Oil change - filter is stuck!! [Update: SUCCESS, thanks to everyone's help]

[M.D.]

I tried to do my own oil change but its so difficult to remove the oil filter..my car's oil filter is also hard to reach even to put tools in there to help untighten it.

Anyways, its cold and my hands are freezing even as I type this
How much do shops charge for an oil change provided that I bring my own engine oil and oil fiter?
Thanks!

[liorsyncro]

20 bucks for the labour. Others won't do unless you do a full oil change. I would really work on getting that filter off. Use your hands and just shake that p.o.s. until it comes off.

[TrevorK]

You can purchase a tool for removing the oil filter, it's not like a wrench where it needs room to allow you to twist it off. It's a cup-like tool that attaches to the bottom of the filter:
http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Best-Un.../dp/B000M96RVA
http://www.amazon.com/K-D-Tools-3253.../dp/B0002SR4AY

I think that should work in almost every instance. It should be available at Princess Auto, NAPA, Part Source, etc...


Otherwise, friends I have talked to pay $15-$20 to get their oil changed when supplying the oil/filter.

[GuiltySpark]

Do you have access to like a pipe wrench? anything to grip it and spin, do not force it at odd angles. you can't hurt much squeezing this off. I've had some so bad they looked like a crushed pop can when it came off...but off it did come...

[bembol]

*Arnold Voice

You need to pump up!!

LOL

Get some glove with some type of grips.

[M.D.]

*Arnold Voice

You need to pump up!!

LOL

Get some glove with some type of grips.

lol I have gloves with grip but I can't even get my hold hand on the darn thing (tight space), only my fingers can reach to twist it.

[ottofly]

Incredible the lengths people here on RFD go just to save $15-20 bucks, once or twice a year if you use synthetics. It's literally pennies per day.

[Ironballz]

Just drive a screwdriver through the body of the filter and use the handle as leverage to turn it.

[g.L]

You have to use different types of wrenches for different oil filter location.
Sometimes, you can't have a cup style one with a ratchet because there is not enough room, so you use a adjustable oil filter wrench. But if there is enough room, then always use the cup style / 3 jaw ones with a ratchet. If is really tight, put a long metal tube over the ratchet to get more leverage.

To O.P., what car is this?

[M.D.]

To O.P., what car is this?

96 Integra

[jackrabbit000]

Just drive a screwdriver through the body of the filter and use the handle as leverage to turn it.

This is really bad advise. Whatever you do, don't do this. Oil will leak everywhere and if you shread the filter body you'll be in really big trouble. Now you won't be able to drive it anywhere to get the filter removed and you won't be able to get anything onto whatever is left of the filter.

[woof]

Incredible the lengths people here on RFD go just to save $15-20 bucks, once or twice a year if you use synthetics. It's literally pennies per day.

This is RedFlagDeals for people trying to save money. Did you perhaps get lost and wander onto here by mistake?

[wiggy]

I'm thinking that if you're doing this for the first time you'd be better doing it in the summer when you can focus on what you're doing/learning instead of the pain in your frozen hands and just generally freezing your a** off.

[M.D.]

I'm thinking that if you're doing this for the first time you'd be better doing it in the summer when you can focus on what you're doing/learning instead of the pain in your frozen hands and just generally freezing your a** off.

I agree, oh how I miss the summer... I am going to give it one more shot tomorrow and if it still doesn't budge..going to have to call up some shops.

Thanks for all the advice, I will try out some tools listed. Probably drop by Partsource tomorrow and see what they got that may help!

[S14_Raven]

IIRC the filter's in the back of the engine by the firewall right? Jack it up and have a go at it from underneath, you should have some leverage and easier access from down there.