No oil filter tool and it's stuck. Help

[97_Raptor]

I can't get my oil filter off because it's stuck and I don't really have all that much room to work with under my car. I don't have an oil filter tool so what should I do?

 

[markGSX]

buy an oil filter wrench?

 

[97_Raptor]

I would if I had another car........

 

[BoostedBird]

Do you have a large channel lock? Or, if you are REALLY despirate, jab a screwdriver thru it. But that is only if you have tried everything else first and have a some other car as a back up just in case it don't work! I have done it twice with good results.

 

[97_Raptor]

well, could I just put the new oil in, drive up to K-Mart, buy an oil filter tool, and drive back home, then change it?

 

[Moosh]

Use a large adjustable wrench if you have it, ones that plumbers use. If you dont have that stab the oil filter with a screwdriver, its going to be messy but if you can atleast get it loose than you can use a rag to take it off. (don't cut yourself)

Moosh

 

[markGSX]

Yeah but then you've got to drain the oil again, unless you like things REALLY messy! I'd call a friend for a ride.

 

[97_Raptor]

I'll try the jabbing thing. If that doesn't work, then my neighbor is coming home shortly and he should have an oil fliter wrench, so all is good.

 

[Moosh]

If your neighbor is coming shortly than forget it man, just wait! Its not worth the mess if its just a few hours!

 

[t90tsi]

hammer a screw driver in there and turn it with the screw driver that should get it loose enough to take it off with your hand. had to do it on a car that i picked up that didnt run for 2years. i had to change it and the oil before i drove it because i didnt want to mess up a perfectly good engine.

 

[97_Raptor]

I got it off already using the "stab it" technique. Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[Flat Lined]

Make sure you lube the seal well, and hopefully it won't happen again.

 

[Keaka26]

you also dont want to over tighten the filter as it will crush the water passages in the housing, causing coolant/water to mix with your oil. Not good.

For anyone reading this, to get off a stuck filter, try holding a peice of sandpaper in you hand for extra grip to remove the filter. Works for me.