All I've managed to achieve with the filter removal tool is bending the filter and damaging my hand after an hour of trying to remove it.

Any idea's anyone?..

Last resort.

It's messy.

Belt a a big screwdriver straight through the filter. Do it at an appropriate angle so you can apply a turning force in the correct direction.

David Aiketgate wrote: Last resort.

It's messy.

Belt a a big screwdriver straight through the filter. Do it at an appropriate angle so you can apply a turning force in the correct direction.

Hmm I'll give it ago, I'm worried if that doesn't work I'm left with half a filter attached :lol:.

An effective but messy solution is to hammer an old screw driver right through the filter then use it as a tommy bar. If you decide to do this, have something to catch the oil and make the holes well away from the screw on end of the filter. You may need to make the holes a few times after each turn if it is on really tight.

I now use a motorbike filter socket rather than a strap to remove the filter.

Richard

It's quite common for an oil filter to be very tight, even if its only been on for a year, try to move your filter wrench as close to the housing end as possible as the metal of the filter is stronger close by the rolled edge and less chance of it bucking under the force.

The other methods are a tad brutal but hamming an old screwdriver through the filter and using it as a lever is one way, another method is with a blunt chisel and hammer on the rolled edge of the filter; just take care not to damage the aluminium housing; and make sure you are unscrewing in the correct direction.

You will get there in the end by one of the methods above and brute force; maybe a pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands.

When fitting your new filter; not too tight and lightly lube the rubber seal as it may well be yourself who is removing it next time.

Brian

Daft question but are you turning it the right way .You need to turn it anti clock wise but as you look at turn clock wise .I had problem with mine you best buy really good oil filter tool than using screw drive.

Just same problem as you a few weeks ago and hit with screw drive it work a bit but ending buying a better oil filter remover the end oil every where

Thanks for all the advice chaps.

Was about the hammer a screwdriver through it but I decided to try give it one more go.

I finally got it off with brute force, I've never strained so hard in my life!.. :lol:. It was nearly bent 90 degrees when it started to turn.

Brute Force, nephew of Blunt Force-Trauma - never fails especially when angry.

Richard

most people are guilty of over tightening filters......i to am guilty of that.......ive had to remove oil filters on engines built only a week before by myself and ruddy hell thats tight id say.....................even with a lubricated seal they can stick fast :dry:

Your only meant to do them up "hand" tight, that is no more force than you could apply with bare hands.

Cobber wrote: Your only meant to do them up "hand" tight, that is no more force than you could apply with bare hands.

The previous owner obviously didn't get the memo :lol:.

Doesnt hand tight depend alot on the hands that tighten it?..............