GMC Oil Filter Fiasco

GMSuburbanGuy · March 20, 2004

Good Afternoon,

I'm hoping some of your expertise will help me in dealing with a VERY stubburn oil filter. There was a pin-hole leak and need to be replaced. To no avail, I am unable to remove it. What I have done so far:

1)Using several oil filter removal tools. (Oil filter collapsed, crushed to the point that tolls can't be used anymore)

2)Good 'ol gorilla grip (no joy)

3)Drove screw driver through for leverage in turning at several points (moved a little but casing ripped)

4)Attempted to dremel the colar of the oil filter where the gasket seems to on REAL tight (poor angle, did cut in some places but being cautious not to mess the oil filter mount).

5)Gorilla gripped it again (won't budge)

My next plan is to remove the Oil filter mount which has two square screw plugs holding it place. I don't know what behind it. Can someone please help me by either describing what I'm in for if I remove it and if you know of e GMC Technical website that would show the removal of the Oil Filter Mount.

I REALLY appreciate your help and guidance on this. Thank you so much in advance.

MountaineerTom · March 20, 2004

You might try a chain wrench, rubber strap wrench, or even a belt if you havn't already, providing you have enough surface to use them on.

Jeremy WI · March 20, 2004

Not a big job to remove the oil filter adapter, just two bolts(and oil cooler lines, if equipped) might need to bump it with hammer to get it to release, the gaskets make it stick a bit. Get a new gasket kit and a new adapter if you can't remove the filter

tmf6902 · March 20, 2004

I have nothing to add, but any idea what happened to it???? Did you strip the threads when you put it on, or is it just stuck like a mo fo???

XTOAK · March 20, 2004

I don't ever use an oil filter wrench to remove my oil filter...I use a 16" channel lock as shown below and it works fantastic. Plenty of grip on the filter and have never had a problem removing the filters on my personal truck or the company rigs. Granted, if you've got an engine with the oil filter tucked way up inside, it may be rather impossible to use channel locks and then you're stuck with an oil filter wrench...but overall folks ought to consider using channel locks or something similar...no, I'm not a channel lock salesman, just a very lazy mechanic

http://www.channellock.com/acb/stores/2/pr...2&Product_ID=27

HanSolo0260 · March 20, 2004

Have you used pliers like these yet? http://daleotools.com/shop/images/TL1658.jpg

The same concept as the channel locks, but deeper teeth to grip the filter. I never do an oil change without them lol.

GMSuburbanGuy · March 21, 2004

A great deal of thanks to you all for your replies!

I headed to my local Sears Automotive and purchased a Rubber-Strap Wrench (suggested by "MountaineerTom") and after a few tries and adding Duct Tape around the Oil Filter to add grip, the dern thing finally came loose

!!

I inspected the filter and the ruber gasket was compressed flush with the filter body (last place to do a quick oil change was "Jiffy Lube", technician must have over-tightened it).

HanSolo0260: I did see filter pliers like that at Sears as well but did not have enough clearence to maneuver around, but another good suggestion.

Again, many thanks for your helpfull replies. God Bless America and the Americans who love their trucks!

99silveradoz71 · March 21, 2004

I would suggest one of the socket type filter wrenches which attaches to a ratchet. Also if you're installing them yourself, they don't have to be "gorilla" tight. I usually go hand tight, then snug down a hair with the wrench.

tfpary · March 28, 2004

I had the same problem first time I changed my oil filter on my Suburban. The dealership had changed it prior to sale (of course they used high quality oil and filter - NOT!) and I believe they didnt lube the gasket before (over)tightening the filter. Had a heck of a time breaking it loose. I used the pliers trick, but couldn't turn it enough (filter casing was turning and twisting) so had to use the screwdriver through the side, what fun. Pound pound, turn 1/32 of a rotation, repeat, and repeat again, all the while the oil is running all over everything.

Why do techs insist on putting oil filters on so dang tight? Is it from worry over having one come loose and losing all the oil? I had a "quickie lube" change the oil in my Cavalier once, they only put about a quart back in it. Fortunately I only drove about a mile or so before I checked it. Needless to say, they gave me a free oil change for the mistake, but like I was gonna have them change it again!