I got the car 3 months ago and decided to do an oil change today. Whoever last put the oil filter on overtightened it. And now I have the bottom part of the filter in my hands and the flange is stuck. Does anybody know of a good way to get this thing out or am I going to have to have the car towed?

Thanks,
Matt

 

Take a screwdriver and a hammer and CAREFULLY tap the part of the filter that is still on the engine. That should help to get it off. Make sure the gasket comes off too.

 

My question is.. What in gods name did you use to take the filter off with?

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89 iroc-z 305 tbi
k&n filtercharger, open element air filter. nuffin' else

 

Oil filter wrench...which is probably what was used to install the blessed thing. I used all of my brute strength (for a 5ft 3in 115lb weakling) and the thing split at the top. After that everytime I used the wrench it would just rip it off the flange. This will be the last Fram oil filter this car ever sees.

Matt

 

Don't take this the wrong way.

Which direction did you turn the filter to take it off?

To remove the filter you need to go in a counter-clockwise direction when you are looking up at the bottom of the filter.

Again, if you went the correct direction, don't take it the wrong way---I've done way worse!
jms

 

Opposite direction of the arrow...right?

Matt

 

I don't recall an arrow. Just go in a counter-clockwise direction when you are laying under it looking straight up at the filter (or what remains of it).

I've had tough ones myself. The long screwdriver trick mentioned in one of the above posts does work but remember ---counterclockwise.
jms

 

Wish that would work. The only part of the filter remaining is the flange. The very top part that is blocked now by the engine block. I think what I'm going to do is drill holes parallel to the oil filter adapter and try and pop it off there.

Matt

 

The flange has holes in it, you should be able to get in there from at least one spot and tap a screwdriver with a hammer against the holes in the flange in the correct direction to get it off of there.

 

Hammer, chisel, and some patience will remove it.

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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro

 

Funny.
And I popped in here to ask if you had used a Fram. They suck.

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"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear."

-Thomas Jefferson

 

Ok...got the little sucker off. Required a hammer, a chisel, and a pry bar. Now the oil filter adapter threads got stripped to he\\ and I'm on my way tomorrow to buy a new adapter. At least I got that thing off. A huge relief.

Matt