So I was changing my oil this evening. It was getting late 'cause I also changed my plugs. The last time I changed the filter, I put the RB oil temp/press adaptor on. This is an aluminum piece that sits on top of where your filter goes and then the filter goes on top of that. Makes a tight place tighter.

Well, I remember maybe overtightening the filter after putting on the adapter, but thought nothing of it. Tonight, I put my oil filter socket on top of the filter, ran up my extentions and seated my socket. Lefty loosy and, Viola, the socket just spun on the top of the filter. Damn.

I tried several things like trying to jam a rag in the socket, then SANDPAPER (dont try this it dont work), then I desided to resort to the screwdriver through the filter technique; a technique that I dont like.

That didnt work either. The screwdriver through the top just spun in the metal and there is no space to hammer the screwdriver through, let alone spin the filter. Then I tryed a crowbar. This just mangled the top of the filter. As time went on, I felt this heavy pressure coming down on my shoulders. It is that weight that lets you realized that you are really fucked this time. And for such a simple thing.

Then I had my epiphany.

I simply drilled a small hole in the side of my oil filter socket so that I could put the socket on top of the stripped filter and then hammer a screw through the hole into the filter. I used a long screwdriver and held the screw on the end with electrical tape. After I tapped it in, I screwed it the rest of the way in. Then the filter came off just like normal.

All praise my genius!

 

Next time try a K&N filter. For one it is one of the best filters out there, and it has a 1" bolt welded to the top of it for easy removal.

 

oh I like that bolt idea ...welded to the top.

 

the oil filter socket/cap tool never works. it's friggin' junk. you need to have the right tools to do the right job. spend a couple bucks more to save you the head ache.

i've been telling people all the time to get the claw type filter wrenches. they're adjustable to most import filter sizes, so one will do the job. many places carry these:

Sears
Snap-on
Matco adj. jaw wrench

the matco one is the one i have. i have NEVER had ANY problem taking off an oil filter. it's the best!

 

I wipe the filter off with a clean rag then use a rubber pad used for opening jars. Too easy!

 

I know theres an even better way !

Just take the whole engine OUT ! Im PRETTY SURE after that, you can remove the filter with just bare hands (as long as the filter/your hands is clean with no oil on it )

:P :P :P :P

 

this needs to be a STICKY i have lots of tools... and the damn oil filter has always been an issue...

off to sears i go...

THANKS DAN

beers

 

anytime...you should write up your opinion on these types of filter wrenches after you used one. then maybe people will start to believe me.

 

I bought one like the Sears/SnapOn one from AutoZone for my first oil change. Works Great.

 

Thanks! I appreciate this idea as an option.

I have at times been very desperate to get the damned filter off. Very colorful language has resulted...

The faceted socket type filter wrenches seems to slip off the top and mangle the filter.

I have been up though the punch the screwdriver through the filter too.

Finally at the auto store, looking for a brainstorm, I came across a strap wrench (that uses a strap wrapped around the filter and driven with a ratchet and extension). The strap wrench pulled out the mangled filter with no problem. I mean the flter was so mangled that it could NOT slip!

Now I count the number of partial turns I put on the filter after scratching top (on black Mazda filters) or a marker line on Mobile One filters, and it comes off smoothly after 3000 miles.

 

Yes, that is the best tool you could have for any rotary.

 

Yup. All my 8 gets is the K&N Hard Drive

 

I picked up one of these at Autozone. Worked like a charm.

 

hmmmm, if you dont overtighten the filter, you should be able to get it off by hand. i have been doing all my own oil changes since my first civic, and have never had to use anything other than my hand.

 

Wow! You must have small hands. Or havent changed oil on an 8.


Gone for a week and THEN I get replies. That must be the way.

Thanks Dan. I Definitely am going to get my hands on one of those.

 

Kudos to CarbonRX8. The side-screw idea sounds like an excellent alternative to the BFS.

 

no, no small hands, im 6'7" 270 lbs. done every oil and filter change since i switched to full synth rp

 

hmm, i dont know where you get your info from, but from bobistheoilguy.com K&N actually some of the WORST oil filters out there. OEM mazda is MUCH better than those overpriced junkers.

Personally I rock a Purolator PureOne.

Rated one of the best, and smaller to help with the whole space problem.

 

i can stick my hand down in there and get it out the oil filter.

 

Well, I am impressed. I couldnt even get my hand down in there to thread the adapter bolt for the oil temp/press housing. While I dont doubt you, I cant even see how you did it. But I have been wrong b4. Lots.

 

Thanks! :blushes:


EDIT: wait. What is a BFS???

 

+1

 

BFH = big ******' hammer...so i'm guessing BFS = big ******' screwdriver.

 

If you can't get it off with your hand it's on way too tight. Hand tight all the way and then a 1/4 turn for good measure. I've done hundrends of oil changes with no problems. I had to do the screwdriver things before on other cars b/c some idiot decided to test his strength. You don't need all these freakin Snap On tools and vice grips. If you can't get your hand in there then your either too fat or have no manual dexterity whatsoever.