I just cannot remove the oil filter...

[PoorMansRacing]

Here's a good ole trick I've used in the past - get a hammer and screwdriver. Hammer the screwdriver through the side of the oil filter and then rotate it, acting as if the screwdriver is a lever.

[dpesce]

Originally Posted by edsbreezy

Those are the ones I used to use in the shop. $4 or something from Harbor Freight. Works like a champ on these filters. Fit in better than the band/strap ones IMHO.

I tend to believe that Filters get over-tightened in the shop for a few basic reasons:

1) most oil change personnel are between the ages of 16-20, I was. Kids this old have probably not learned what a PITA over-tightening can be when your cramped under your car with no lift.

2) An overtightened filter is much better than a leaky one and a customer comeback -- could equal lost job. Now I know a properly tightened filter will not leak but I would presume fear of leaking is a reason enough.

3) THIS IS AN AWFUL ONE but a friend at Jiffy Lube said those fools used to tighten filters with wrenches/straps etc because their hands would get tired. No way to gauge tightness, possibility of ruining seal, filter housing etc... bad idea!

[cycleboy]

Originally Posted by supramkivtt2jz

just a guess, but im assuming you didnt punch a hole in it and let it drain first.

in these cars, i doubt itll be messy at all.

No, I did punch it through and drain it, but the filter was sitting above other parts, hence messiness!

[racecat]

Originally Posted by cycleboy

No, I did punch it through and drain it, but the filter was sitting above other parts, hence messiness!

I drained the oil pan first and didn't have any mess at all.

[cycleboy]

Originally Posted by racecat

I drained the oil pan first and didn't have any mess at all.

Yes, that's my normal process, drain the pan first.

But on my 2002 (and a lot of other cars I've dealt with) the filter was at an angle such that not all of the oil will ever drain out of it - unlike the 86 where it conveniently is in the perfect spot and oriented so it drains.

[racecat]

Originally Posted by cycleboy

Yes, that's my normal process, drain the pan first.

But on my 2002 (and a lot of other cars I've dealt with) the filter was at an angle such that not all of the oil will ever drain out of it - unlike the 86 where it conveniently is in the perfect spot and oriented so it drains.

Oh yes, that makes sense. Still unfortunate!

[tzhu07]

Originally Posted by retoocs

I learned by lesson with my Legacy GT, let the dealer do the first oil change. The oil filter and the drain plugs were probably installed by gorillas.

I used one of these now to get filters loose.

I ended up buying this tool. Haven't actually tried it yet though.

[PMok]

Originally Posted by BRZTimeTrials

Here's a good ole trick I've used in the past - get a hammer and screwdriver. Hammer the screwdriver through the side of the oil filter and then rotate it, acting as if the screwdriver is a lever.

I had to do this for my first at-home oil change - but I let the power tools do the work for me. Pulled out the cordless drill, drilled a hole into side of the filter, and inserted screwdriver. Easy.

[troek]

all the "hand exercises" ive been doing since my teenage years are paying off as mine came right off with my hands.

[Black Tire]

I use one of these:

https://www.channellock.com/209-Oil-...PVC-Plier.aspx

I think I bought it at the Home Depot for less. I grab the filter from the top because I use a FilterMag that restricts access.