I’m trying to get the old oil filter off my 2004 V6, but it’s in such a tight spot near the front of the car. It’s completely stuck, and my hands barely fit in there, let alone a filter wrench.
Is there an easier way to get it off without tearing things apart? Or should I just keep topping off the oil since it leaks out anyway? (This car already has 268k miles on it.)
@Casey
Wow, that’s wild. Probably just a first-year tech over-tightening everything. I’ve heard some crazy stories about rookie mechanics. They’re about as smart as a bag of rocks.
This is why I don’t let shops touch my cars anymore. The dealer once did the same thing to my Corolla and even broke the filter housing tool trying to remove it.
@Casey
The cup ones are definitely a cleaner solution. I swapped mine with a K&N filter that has a hex nut on the end, so now I don’t even need tools anymore.
Del said: @Casey
The cup ones are definitely a cleaner solution. I swapped mine with a K&N filter that has a hex nut on the end, so now I don’t even need tools anymore.
Man, why don’t all filters have hex nuts? That’d solve so many problems.
I once tried stabbing a screwdriver through the filter to twist it off, but the metal was too thin, and it just tore apart. That was a fun mess to deal with.
You could probably leave it for one more oil change, but I wouldn’t recommend ignoring it for too long. If the filter clogs, it’ll just bypass the oil, sending unfiltered oil through your engine. Not ideal, but better than no oil pressure.
You really need to get that old oil filter off. It’s not in the best spot, but there should be enough room to use a strap wrench. Leaving it on isn’t a good idea. If it clogs, your engine could lose oil pressure and end up ruined.
I had the same issue with my 2002 Escape. Here’s a messy but effective trick: Get some rags and an oil catch pan. Stab a large flathead screwdriver through the filter, then twist it counterclockwise. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to tow it to a shop since you won’t be able to drive it after.