Can't remove oil filter
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Sayville New York
Can't remove oil filter
Well it has been a while since I have posted on here. I have been involved with fixing up my house and spending time with my son, I haven't had a lot of time to use the Vette. But anyway I have started to use it again, which leads me to my post. I changed the oil the other day, and when I went to remove the oil filter it would not budge. To make a very long and embarasing story short it is now completely destroyed, however still on there. I have bent and cut and distroyed the actual housing, it is barely hanging on. the top peice that sits against the engine is still there. Does anyone have any tips for me where I go from here?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
2 possibilities - (1) Some filters have threaded holes at the top of the filter inner frame. You can insert two bolts for lateral leverage. (2) I have a large set of Channel Locks that have never failed me.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Streator Illinois
And when you finally get it off and are ready to install a new one, remember to hand tighten only - don't tighten with a filter wrench.
Terry
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: Fremont,CA
Well it has been a while since I have posted on here. I have been involved with fixing up my house and spending time with my son, I haven't had a lot of time to use the Vette. But anyway I have started to use it again, which leads me to my post. I changed the oil the other day, and when I went to remove the oil filter it would not budge. To make a very long and embarasing story short it is now completely destroyed, however still on there. I have bent and cut and distroyed the actual housing, it is barely hanging on. the top peice that sits against the engine is still there. Does anyone have any tips for me where I go from here?
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 11
Worst case scenario is you have to completely remove the tin housing and paper element, leaving the "spud" screwed in the crankcase. You then use a small pipe wrench or channel locks to un-screw it. This is as bad (and messy) as it can get. Sounds like you're almost there already. The biggest reason for stuck oil filters is not over tightening, but failure to lube the gasket. A thin layer of clean grease works better than oil if the time between changes is long.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
Large channel locks should do it, next time wipe oil on the filter seal (as stated above)and have the engine warm before you remove the filter. ( turn anti-clockwise off) 
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
I would install oil filters AS SPECIFIED. Hand tight is NOT right. Most filters say to tighten 3/4 to 1 turn after contact of the gasket.
On my SRT-10, the torque is specified at 13.5 ft-lb, much tighter than hand tight. The Viper filter is about the same size and has similar threads as that on a Chevy V8 so I'd expect its assembly torque to be similar - much tighter than hand tight.
An oil filter falling off due to being too loose is a VERY bad thing.
On my SRT-10, the torque is specified at 13.5 ft-lb, much tighter than hand tight. The Viper filter is about the same size and has similar threads as that on a Chevy V8 so I'd expect its assembly torque to be similar - much tighter than hand tight.
An oil filter falling off due to being too loose is a VERY bad thing.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
If you have the whole filter broken out, then you will be able to see the bolt that holds the filter adapter into the block. Remove the whole assembly and you can have it on your bench to work on ... much easier.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,540
Likes: 51
From: Lexington Park Maryland
Just an FYI......, K&N Oil Filters have a 1 inch bolt head welded to the filter for easy removal. I haven't had to use an oil filter wrench in a long time. Please folks......, don't start another "which filter is better/best" thread here..... Baldwin, NAPA, AC Delco are all great and Fram is awful etc.. etc.....
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Just an FYI......, K&N Oil Filters have a 1 inch bolt head welded to the filter for easy removal. I haven't had to use an oil filter wrench in a long time. Please folks......, don't start another "which filter is better/best" thread here..... Baldwin, NAPA, AC Delco are all great and Fram is awful etc.. etc.....
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville Iowa
There is a company(Lisle, Ithink) that makes a filter wrench with a leverage system on the bottom that tightens down on the filter (the harder you pull, the tighter it gets) I've had good luck getting stubborn ones off with this, and you don't wind up with a puddle of oil on the floor like you tend to if you drive a screwdriver or a punch through the filter.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 2
From: Oak Ridge NC
Just an FYI......, K&N Oil Filters have a 1 inch bolt head welded to the filter for easy removal. I haven't had to use an oil filter wrench in a long time. Please folks......, don't start another "which filter is better/best" thread here..... Baldwin, NAPA, AC Delco are all great and Fram is awful etc.. etc.....
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
When all else fails
I have had issues like that before on other vechicles, where you can't get the oil filter off and you can't get the oil filter wrech you need to fit in very tight places. This might still work for you also with the filter mangled. Take your oil filter wrench and put it in a vice to bend/ twist it where you can actually get it up on what ever filter you have left hanging to the motor. I have one I use everytime I change the oil in my wife's truck. I use a little grease on the gasket when putting the new filter back on too, everytime. When you do that, though, the gasket will stick to the block when removing the old filter, but it comes off easily. When the gasket is not on the filter when you remove it, it will be stuck to the block. It did not disappear 
. I keep a little acid brush in a grease container for just that purpose too. I always tighten them up {bear paw} hand tight, and then about a 1/4 turn after that.
Have a great day,
Ray
. I keep a little acid brush in a grease container for just that purpose too. I always tighten them up {bear paw} hand tight, and then about a 1/4 turn after that.Have a great day,
Ray