5 minute oil filter change!!!!!!

[carrierdave]

I changed my oil pump to the screw on cartridge type some time ago and just recently looked to change the oil.

After about an hour messing around trying to turn the canister to get it off, I ended up using the old tried and trusted method ? I hammered a screw driver through it and then used that to twist the canister off.

So my question ? to those with the screw on canister oil filters ? What?s the best tool to remove the filter and can it be used from above or below the car?

Thanks

Dave

[hartley hare]

smear of oil on o ring,
and hand tight only..

[john.p.clegg]

Dave

Hard to describe but a three fingered ratchet type thingy that fits my half inch square drive,used from below,tightens on the sides of the filter........something like this.....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-LEG-2-WAY-O ... 2ca&_uhb=1

John

[carrierdave]

Hi John - That looks ideal. I had a tool which is a bit like an oversized pipe grip, however that just creased/dented the oil filter.
I always use oil or grease on the o ring but for some reason the location and position of the oil filter makes it harder to remove.

At just a fiver its certainly worth giving it a go.

Thanks

[prezoom]

Almost all of the oil filters I have on my cars, have the bottom stamped in a pattern that can use a very large stamped socket type wrench. Over the years, I have accumulated several different sizes from peanut sized to large. The medium sized one seems to fit the spin on filter for the Elan. I use a stubby 3/8" ratchet wrench, or with an extension if needed. No collapsing of the filter or poking holes to remove.

Rob Walker
26-4889

[Harvey]

Some years ago I purchased a filter removal wrench from Griots Garage (www.griotsgarage.com). A recent catalog shows they still sell it for $12.99. As the Brits say, "It works a treat." The adjustable wrench grabs the filter securely allowing you to easily loosen it enough so you can spin it off by hand.

[reb53]

I've got one that's very similar to the one described by John.
Makes things so much easier than the old "hammer a screwdriver through it" method.
Also, not nearly as messy...

Ralph.

[peterako]

I use a variation of John's.

Works a treat, saves knuckles and keeps language clean.

Peter

[Chancer]

I have made, bought and used many types over the years including chain and strap wrenches before finaly finding the best tool to date, the one referred to above:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-LEG-2-WAY-O ... 2ca&_uhb=1.

My car has an old fashioned cartridge filter with a thin plastic filter casing and its always a real bugger to remove even when hand tightened the time before, this tool removes it without damaging it which surprised me.

I have seen the solid tubular octagon drive socket types and they are certainly superior but you need thye right one for each vehicle whereas the above one has fitted all so far.

[carrierdave]

Thanks for all your comments. I too am sold on the three leg wrench device - it looks ideal to use from under the car and because it locates at three points I think there is less likelihood of the canister collapsing as you try and remove it.

I don?t tend to change the oil every year because of the issues with getting the filter off but hopefully with this tool I will retain the skin on my knuckles; cut down on the foul language and say to the wife with confidence ? ?I?ll just be 5 minutes?. Well maybe not the last one as there is always just one more job to do!!

[Chancer]

My 72 Elan has an oilpump with a cartridge filter within a thickwall casing removed by unscrewing a hexagon fitting, arent they all like that or have they gradually been converted to canister oil filters?

Is that type of oil pump and filter still available, mine hasnt been changed in 30 odd years!!!

[john.p.clegg]

Chancer

I think it's about time you changed your filter.....

John

[RogerFrench]

I've used one of the strap-type wrenches with 1/2" square drive for yonks. Works very well.

Like http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Design-ATD-5208-Filter-Wrenches/dp/B000OUZBTQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1346165053&sr=8-3&keywords=filter+strap+wrench.

Cheap as Chips, very effective.

[Galwaylotus]

I've used one of the strap-type wrenches with 1/2" square drive for yonks. Works very well.

Like http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Design-ATD-5208-Filter-Wrenches/dp/B000OUZBTQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1346165053&sr=8-3&keywords=filter+strap+wrench.

Cheap as Chips, very effective.

Ditto.

[Chancer]

Chancer

I think it's about time you changed your filter.....

John

Nah!!!

It gets run through with flushing oil once a decade the rest of the time the engine doesnt turn.