Oil Filter Removal

[dickfoster]

New 26xlMax owner here. Trying to do the 50hr oil and filter change. I cannot for the life of me get the oil filter off! Whatever gorilla at the factory put that thing on tight. I am unable to get a conventional filter wrench on it due to the limited space and can only get one hand on it to try the manual method. My JD 870 is a piece of cake compared to this thing. HELP!

It not that they put it on so tight it's because the idiots put the filters on then they spray paint the entire engine, including the engine wiring, alternator and even the fan belt. It's a really stupid practice if you ask me. It's the stinkin paint that makes it so hard to get off. I crushed mine getting it off. It's also real nice that they paint over the part numbers since they don't give you any in the manuals. There was just barely enough space to get a band type wrench on mine. I was about ready to drive a screwdriver through it but that makes a real mess. My fuel filters weren't much easier due to space constraints. I had to use a strap wrench on the 2nd fuel filter. There was just enough space to work the strap around it as there was not nearly enough room for a filter wrench.

 

[bobholland]

I'll be heading to Harbor Freight today for some filter pliers and then to Auto Zone for a "loaner filter wrench". I do have some monster channel locks as well if it comes to that! My Mahindra tractor is at my "mountain retreat" about 100 miles away so the mechanical logistics are kind of a PITA. Thanks to all for the suggestions!!

 

[ovrszd]

It's my opinion that the factory installs filters dry. New clean O-ring tightened against new clean metal. Disaster. When replacing filters never repeat that disaster. Oil the O-ring liberally.

Someone mentioned serviceability. Township bought a new JD grader 5 years ago. I do all the service myself. First thing I noticed, with a huge grin on my face, was location of filters.

 

[SedonaDave]

It's my opinion that the factory installs filters dry. New clean O-ring tightened against new clean metal. Disaster. When replacing filters never repeat that disaster. Oil the O-ring liberally.

Someone mentioned serviceability. Township bought a new JD grader 5 years ago. I do all the service myself. First thing I noticed, with a huge grin on my face, was location of filters.



View attachment 487890

You got it!!!! I was going to post the same thing....brand new neoprem plastic on fresh new metal....Then add heat!!!....Now that puppy is solid...

 

[sixdogs]

I had a nasty removal once and found a metal band style filter wrench that had a handle that would rotate and swivel in multiple directions. It was enough to get the filter off. I think I got the wrench at Advance Auto but it could have been WalMart. The swivel handle allowed me to force the wrench onto the filter and then use a giant screwdriver to lever the handle enough to turn.




It sort of looked like this.

 

[square1]

Sometimes turning ever so slightly it in the direction to tighten will break it loose.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

I'm guessing you already know this, but you need to get the engine up to normal op. temp. before trying to take off the filter...the coef. of expansion is your friend, in this instance..BobG in VA

 

[oldpilgrim]

I had a nasty removal once and found a metal band style filter wrench that had a handle that would rotate and swivel in multiple directions. It was enough to get the filter off. I think I got the wrench at Advance Auto but it could have been WalMart. The swivel handle allowed me to force the wrench onto the filter and then use a giant screwdriver to lever the handle enough to turn.


View attachment 487897

It sort of looked like this.

I busted one like that on mine.

 

[Petrol and Powder]

The socket type filter wrench would be my first choice. The torque is applied on the centerline of the filter and you can usually get to the very end of the filter. Don't be afraid to use a long extension and really lean into the filter if needed.

If you can get a rope around it, sometimes that works really well. Put several turns around the filter and pull in the appropriate direction. I've done that when there was no room for the handle of a strap type wrench and I didn't have the correct socket type wrench.

The screwdriver through the filter usually works as a last resort.

I once had to chisel the base plate of the filter off of a engine block after destroying the filter body. (1980 VW Diesel) That was the worst one I ever had but the good news is that it was far easier once all of that mangled sheet metal was gone !

People are often reluctant to drive a screwdriver through the filer because once you do that, you're committed. However, that method almost always works and if it fails you will be well motivated to finish what you started !!

Go Big or Go Home.

Good Luck !

 

[2ndhalf]

I've tried everything known to man I have them hanging everywhere and here is what I find works best for my needs. There are some things you can't get them on but it will do 90% of the cars, mowers etc. I have owned.

Commercial-grade Regular Oil Filter Pliers | GEMPLER'S