Memo to PT factory workers....

[jfh28]

... lighten up on the torque to the oil filter!!!

Finally reached my first oil change. Oil came out relatively easily after I rigged a plastic funnel from the drain plug thru the hole which was slightly off center.

However I can not get the filter off. Tried hands (yeah, right!), socket filter wrench, pipe strap wrench, oil filter wrench, and filter strap wrench. All I have accomplished so far is putting dents in the filter. As a last resort I just sprayed some pb blaster to the filter connection to hopefully break the bond at the gasket. I suspect that the filter gasket was not oiled upon installation and then cranked a little too tight.

I also did the obvious which was to make sure I was turning it in the right direction (counter clockwise) by looking at the instalation diagram on the new filter.

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks
Jack

 

[Spiffy]

I have no idea where your filter is located, but here's the two last resorts that have always worked for me:

if you can get to it: a large pipe wrench or slip-joint (aka plumber's, etc.) pliers.

if you can't, drive a screwdriver through it as far clockwise as possible so you can turn counter clockwise. Last resort only: it gets messy any you'll cut yourself on the exit hole if you forget about it!

Good Luck!

 

[tracdoc]

Jack,

My first engine oil filter change was a witch, too (that's witch spelled with a "b" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif). I finally broke down and bought a Lisle "import oil filter wrench" #LI63600 {HERE} from the Country Shed. Using a 3/8" ratchet and a short extension, I was able to get the leverage I needed to break the seal. As you turn the ratchet CCW, the jaws on the Lisle clamp harder and harder around the filter canister, so it does not tend to slip, like the metal band wrenches slip. The Lisle is the perfect size for the engine oil filter, but is too small for the hydraulic oil filter.

Another (messy) option I have seen used /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif is to hammer a big honker, as long as you can fit, screwdriver clear through both sides of the oil filter, and then use the screwdriver handle to turn the filter canister CCW to loosen it.

When I install any new oil filter, I apply a thin film of a good "Never Seez" paste to the O-ring instead of motor oil. I have never had a leak, and never had a filter freeze to the mounting plate.

Hope that helps. Let us know how you make out with it.

 

[Bird]

Tracdoc, that "import oil filter wrench" is a good one; works very well. My personal favorite though is the three leg filter wrench. The one shown is only one of many brands with slight differences in design, but all basically work the same.

 

[Barryh]

I ordered the Lisle "import oil filter wrench" at the Doc's suggestion, it worked like a charm only took 4 days to get here.

A large set of channel locks may do the trick as a last resort. The screw driver though the filter has worked for me in the past also when all else fails. Good luck. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[toy]

You probably did this, but did you take into consideration when they said counter clockwise they were speaking of looking at it form the wrench end and not from the contact end of the filter? I hope you get it off without too much trouble.

 

[jfh28]

Finally got it off. I let the pb blaster soak in for 24 hours and then went back to the strap filter wrench with a 1/2 socket.

Where the filter is on the 2425 is tucked under and back making it hard to get anything there and be able to keep the pressure on the tool. The hoses restrict the use of any extensions. Fortunately my 1/2 socket wrench is the swivel head type which made it easier.

I am keeping the web site for the lisle wrench just in case. I also learned that one really needs to let the engine cool down completely prior to sticking ones arms inside. Lost a perfectly fine sweatshirt when I leaned on the exhaust pipe.

Many thanks for all the help and suggestions, really appreciate it.

Jack

 

[FOURTEEN]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Memo to PT factory workers....... lighten up on the torque to the oil filter!!!)</font>



<font color="red"> There is a 99.9% chance that PT buys the engines with the oil filters already installed. Perhaps this post should be redirected to the engine manufacturer! (Another Robin problem??!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif)

PS: I had the same problem with my first filter change on the 20hp Honda! The factory filter on my 25hp Kohler, however, came off without a hitch. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

</font>