Oil filter wrench

[Dutchboy]

Hi,

 

Does anybody know the size of the end cap oil filter wrench (the cap type that fit on your socket ratchet) that fits the OEM Subaru filters for the standard EJ22 or EJ25 engines from the '90s (i.e. non 6cyl) ?

 

Thanks,

 

Hank Jedema

Jedema@bns.pitt.edu

[myles]

Grab an oil filter off the shelf of your favo(u)rite auto parts store and see which wrench fits By the way, on the 2.5l there's enough room to use a strap-type wrench.

[jimmyberka]

I also just used a strap wrench on my 2.2 l '90 legacy wagon. Put a rag around the filter if the strap wrench is too big like it was for mine.

[SevenSisters]

Originally posted by myles

Grab an oil filter off the shelf of your favo(u)rite auto parts store and see which wrench fits

 

That's the quickest way and you know it's gonna work.

[99obw]

Some people disagree with me, but I was tought that if you need a wrench you are putting it on too tight.

[robm]

When you grab the filter to check the wrench size, make sure they are the SAME BRAND OF FILTER! I bought my wrench at Canadian Tire, which sells Fram filters. The Fram filter was different size than the Purolator one I had on the car.

 

And using a wrench to remove it doesn't necessarily mean the filter went on too tight. It may mean the filter is in a really awkward spot, where you can't get proper torque on it by hand. Also, the gaskets tend to cook onto the car, that is why they should be lubricated before putting them on. Also, the Subarus have a pretty large diameter filter. That large diameter gasket resists removal more than a smaller one. I never had a problem with my Corolla, but the Subaru ineeds a wrench for removal. More gasket, more awkward.

[rweddy]

Originally posted by 99obw

Some people disagree with me, but I was tought that if you need a wrench you are putting it on too tight.

 

You are absolutely correct. You should only turn the filter 1/4 to 1/2 turn after rubber makes contact. Over tightening is just as bad as under-tightening.

[SevenSisters]

Most filters I've used say to tighten 3/4 turn after contacting the gasket. I put a big rubber band over them and tighten by hand to the percribed amount but I sure need help getting them off. Maybe there too tight, but I've never had one fall off.

[Dutchboy]

Thanks for all your information. I will wait unil I receive the OEM filter in the mail before I buy the wrench. As was pointed out the sizes of different brands can sometimes vary. So it may be a decent guess to pick a standard aftermarket filter of the shelf, put I don't want to buy the wrong size wrench for the OEM filter as a result of it. I will post the size once I find out.

 

I like to use these type of wrenches. Not to torque the h#ll out of my filter. Even with a best wrench you can still give the filter half or 3/4 of a turn after contact. I like them just because they work well and seem to be the right tool for the job.

 

Hank

[sdderr]

I know most Subys use the same filter size, but like some have pointed out, different mfrs have different sizes. I finally found a collapsing filter remover; it is a spring loaded two sided affair that is driven by a 3/8" socket wrench. You spread it slightly to get onto the filter; turn the socket ccw and it tightens to grip the filter to remove it. This way it fits any oil filter (within reason; probably won't fit a Kenworth) and you don't end up with a collection of filter sockets that fit nothing you currently have, as I did.

[Tiny Clark]

My brother has that type of expandable filter wrench, and it works pretty good.

 

Since I use latex exam gloves, mine come off by hand, because like some of the other posts, I don't overtighten 'em.

[Setright]

The only time you need a wrench to loosen an oil filter is the FIRST time you do it! After that, you only tighten them with a firm grip by hand and they come off by hand in the future - don't forget to smear fresh oil on the rubber seal.

 

Oh, and save yourself some money, bang a screwdriver into the filter housing and use that to rotate it off. Not elegant, not clean, but effective.

[NOMAD327]

The wrenches that are pressed out of thin steel seem to work a bit better than the ones that are made out of hard plastic. I have both kinds and prefer the steel. One store chain will sell one style and another store will sell the other. Usually a single store will not sell both kinds.

[robm]

Re: the rude, crude screwdriver method:

 

I have resorted to that one, but I really hate doing it. It is an all-or-nothing deal, and I have actually had the screwdriver tear its way around the filter, it was on so tight! When the end of the screwdriver hits the frame, or other obstruction, that is it. And it is kind of hard to drive to the store and buy the tool you should have used in the first place with big holes in the oil filter....

[Dutchboy]

OK, when I received my original Subaru filter, it measured 80mm. An end cap oil filter wrench 80mm fits indeed perect. The aftermarket filter that was installed on my car before was a 76mm (so there clearly is a difference for filters from different manufacturers). However, I do have to admit that for these cars a filter wrench is hardly necessary, since access is so easy. I used to own a Saab before where, even with a wrench, bloody knuckles were hard to avoid.

 

 

Hank Jedema