I was doing the first oil change on the Z since we fired the new engine. Unplugged the Moroso pan, drained her out, and went to grab the big filter wrench. Trying to take the champ filter off, and the damn thing just keeps collapsing. It's the first filter i've had on the motor. Anyone have any input as to how the hell I should go about taking this thing off? Any help appreciated.

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1979 Z-28
383 stroker
"The Never-Ending Story"

You may consider driving a screw driver completely through the sides of the filter. I've had to do that before but not in many years. It's always better to change oil on a slightly warm engine, less chance of them sticking.

Normally a screw driver driven through works, I had one that the filter walls collapsed and tried to use a screw driver but it ended up tearing the end off, I think the filter was factory on an 87! I had to use a chisel CAREFULLY to dig in on the lip of the filter and tapping it in the unscrew direction, it worked.
The term tapping may have escalated to pounding and swearing before it moved, but not recommended … pounding that is.


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79Z Made with tools - Not chop sticks

I have had good luck using a set of oil filter pliers. Even if the bottom collapses, the top of the filter stays intact. try grabbing the top of the filter with your wrench.

[This message has been edited by Bondo79 (edited May 16, 2005).]

Bondo...what are these oil filter pliers, and where can i get a set. I tried grabbing the top of the filter...it collapsed too. I tried the screwdriver thing as well, and it seemed to just want to rip a giant hole in the filter.

I use a filter strap wrench. They are infallible. It crushes the filter slightly every time you use it, but it always works to remove the filter.

Strap wrench, eh? What's that look like, and where can i get one?

I got one that trumps all these...but I don't recommend it. The filter on my '76 Chevy truck did just what you describe, crushed right down to the point you couldn't drive a screwdriver thru anything left. Luckily I was out at father-in-laws shop doing the oil change. The chisel method didn't even work!! He fired up his oxy-acet cutting rig and blasted the sucker off in 10 seconds flat! Doused the resulting oil-fueled blaze with a wet shop rag and said, "There ya go!" He was an old hot rodder from the 50s/60s era and was real fun to hang out with. Don't miss the ex-wife, but sure miss her dad.

"He fired up his oxy-acet cutting rig and blasted the sucker off in 10 seconds flat! "

Your kidding right? I don't even see how thats possible.

I shat you not, saw it with my own eyes...I tell ya, I learned alot from that ole fart...what you could and couldn't get away with!!!

Do you fill your filters full with oil before installing them? I do, but if you don't, a simple dip of the finger in the oil can and a little smear around the gasket will keep the gasket from sticking to the oil filter adapter/block. Hand tighten and next time you change oil you'll be able to take the filter off with your hands, no wrench needed. The oil also lets the rubber gasket slide as you tighten rather than bunching up and then leaking. Try filling the filter with oil, I usually spill some on the gasket anyway http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif


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John Wright

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by MotorCity:
Strap wrench, eh? What's that look like, and where can i get one?</font>

They look like this:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=8085&department=646&division=6&WT.MC_ID=80003

And you can purchase them at pretty much any auto parts store. It will have either a 1/2" or 3/8" drive tube for your ratchet.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by MotorCity:
Bondo...what are these oil filter pliers, and where can i get a set. I tried grabbing the top of the filter...it collapsed too. I tried the screwdriver thing as well, and it seemed to just want to rip a giant hole in the filter.</font>

You can get them at most autoparts stores. I had the same problem, filter collapsed, and the screwdriver didnt work either. I set the pliers in the smallest position and I was fortunate to work it free.

This is the kind I use, never had a problem removing a filter, next time don't put it on so tight http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif

http://www.thecountryshed.com/53250l.gif

Maybe other companies should consider doing what FRAM does... The grip stuff on the end. I have never had a problem removing one

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by badazz81z28:
Maybe other companies should consider doing what FRAM does... The grip stuff on the end. I have never had a problem removing one</font>

I still find that I have to use the strap wrench to get the filter loose. If you follow the installation instructions of virtually all filters, they say to clean up the surface where the filter gasket touches, apply a light coating of new oil to the filter gasket and to turn the filter 3/4 to 1 turn past where the filter gasket starts to make contact with the block.

I have always done it this way, and I only ever lost one filter gasket. I think it was defective because it ruptured out the side.

Every time I take the filter off I have to use the strap wrench to get it to start moving. Once I am past the hard part then I just spin it enough to start draining it, let it drain, then spin it the rest of the way off.

I lubed the gasket surface when I pre-filled the filter. I must have just put the damn thing on too tight.I'll be going to murrays/autozone/napa or somewhere tomorrow to grab that strap wrench.

Thats weird you must have it on pretty tight to not be able to remove a fram by hand

Well guys, I went and got that strap wrench 73454 told me about, and it worked! Thanks 73!

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1979 Z-28
383 stroker
"The Never-Ending Story"

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by MotorCity:
Well guys, I went and got that strap wrench 73454 told me about, and it worked! Thanks 73!

</font>

You're welcome.

Harbor Freight Tools (don't tell anyone that I shop there) has an Oil Filter wrench that is a big claw on the end of a vise grip. Best part about it is that it works at any angle you grab the filter and stays put. Cheap too!


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Dale
1971 Z28/RS Silver/Black