How to remove stuck oil filter (4AGZE)

[ericlee303]

Since we installed this new 4AGZE, we have never been able to remove the oil filter. It is stuck. We've tried the filter wrench and socket with no luck.

Problem is, it's kind of under the exhaust manifold on my car, and a little hard to get at.

What are you solutions guys?

I'll post pics later

[Pineapple]

Try stick a screwdriver through it.
Also Princess Auto got filter clamp that will acturally clamp the filter tight. You should be able to remove it with that.

[thespud]

Get yourself a filter clamp. A round strip of metal on a handle with a screw at the end. That way you can clamp tight like Pineapple has said. You probably already know though, never do them back up with the clamp... always go only 1/2 turn past tight. That way you shouldn't have problems getting it undone again.

[ericlee303]

Thanks guys, we tried the clamp, but no luck. Even the smallest one slips. We can't seem to get enough leverage on the damn thing.

I think the screwdriver will have to work, but the filter is in a wierd spot.

[DerekDorifto]

Get the Princess Auto tool for $5, it looks like pliers but it locks like a visegrip. Clamps and crushes any filter, then you just twist and remove it.

Never experienced any oil filter that it couldn't remove, no matter how awkward the location!

[toyotaspeed90]

what i've done (and my first filter change on the 4age was just like this.... the filter wrench did nothing, by hand did nothing).... used a 15" screwdriver (big/beefy one too), pounded it through with a hammer.... only problem is that it ripped the filter almost in half...... i was then able to use part of the hole as a point to put the flathead part against and pound until the filter spun a bit

cut my hands up pretty good doing that though...... watch out if the screwdriver starts to pull the filter in half

[alxch1n16]

any luck on the filter? mine got stuck on my camry, i used the princess whatever clamps, they suck and crushed the filter, but you have to angle them slightly and then just twist as hard as you can. i nearly broke my finger, but i got it.

[Tercel GTS]

Never use a wrench to tighten an oil filter, and even by hand you don't want it much tighter than a gas cap.
I found a way to save a few bucks and get a better oil filter by using those for an MR2 turbo. Has the same threads and valve, same diameter, a touch longer. Plus at my parts store it's cheaper than the short one by $2.00.

[4Aaron GE]

Yeah, he got it off. He tossed the guys at the local oil change place a couple of bucks, and they took care of it.

[RiZLA]

when you do remove it, spread a small amount of grease around the gasket to prevent it from ever getting stuck again