Spin On Filters

tkevan · Jul 2, 2017

Beware the spin on hydro filter. Your 4540 is the new version of my 4025. The filter may be pinched at the top rim by the mount. It made it impossible to get off, without loosening the mount bolts. Then it spun right off.

TomSeller · Jul 3, 2017

Tighten them until they crush and stop just before.

Actually I tighten by hand and then a smidgen more with the strap wrench.

rockarosa · Jul 3, 2017

I just did the 50 hour on my 4550. Engine filter came right off. When I tried the hydraulic filter it was really tight the first 3 or 4 spins. finally got it off. When I went to put the new filter on I could not get it threaded on straight. I kept trying and did not want to force it. I got to looking at the old filter and my new filter and realized that the top of the filter wear there is an outer ring was all shiny and scarred. Facing the filter the left side of the mount was rubbing the filter. I carefully took a file and filed off a 1/6th to 1/8th off and the new filter spun right on, no problem. Has anyone else had this problem?

Gaowlpoop · Jul 3, 2017

tkevan said:
Beware the spin on hydro filter. Your 4540 is the new version of my 4025. The filter may be pinched at the top rim by the mount. It made it impossible to get off, without loosening the mount bolts. Then it spun right off.

Thank you tkevan that is some VERY useful information. That could save me a lot of trouble.

I have been looking at the oil filter mount and at the two bolts that hold it in place. I was wondering if it might be possiable to just take the two bolts out and remove the entire filter/mount as a unit. I have been very hesident to put a wrench on the bolts because if I broke one off I would really be in trouble. Remember Magilla Gorilla put the bolts in as well.

I have also been thinking about the mount. It is made of something other then steel, aluminum or pot metal or something. If you had the whole filter/mount assembly in a vice I can see applying enough force the break the mount.

Has anyone ever removed the oil filter mount?

Just as an aside, the filter is behind one of the main structural members for the front end loader. There is almost no room to get a wrench of any kind in there. If I could remove the mounting bolts, I would change the filter from now on by removing the mount/filter as a unit. It sure would be easier to work on in a bench vice then behind the front end loader member.

truckinfouble · Jul 3, 2017

The filters on my 4540 changed easy at the 50 hour. I will say the lug nuts are stupid tight and look like they put thread locker or tape on there during installation. A torque multiplier works great for lug nuts though

Oldoak · Jul 3, 2017

JD955SC said:
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For tightning filters I use a strip of Emory cloth or sandpaper for grip and just get them good and tight by hand

TomSeller said:
.....................................Actually I tighten by hand and then a smidgen more with the strap wrench.

We all have our own method for tightening new spin on filters. I have a pair of gloves with little rubber dots on the palm side to prevent slipping that I use specifically just for hand tightening the new filters.

For removing filters once in a great while I will put a thin strip of sandpaper or emery cloth around the inside of the filter wrench that slips over the end of the filter if the wrench slips around the filter end instead of gipping it like it should.

Also I always loosen the filter right after shutting the engine off, but not enough to let the oil drip out. Then I allow everything too cool down before changing the filter. Much easier than trying to loosen the filter after everything is cold.

tkevan · Jul 3, 2017

rockarosa said:
I just did the 50 hour on my 4550. Engine filter came right off. When I tried the hydraulic filter it was really tight the first 3 or 4 spins. finally got it off. When I went to put the new filter on I could not get it threaded on straight. I kept trying and did not want to force it. I got to looking at the old filter and my new filter and realized that the top of the filter wear there is an outer ring was all shiny and scarred. Facing the filter the left side of the mount was rubbing the filter. I carefully took a file and filed off a 1/6th to 1/8th off and the new filter spun right on, no problem. Has anyone else had this problem?

Yep. Exactly what I was talking about. If you look that top ring was pinched against the mount. If you take those two bolts loose the filter will spin off just like a regular oil filter. It's a machining issue on some of the 4025/4540/4550 units. I loosened the bolts and put the filter on. Then re-tightened. There's an O-ring so no worries.

PILOON · Jul 3, 2017

Due to tight space I resort to a length of old seat belt and vice grips.
Wrap the belt around the filter can and clamp tight and levering the vice grips in the right direction creates a cam like effect which works every time.
Then wash that filthy oil off of everything. LOL
I keep pair of HD gloves (like used for cleaning toilet bowls) just for that chore as I always seem to tear any brand of mechanics gloves.

dickfoster · Jul 4, 2017

Gaowlpoop said:
Thank you tkevan that is some VERY useful information. That could save me a lot of trouble.

I have been looking at the oil filter mount and at the two bolts that hold it in place. I was wondering if it might be possiable to just take the two bolts out and remove the entire filter/mount as a unit. I have been very hesident to put a wrench on the bolts because if I broke one off I would really be in trouble. Remember Magilla Gorilla put the bolts in as well.

I have also been thinking about the mount. It is made of something other then steel, aluminum or pot metal or something. If you had the whole filter/mount assembly in a vice I can see applying enough force the break the mount.

Has anyone ever removed the oil filter mount?

Just as an aside, the filter is behind one of the main structural members for the front end loader. There is almost no room to get a wrench of any kind in there. If I could remove the mounting bolts, I would change the filter from now on by removing the mount/filter as a unit. It sure would be easier to work on in a bench vice then behind the front end loader member.

I have a different tractor but access for all the spin-on filters on my machine, engine oil, hydro and fuel is a huge PITA. I think they must go out of the way to make service difficult to carry out because they sure didn't try to make it easy.

Oldoak · Jul 4, 2017

dickfoster said:
I have a different tractor but access for all the spin-on filters on my machine, engine oil, hydro and fuel is a huge PITA. I think they must go out of the way to make service difficult to carry out because they sure didn't try to make it easy.

New cars and trucks are even worse to access. I think the auto manufacturers purposely design them that way so the average weekend mechanic will take them back to the dealers for even the most routine servicing.