Special Oil Filter Wrench?

[mm_micar]

Just got an '04 Marauder and decided to change the oil. No problem until I tried to take the filter off. None of the filter wrenches I have would get into the small space around the filter. (All of mine are for Chevrolet type filters where you can just grab the bottom and spin it off)
I finally got the filter off just by turning it with my hand. Thought it should be on there tighter than that. Put the new one on by hand also, got about 3/4 of a turn on it. Is there a special wrench that maybe would go over the end of the filter and could be turned with a wratchet or something similar?

[Breadfan]

You should never need an oil filter wrench!!

Oil filters should be installed by spinning them until they stop spinning freely, and then hand tighten 1/4-1/2 turn. Been doing this for years and I have never had a leak and always been able to remove the filter on the next change.

The only times I've had issues changing a filter was when it was a new car or had just bought a used car and the previous owner overtightened it.

I had a to use a strap-style filter wrench on a Marauder to get a filter off once, it wraps around the filter and there is a spot where you can get about a 1/4 of a turn, enough to loosen it. Since you got the filter off though, you should be good to go from now on if you re-install and don't overtighten. You mentioned 3/4 turn, that should be fine.

FYI K&N oil filters have a nut welded to the end of the filter which lets you use a socket to remove the oil filter, it does make removal easier if it's hard to get a hand around the filter or you have oil all over your hand. In general though, such a feature should not be necessary.

[RoyLPita]

Welcome aboard. The old fashioned strap wrench works very well.

[jgc61sr2002]

Welcome to the MM site.

I also use the strap type oil filter wrench.
Mine is used with a 3/8 drive socket wrench and extension.
Always apply a light coat of oil on the filter gasket and hand tighting only.

[KillJoy]

Originally Posted by mm_micar

Is there a special wrench that maybe would go over the end of the filter and could be turned with a wratchet or something similar?

That's what I use for removal

KillJoy

PS - Welcome aboard!

[fastblackmerc]

Originally Posted by KillJoy

That's what I use for removal

KillJoy

PS - Welcome aboard!

+1
I use the same thing. You can get them at Wally World or your FLAPS.

[rvaldez1]

Strap wrench will do the ticket, and if all else fails, get a big flatblade and a hammer then drive the flatblade into the side of the filter and loosen.

[RF Overlord]

Get one of these from any Advance Auto, AutoZone, O'Reilly's, etc...

[mm_micar]

Thanks for all your help guys. I had already been to a Ford dealer who was of no help whatsoever. Will check with AutoZone or Advance.

[Mike Poore]

Originally Posted by RF Overlord

Get one of these from any Advance Auto, AutoZone, O'Reilly's, etc...

These ones won't fit every filter, Amsoil comes to mind; but the suggestion about the strap kind, with the handle attached, works for me. There are two kinds. The cheap one, and the really cheap one. Pay the extra $3 and spring for the cheap one. The really cheap one is a POS and you'll hate yourself and everyone else in the world, forever, if you get one of those. NAPA has a good one. Pick up some of their NAPA Gold filters, while you're at it. Also, while there, take a look at the oil filter display, and you'll see why we have heart attacks whenever someone mentions using Fram.

[Breadfan]

Agreed if you need a wrench get a strap-style wrench as it will fit a wider array of filters.

Again, you should only need it once per vehicle.

[Dragcity]

So you GUYS recommend a "Strap on" ?????

[Mike Poore]

Originally Posted by Dragcity

So you GUYS recommend a "Strap on" ?????

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^
Now, that, that right there, that's funny.

Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you, Snap-on also makes one like the cheap one, but none like the really cheap one, only their's, like the cheap one, is gold plated, guarenteed for 9,000 years and costs $79.50, at least.

[Marauderman]

SO now there is a "Snap-on" and also a Strap-on".....wow--now choices!!

either way you say it---Now that right there is Funny!!!!! Get'R' done!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[drgnrdr33]

Originally Posted by mm_micar

Thanks for all your help guys. I had already been to a Ford dealer who was of no help whatsoever. Will check with AutoZone or Advance.

I bought my filter "socket" at Autozone for a few bucks. Fits the FL820 Motorcraft filter. Manufacturer is OEM Industrial. Model number is 25403, I think. Description on the socket says "Oil Filter "D" Cap Wrench".

It is worth double the price I paid.