cheat for removing an oil filter from a hard to reach spot

shenrie · 03-20-2013, 06:20 AM

no clue if anyone has done this in the past, but i just discovered a cheap and easy way to remove an oil filter that just wouldnt come loose yesterday.

not an issue with the van, as some actual thought was put into the location of the filter on it. this was on my 89 civic rt4wd. i post this here cause i know many of the little cars have thier filters tucked away in hard to reach places.

on this car, the intermediate shaft keeps me from being able to use a filter removing tool or putting a screw driver through it and twist like you normally can with most cars. there just not enough space. i also use a oil filter from a 88 isuzu trooper (biggest filter i could find that fits on motor in stocker spot), so its bigger around and a little harder to get a hold of. well after crawling around trying to get this stupid thing off trying the normal methods of wiping it down really good and using a rubber glove with no luck. just couldnt get a grip on the filter. so as i lay there in a puddle of oil cursing, i think, hey what if i spray 3m adhesive on my hand? so walked inside and sprayed down my hand, let it get tacky, and crawled back under the car and bam, pos came right off. was still a real bitch, but i got it off

hopefully, it helps at least one of you in the future.

Gnarvan · 03-20-2013, 08:18 AM

How did you remove the 3m adhesive from your hand?

shenrie · 03-20-2013, 08:43 AM

the oil that spilled out everywhere when the filter was removed got all over my hand and dissipated the adhesive completely. washed hands with regular dishsoap afterwards. i expected a mess and was planning on using laquor thinner or goo gone, but didnt need to.

86Scotty · 03-20-2013, 09:22 AM

One thing I like about Fram oil filters is the grippy stuff they dip em in. I can't believe ANY oil filters are made without it!
Anyway, sounds like you invented your own.

shenrie · 03-20-2013, 09:33 AM

^^^ i totally agree. if the filter would have had that crap on the end, i dont think it would have been an issue. however the filters i use (wix) do not have the dip, so i found myself in a pickle.

i think the reason it was on so tight is because i installed it before the motor was in the car and had none of the components around it. i installed it so i didnt get any crap inside during assembly. with nothing in the way, its easy to get it too tight.

larrie · 03-20-2013, 05:54 PM

I suppose you dip the back end of the new filter Plastic Dip prior to install.

**BroncoHauler** · 03-20-2013, 06:07 PM

Personally I have a bad habit of over tightening oil filters. I must have paranoia of under tightening one.

Herb

86Scotty · 03-20-2013, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larrie

I suppose you dip the back end of the new filter Plastic Dip prior to install.

That's a great idea! Would it work, anyone? I don't know much about Plastidip but am curious if it could handle the prolonged heat.

SCBrian · 03-21-2013, 03:46 AM

When this thread started I thought about sheet sandpaper. Take some course sand paper and wrap the filter at the bottom then try to turn. Might not even need to wrap all the way around. When installing the new filter just use your hand so you don't scratch your shiny new one. Of course I haven't tried it but it was a thought. And personally I'm in Herb's category, probably over tightening all of the filters I install.

shenrie · 03-21-2013, 06:27 AM

^^^ when i posted this in our local motorsports forum sandpaper did come up, but that really wouldnt have worked for my application. another guy used a leather belt. both great ideas.

and i dont think plastidip would work in this application either. once it gets oil soaked, youd be in the same boat. I do think it would handle prolonged heat though. ive seen guys autox on plastidipped wheels and you know the temps from the brakes get those things scorching hot. especially on a 95-100 degree day...which we get a lot of.

i have this phobia of my oil filter coming off at a race and oiling down the track. ive seen it happen to others and the crap people get from it seems to be never ending. might be more of a drag racing thing, but everytime i am putting on a filter, i remember the day a local guy i know had a filter come off at the dragstrip and how much BS he got from it. makes me tighten that filter just a little more every time, lol.