Oil change tips?

[liquidi3ladz]

Everytime I change my oil, I seem to siege my oil filter. Kinda nubish of me. Well I changed my oil again today and behold I couldn't use the filter wrench since it kept slipping. I ended up using channel locks to take off the filter, but it made a mess. (Isnt the first time I've done that) Anyway my last oil change I hand tightened the filter and this time around I did the same, but my question is anyone got suguessions on removing the filter with ease?

[njerald]

Originally Posted by liquidi3ladz

Everytime I change my oil, I seem to siege my oil filter. Kinda nubish of me. Well I changed my oil again today and behold I couldn't use the filter wrench since it kept slipping. I ended up using channel locks to take off the filter, but it made a mess. (Isnt the first time I've done that) Anyway my last oil change I hand tightened the filter and this time around I did the same, but my question is anyone got suguessions on removing the filter with ease?

Siege?

What is your Hand Tightening procedure??

[liquidi3ladz]

I tighten it freehand till it stops, then I use two hands to try to get 1/8 - 1/4 of a turn through.

[JSM1284]

Are you applying a bit of oil to the new oil filter gasket before putting it on?

[liquidi3ladz]

Of course. This time around I actually cleaned the area where the gasket touches plate.

[hossmaster]

I poke a couple of holes in the bottom of the oil filter and let it drain in the pan. After that its an almost mess free removal of the filter.

[CamrySExxx]

i know what you mean it ALWAYS happens to me!!! even though i hand tighten it, next oil change its a pain. I think it wouldnt be as bad if oil filter was located in a place where you can get more leverage. Anyways instead of seige? i think u mean seized?

[liquidi3ladz]

^^ Yep seized.
Hah yeah I get like no leverage at the bottom.

[LE05]

get a better filter wrench! those cheap steel stamped oil filters are pretty bad, they never fit the oem filters quite right and are usually quite thin. dealership should have the correct size one, or you can search for assenmacher tools. they make oemish filter wrenches that fit very nicely.

[marc780]

Maybe you are just tightening them too much to begin with. I have changed thousands of oil filters and rarely/never have i see one leak and i have never seen one vibrate itself off from being installed too loosely (but i guess if you have your filter changed by jiffy lube or similar idiots, absolutely anything is possible - another reason i do all my own oil changes).

After so many filter changes i usually know howto tighten it enough where it is not too loose nor too tight. And next change it comes off with moderate to hard hand twisting. A piece of sandpaper or emery cloth held in your hand against the filter will give you alot more grip.

[coontai]

+1 on the assenmacher tools. I'll never use a typical oil filter wrench again. the sockets are the way to go

[Dave-o]

Are those cheap wrenches easy to return back to the store if they don't fit the filter right? I got mine from Pepboys and haven't thought about bringing it back (only 9 bucks).

[gdanaher]

Put the other wrenches in your tool box for future use.
Get a replacement filter for the car, take it in and get the right wrench to fit it. If necessary find one of the hoop clamps that adjust to the diameter and tighten up as you twist.

[bandit]

Ok, I didnt want to make a new thread so I'll bump this. Are the oil gasket that supposedly goes on the oil pan with the plug necessary? I read the Avalon oil change PDF and looked at the youtube video and didnt see anything in regards to the gasket. I'm going to order filters online and wanted to know if the plug gaskets for the pan is needed. If so, I'll order them at the same time.

[sniper34]

Change the plug gasket. For the extra .75 cents, it makes no sense not to. Always oil the filter gasket. Tighten it snug, then a little snugger (?). No need to two hand it. I never saw one leak or loosen when tightened snug by hand.