c_dog

Last night I went to change my oil and found out the Toyota filter is a _____
to take off contrary to what I thought. It appeared to be easy to get to but is tight
as..... the girl next door.

Anyone help me out with some advice with taking it of. I have one of those oil filter
removal things which is adjustable for every oil filter but it's not working. I have no oil
in it right now and need to take that damn filter off asap. Thanks for any help anyone
can provide.

-C Dog

scionaraxb

the old "poke a screwdriver all the way though it and spin it off" would probably work.

Cameron

I haven't changed my own oil yet, but if you can get to the filter seem, run an ice-cube around it until it melts. This will make the rubber gasket contract.
Then wrench the thing off with some parallel locking pliars...again, if you can reach.

scionracerxb

LOL...toyota does that on all their cars. I had the same prob, then i remembered that this happened when i tried to change the filter on my dads tacoma. Anyways, they sell an oil filter removal tool, that is kinda like a big socket that fits on the filter, and then you just pop in you wratchet and bingo it comes right out....the tool is under 10 bucks at autozone or kragen or pep boys.

westsype

Yep that is the best tool for oil changes. But you must make sure you get the right size. As all oil filters are not the same size.

scionaraxb

but if he can't put oil in his car and can't get to a place to buy one...........................

c_dog

-Good Point
I forgot to mention that my GF took me to get one of those socket things last night
and that didn't work because apparantly I somewhat stripped the socket part of the oil
filter. It looks like I might be using the
technique. I am
usually pretty logically thinking but didn't think of that.
Thanks for the help, you guys are awesome. I will let ya'll know if I am successful.

proto_k7

Go to sears or any automotive supply that sells tools and pick up a spider type filter tool.

I dont have a pic off hand but those are the best.

http://www.ctatools.com/catalogs/oilfilter.pdf

badwinger

Look at the pic in the previous post. We use the #2595 strap wrenches. Work for all filters, basically, and you can use them for other things.

George

The strap wrench is the best way to go. When using it put it either close to the base of the filter or close to the end of the filter. Put it in the middle and you might crush the can.

The "poke a hole in it"method is a last resort. if the metal of the filter tears (and that's likely on a new thin filter can) you are left without anything to get hold of. Better to buy and use the correct tool in the first place.

BTW, read the filter can for instructions on how to install the filter. It usually specifies a particular number of turns to tighten the filter. Don't just slam it on like the dealer "technician".

George

bBted

u mean wont work??

looks like a perfect tool

George

It will work, provided that the filter has the correct shape to match the tool.

Strap wrenches always work!

George

scionaraxb

agreed, george........but if he can't get out to get the right tool.......and he HAS to get it off...then as a last resort, I'd use the screwdriver method.


If I were him I'd leave the stuck filter on until I could get the right tool........

George

Absolutely! One thing I learned early on is that having the right tools is the first thing you should do in any job!

CBSIMONSEZ

You mean that a butter knife isnt a screw driver, and an adjustable wrench isnt a hammer? Hows about using a flat head screw driver as a chisel, now that has to be allowed?

I have tried and tried to explain this to my wife, but will she learn ...... noooo

c_dog

As for my particular situation, the best tool for the job was a (rubber) strap type
adjustible oil filter "wrench". It took it off quick and somewhat easy. I didn't realize
that there were so many different types of oil filter removal tools.
The main problem was that I thought I had the correct tool for the job but that damn
thing didn't work. Just isn't enough space for the metal adjustable oil filter wrench.
Another thing I heard works (from my pops) is a regular leather belt. Works the same
as that strap type removal tool on the page provided above by Proto k7
(http://www.ctatools.com/catalogs/oilfilter.pdf)
I am using a Bosch oil filter w/ Valvoline synthetic blend.I realized once I had the
Toyota Filter off that the bosch might be more restricting based on the appearance of
the insides. I will get toyote or TRD for my next oil change and problably stick with full
synthetic oil.
Thanks for all the help.

o4_USDM_bB

is anyone else in socal? i bought mine from claremont toyota/scion and i was told that the scions come with free lifetime oil changes every 5000 miles. i think it's true, because a coworker of mine bought one a while ago and he told me the same thing. i normally change my own oil, but if it only costs me disposal fees, then i'll take it to the dealer to do it.

GruntStyle

looks like i am getting a strap wrench for the toolbox too.

bobbyboshay

I believe you get 3 free oil changes.

CBSIMONSEZ

Sears has a 2 fer on the strap wrenches with the rubber strap. 2 different sizes for something like 20 bucks, and hey, its a Craftsman