Hey guys -

 

I'm starting the prep work on Freebiemobile. I've got the oil drained, the gas drained, the air filter replaced, and the battery ready to be hooked up.

 

Unfortunately, I've run across a bit of a snag... the oil filter doesn't seem to want to come off.

 

I've sprayed WD-40 in the general vicinity of the old filter's threads (worked on the oil drain plug, figured "why not?"... cleaned all the oily gunk off the filter, tried a strap-style filter wrench with no luck, and I even went out and got the ratchet attachment for this filter, but it just slowly spins around the end of the filter, not actually moving it.

 

Suggestions?

I've used a screwdriver for the really stubborn filters. Phillips type, long.

 

Pierce the side of the filter, shove the screwdriver all the way through the other side so it sticks out an inch or so. Turn using the screwdriver..it destroys the filter, but who cares? Be prepared for a mess under the car, best to work in dirt or have plenty of covering for your floor.

 

Just my 2 bucks

I've used a screwdriver for the really stubborn filters. Phillips type, long.

 

Pierce the side of the filter, shove the screwdriver all the way through the other side so it sticks out an inch or so. Turn using the screwdriver..it destroys the filter, but who cares? Be prepared for a mess under the car, best to work in dirt or have plenty of covering for your floor.

 

Just my 2 bucks

 

I'm trying to avoid that... last time I tried that, the filter STILL wouldn't come off, so the engine was unusable.

Go to your parts store and get some oil filter pliers. They have serrated teeth that dig into the filter.

Go to your parts store and get some oil filter pliers. They have serrated teeth that dig into the filter.

 

actually had a pair lying around.

 

now I just have a really mangled filter, still attached. <sigh>... I guess I have to try puncturing it now....

actually had a pair lying around.

 

now I just have a really mangled filter, still attached. <sigh>... I guess I have to try puncturing it now....

 

And now I have a punctured, mangled filter and an oily, bent screwdriver.

 

YAAAY!

 

Project done... if I can't get the filter off, and if the filter is punctured, the engine is useless to me... I'm not equipped or competent for engine swaps.

try slightly heating the filter, then cooling the whole thing with penetrating oil, so as to get the oil deep inside. propane torch? (have fire extinguisher handy)

 

Other things I've seen done have been to make a turnquet style wrap around the filter in the direction of loosening, inside the wrap have a breaker bar tied in to essentially make you own filter strap, with some good clean fabric, and the already gnarld filter this may work...

 

worst case, just replace the whole oil filter with another from the J/Y, or dealer... on an ea71 it's just bolts and gaskets/seals

"worst case, just replace the whole oil filter with another from the J/Y, or dealer... on an ea71 it's just bolts and gaskets/seals"

 

Freerange, you meant oil pump, right?

 

Good idea. You can always stick the pump in a vise once removed from the engine, then work the filter off from a lot less awkward position.

worst case-I've been there-twisted oil filter off until nothing but base plate remained-stuck of course. Got screwdriver, and hammer-scored a small notch in edge of said base plate and hammered until lossened-of course force was directed counterclock wise to unscrew. Not on a subie but issue the same.....

You can always just replace the oil pump. It's not a big deal on your engine and would take about an hour.

You can always just replace the oil pump. It's not a big deal on your engine and would take about an hour.

 

Well, then whoever has the money to devote to the project will have an easy time doing it.

 

(Replacing the pump will exceed my budget, it defeats the purpose to exceed said budget)

Make sure your spinning it the right way. Things can get confusing when your laying on your back. THe filter shouldnt be that hard to remove.

 

-Brian

Make sure your spinning it the right way. Things can get confusing when your laying on your back. THe filter shouldnt be that hard to remove.

 

-Brian

 

Counterclockwise. Same direction from on my back as standing above it looking down. Same direction it was on all my EA81's.

 

I've run into this once before where there was a filter I couldn't remove, but the other car was a Chevy, so I didn't care.

I may have a spare pump laying around, I'll check and let you know.

I know I've got a spare pump. Just needs removing from the engine its on. Tell ya what, Geoff...pay the gas, lunch and beer bill, and I'll come over and either remove the pump, remove the filter, or help you get the engine out...whatever ends up being easiest at the time. I've got an air hammer that REALLY makes that job easier. Don't give up on her yet...give her a shot.