Filter removal

budlite · Jul 9, 2009

Doing 100-hr service and unsuccessful thus far removing transmission/hydraulic filter. Only supposed to be hand tightened then half-turn with wrench when replaced, but this one put on at factory. Anyone got any ideas on how to get this thing off? Already broke one strap-type wrench. I don't have the correct size ring-type filter wrench and unable to locate one either (its about 5 1/8 inch diameter). Filter is already dented from attempts to remove. Not room to use a breaker bar or very large pipe wrench. Thanks

newbury · Jul 9, 2009

Take a screwdriver and hammer it thru the filter

Whitey · Jul 9, 2009

I have always used a very large set of channel lock pliers for filter removal........no matter what I am working on the filters are always tight. I would be very careful in ramming a screw driver through it.......if that fails you are SOL.

biggerten · Jul 9, 2009

Get a better strap wrench, and get it around the filter right at the base, where the filter is strongest. Don't jerk the thing, use steadily applied pressure. Cussing may help.

I'd avoid the screwdriver thing, as well. The screwdriver will just tear the filter open like a can opener. Ask me how I know.

The strap wrench evenly distributes the stress, it's your best bet - better than the plier type wrenches.

That rubber seal has taken a set and hardened, but you should get it, eventually. If you can't find the right combination of cuss words, PM me and I'll try to help.

Good luck.

MikeD74T · Jul 9, 2009

I have Snap-on filter pliers that work really well. I don't usually spend the money for Snap-on but these are worth the price. Snap-on Tools

Another option is to use a punch & drive the base disk in the off direction. This is usually what's done after the screwdriver trick doesn't work. MikeD74T

flusher · Jul 9, 2009

budlite said:
Doing 100-hr service and unsuccessful thus far removing transmission/hydraulic filter. Only supposed to be hand tightened then half-turn with wrench when replaced, but this one put on at factory. Anyone got any ideas on how to get this thing off? Already broke one strap-type wrench. I don't have the correct size ring-type filter wrench and unable to locate one either (its about 5 1/8 inch diameter). Filter is already dented from attempts to remove. Not room to use a breaker bar or very large pipe wrench. Thanks

WalMart has a Fram filter pliers for $9. Long handle, plenty of grip and torque to unscrew a tight filter. It also helps to run the tractor and get the tranny fluid up to temperature before muscling off the filter.

aggiehortguy91 · Jul 9, 2009

biggerten said:
Get a better strap wrench, and get it around the filter right at the base, where the filter is strongest. Don't jerk the thing, use steadily applied pressure. Cussing may help.

I'd avoid the screwdriver thing, as well. The screwdriver will just tear the filter open like a can opener. Ask me how I know.

The strap wrench evenly distributes the stress, it's your best bet - better than the plier type wrenches.

That rubber seal has taken a set and hardened, but you should get it, eventually. If you can't find the right combination of cuss words, PM me and I'll try to help.

Good luck.

Excellent advice. Not only do you start off with steady, even pressure on the wrench, but you also start off with steady even language and progress to something more forceful. I have also found that bleeding knuckles and grease, dirt, and sweat in your eyes while your arms go numb from holding them high and in awkward positions seems to help as well. It must help, because I am usually making the sailors blush, bleeding like a stuck pig, and blind when something stuck comes off! I bet my projects would go more quickly if I would just try these things first!

QueBota · Jul 9, 2009

I have a strap wrench that accepts the male end of a 1/2" drive ratchet. You can use 1/2" extensions to get the necessary clearance then use an 18 or 24" 1/2" ratchet to break the filter free. Orient the ratchet so it crosses over the center of the filter, use a few small turns to get the strap nice and tight, recentering after each. I shouldn't say it but I haven't found a filter yet that couldn't be removed using this method.

Dave

biggerten · Jul 9, 2009

aggiehortguy91 said:
Excellent advice. Not only do you start off with steady, even pressure on the wrench, but you also start off with steady even language and progress to something more forceful. I have also found that bleeding knuckles and grease, dirt, and sweat in your eyes while your arms go numb from holding them high and in awkward positions seems to help as well. It must help, because I am usually making the sailors blush, bleeding like a stuck pig, and blind when something stuck comes off! I bet my projects would go more quickly if I would just try these things first!

Hah! You funny, funny man!

Been there, done that. Too many times.

It's too bad they don't make an oil filter hammer.

Diamondpilot · Jul 9, 2009

Do not use a screw driver. My uncle had one stuck on a boat motor, a 350 cheby. He tried the screw driver method and long story short it mangled the filter and he was stuck. Had to have the motor pulled to get it off. If he would have just left the filter on he could have went back and put oil in it and ran it until fall with the old filter then have it fixed when the boat was laid up over the winter.

Chris