Oil Filter stuck
03-24-2010 | 10:02 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Car: 1991 Pontiac Firebird Formula
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4
Oil Filter stuck
well, I'm in the process of changing my oil/filter, and its the first time i have on this car. i just spent the last 5 hours trying to get the filter off. i started by using a filter wrench, to no avail. next, i tried putting a screwdriver through it, and turn it, but the walls just bent, and it wouldn't budge. now im here, after attempting to grind through it and everything.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
thanks guys.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
thanks guys.
03-24-2010 | 10:06 PM
#2
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 25
From: Adrian, Mi, USA
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Oil Filter stuck
That looks like fun.......
Grab a hammer, and a chisel. Preferably a relatively sharp one, so it can get some bite. You don't want to cut...... Hold the chisel perpendicular on the raised ridge there on what is left of your oil filter, and give it a couple whacks to it has something to bite, then tilt the chisel, and whack it with the hammer, in the direction the should unscrew whats left there. Once it breaks loose, it should come off fairly easy.
Grab a hammer, and a chisel. Preferably a relatively sharp one, so it can get some bite. You don't want to cut...... Hold the chisel perpendicular on the raised ridge there on what is left of your oil filter, and give it a couple whacks to it has something to bite, then tilt the chisel, and whack it with the hammer, in the direction the should unscrew whats left there. Once it breaks loose, it should come off fairly easy.
03-24-2010 | 10:27 PM
#3
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 10
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: Oil Filter stuck
Is it the original filter, from the assembly line in 1991? I have never heard of an oil filter stock that bad.
Maybe you'll hafta create your own "wrench", by taking a flat/square bar & welding a couple of little studs that fit into the holes inside the filter & wrenching it from there. That way all your wrenching force would be concentrated on the center where the threads are.
Good luck!
Maybe you'll hafta create your own "wrench", by taking a flat/square bar & welding a couple of little studs that fit into the holes inside the filter & wrenching it from there. That way all your wrenching force would be concentrated on the center where the threads are.
Good luck!
03-24-2010 | 10:41 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 8
From: Chilliwack BC
Car: White 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 TPI LB9, 215 HP
Transmission: Borg-Warner T5 NWC
Axle/Gears: Borg-Warner 7.75 with 3.27 ratio
Re: Oil Filter stuck
Hello S91Formula5.7!!!
Looks like someone didn't put oil on the gasket surface before putting on the filter!!
Also must have really tightened it up with the oil filter wrench!!
You could try tack welding/jamming (welding preferred) two small deep sockets into the small holes, and then wedging a long breaker bar between them, to turn it, it'll give you the leverage that you'll need!!
Looks like someone didn't put oil on the gasket surface before putting on the filter!!
Also must have really tightened it up with the oil filter wrench!!
You could try tack welding/jamming (welding preferred) two small deep sockets into the small holes, and then wedging a long breaker bar between them, to turn it, it'll give you the leverage that you'll need!!
Last edited by 87IROC-DAN61; 03-24-2010 at 10:45 PM.
03-24-2010 | 11:19 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Car: 1991 Pontiac Firebird Formula
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4
Re: Oil Filter stuck
That looks like fun.......
Grab a hammer, and a chisel. Preferably a relatively sharp one, so it can get some bite. You don't want to cut...... Hold the chisel perpendicular on the raised ridge there on what is left of your oil filter, and give it a couple whacks to it has something to bite, then tilt the chisel, and whack it with the hammer, in the direction the should unscrew whats left there. Once it breaks loose, it should come off fairly easy.
Grab a hammer, and a chisel. Preferably a relatively sharp one, so it can get some bite. You don't want to cut...... Hold the chisel perpendicular on the raised ridge there on what is left of your oil filter, and give it a couple whacks to it has something to bite, then tilt the chisel, and whack it with the hammer, in the direction the should unscrew whats left there. Once it breaks loose, it should come off fairly easy.
Its not the original filter thank god, but it really doesnt want to come off.
I dont have a welder, but i did try your method with needlenose pliers, but they snapped. im still searching for a creative solution for a multi headed 'wrench'
ill have to try the breaker bar/ deep socket method tomorrow, and ill get back to you guys. in the meantime, im open for more ideas... and thanks for your help so far.
03-24-2010 | 11:25 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 8
From: Chilliwack BC
Car: White 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 TPI LB9, 215 HP
Transmission: Borg-Warner T5 NWC
Axle/Gears: Borg-Warner 7.75 with 3.27 ratio
Re: Oil Filter stuck
I tried that, many times with no success. i also tried heating it up first, then trying too loosen it with a hammer and chisel.
Its not the original filter thank god, but it really doesnt want to come off.
I dont have a welder, but i did try your method with needlenose pliers, but they snapped. im still searching for a creative solution for a multi headed 'wrench'
ill have to try the breaker bar/ deep socket method tomorrow, and ill get back to you guys. in the meantime, im open for more ideas... and thanks for your help so far.
Its not the original filter thank god, but it really doesnt want to come off.
I dont have a welder, but i did try your method with needlenose pliers, but they snapped. im still searching for a creative solution for a multi headed 'wrench'
ill have to try the breaker bar/ deep socket method tomorrow, and ill get back to you guys. in the meantime, im open for more ideas... and thanks for your help so far.
Good luck!!
Keep us posted!!
P.S. Don't forget to lube the sealing gasket with oil, any only hand tighten 3/4 to 1 full turn after gasket contact!!
This makes it easier to get the filter off the next time!!!
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03-25-2010 | 06:43 AM
#8
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 97
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
03-25-2010 | 07:11 AM
#9
Supreme Member
iTrader: (25)
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,357
Likes: 42
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Oil Filter stuck
Do you have friends @ a machine shop?
Because of the same issues with filters and not having enough room to get a hammer and chisel/drift in there and whack it I made these. I have them in several sizes for diff style filters (hole locations). Something like this will get the filter off:
It obviously goes in from the other way when the case is torn off but you get the idea.
Because of the same issues with filters and not having enough room to get a hammer and chisel/drift in there and whack it I made these. I have them in several sizes for diff style filters (hole locations). Something like this will get the filter off:
It obviously goes in from the other way when the case is torn off but you get the idea.
03-25-2010 | 12:46 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Car: 1991 Pontiac Firebird Formula
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4
Re: Oil Filter stuck
that would be really helpful, but i dont know anyone at a machine shop... sadly, i think im going to let this one be handled by a professional with a lift. i hate to give up, but im undertooled and i dont have enough space with my ramps to really do any damage. so thanks guys for your ideas, much appreciated
03-25-2010 | 12:50 PM
#11
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 10
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: Oil Filter stuck
Do you have friends @ a machine shop?
Because of the same issues with filters and not having enough room to get a hammer and chisel/drift in there and whack it I made these. I have them in several sizes for diff style filters (hole locations). Something like this will get the filter off:
It obviously goes in from the other way when the case is torn off but you get the idea.
Because of the same issues with filters and not having enough room to get a hammer and chisel/drift in there and whack it I made these. I have them in several sizes for diff style filters (hole locations). Something like this will get the filter off:
It obviously goes in from the other way when the case is torn off but you get the idea.
03-26-2010 | 01:52 PM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 8
From: Chilliwack BC
Car: White 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 TPI LB9, 215 HP
Transmission: Borg-Warner T5 NWC
Axle/Gears: Borg-Warner 7.75 with 3.27 ratio
Re: Oil Filter stuck
Hello S91Formula5.7!!
Don't give up, take a look at the pictures of Twin_Turbo's machine shop gizmos, "a picture is worth a 1000 words", and make something!! Use your imagination, it'll save you some money, and you'll get that great satisfaction of doing it yourself, cheaply!!
Some flat stock (metal pieces) , and some nuts, and bolts will work!!!
Have you got a wide blade putty knife????? Drill some holes in the blade, that match the holes in the filter base, and screw the bolts into the filter base, use the handle to twist the filter piece off!!!
IMAGINATION!!!!!
Don't give up, take a look at the pictures of Twin_Turbo's machine shop gizmos, "a picture is worth a 1000 words", and make something!! Use your imagination, it'll save you some money, and you'll get that great satisfaction of doing it yourself, cheaply!!
Some flat stock (metal pieces) , and some nuts, and bolts will work!!!
Have you got a wide blade putty knife????? Drill some holes in the blade, that match the holes in the filter base, and screw the bolts into the filter base, use the handle to twist the filter piece off!!!
IMAGINATION!!!!!
03-26-2010 | 03:12 PM
#13
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 36
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
You might want to try taking a hammer & chisel and split the filter base close to the threads. Do that in 2 or three places, it should release. If you happen to ruin the mount threads, you can get a new mount (by-pass) to replace this one.
03-26-2010 | 07:32 PM
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 8
From: Chilliwack BC
Car: White 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 TPI LB9, 215 HP
Transmission: Borg-Warner T5 NWC
Axle/Gears: Borg-Warner 7.75 with 3.27 ratio
Re: Oil Filter stuck
That would be too easy!!!
03-26-2010 | 07:52 PM
#16
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Car: 1978 Chevrolet impala
Engine: 350ci 300hp/356tq pace crate
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Yukon posi
Re: Oil Filter stuck
Lol be careful though! It's all fun and games 'till you air chisel a hole in your oil pan :P
03-26-2010 | 08:51 PM
#17
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,072
Likes: 12
From: Philly, PA
Re: Oil Filter stuck
The problem is always that the rubber gasket is glued onto the metal mounting surface. Key is to break the seal. I have a screwdriver that I heated and bent at 90* very close to the tip. Wedge it in there and pry that b1tch up to rip the gasket away from the metal in several places. Then have at it with a chisel and hammer to get it started with being unscrewed.
This kinda work isn't for the faint of heart. It's ugly and medieval. I know when they're stuck, they're REALLY stuck.
Advice: Getting ticked off helps. Puts you in the proper metal state for a job like this. Not so enraged you stop thinking, just angry enough you're not going to let a little piece of stamped sheet metal and a rubber gasket beat you. Some Metallica playing in the backround is absolutely appropriate for this kinda work.
So I ask.... You're not going to let an oil filter make you tuck your tail between your legs and run to your local mechanic, are you?? Well, are you?? Man up. Get that b1tch off of there yourself or your car will never respect you again. Go do it. Do it NOW.
This kinda work isn't for the faint of heart. It's ugly and medieval. I know when they're stuck, they're REALLY stuck.
Advice: Getting ticked off helps. Puts you in the proper metal state for a job like this. Not so enraged you stop thinking, just angry enough you're not going to let a little piece of stamped sheet metal and a rubber gasket beat you. Some Metallica playing in the backround is absolutely appropriate for this kinda work.
So I ask.... You're not going to let an oil filter make you tuck your tail between your legs and run to your local mechanic, are you?? Well, are you?? Man up. Get that b1tch off of there yourself or your car will never respect you again. Go do it. Do it NOW.
03-26-2010 | 10:29 PM
#18
Senior Member
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: Winchester, VA
Car: 1991 Camaro RS/1989 Vert RS
Engine: 355/350
Transmission: T-5/T-5
Axle/Gears: BW9bolt3.45posi/3.23 Posi
Re: Oil Filter stuck
What I would do is get a few big bolts and hammer them up through the holes then use a crow bar for leverage... I would make a diagram but I am too tired. Also try wd-40 it a little?
Best motivational post EVER.
The problem is always that the rubber gasket is glued onto the metal mounting surface. Key is to break the seal. I have a screwdriver that I heated and bent at 90* very close to the tip. Wedge it in there and pry that b1tch up to rip the gasket away from the metal in several places. Then have at it with a chisel and hammer to get it started with being unscrewed.
This kinda work isn't for the faint of heart. It's ugly and medieval. I know when they're stuck, they're REALLY stuck.
Advice: Getting ticked off helps. Puts you in the proper metal state for a job like this. Not so enraged you stop thinking, just angry enough you're not going to let a little piece of stamped sheet metal and a rubber gasket beat you. Some Metallica playing in the backround is absolutely appropriate for this kinda work.
So I ask.... You're not going to let an oil filter make you tuck your tail between your legs and run to your local mechanic, are you?? Well, are you?? Man up. Get that b1tch off of there yourself or your car will never respect you again. Go do it. Do it NOW.
This kinda work isn't for the faint of heart. It's ugly and medieval. I know when they're stuck, they're REALLY stuck.
Advice: Getting ticked off helps. Puts you in the proper metal state for a job like this. Not so enraged you stop thinking, just angry enough you're not going to let a little piece of stamped sheet metal and a rubber gasket beat you. Some Metallica playing in the backround is absolutely appropriate for this kinda work.
So I ask.... You're not going to let an oil filter make you tuck your tail between your legs and run to your local mechanic, are you?? Well, are you?? Man up. Get that b1tch off of there yourself or your car will never respect you again. Go do it. Do it NOW.
Best motivational post EVER.
Last edited by JTNKTZ; 03-26-2010 at 10:37 PM.
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