Oil filter removal tool

[amazon69]

Hello,

I've just snapped another oil filter strap wrench, and was wondering what tool you lot use to get the filter off. My car is a late b20 with twin carbs and twin downpipe, so I can't get a great angle on the filter. I always have trouble getting it off because I can't get enough torque in the right place. Any tips welcome.

Cheers

Dave

[c1800]

Last resort, but I’ve driven a screwdriver straight through the oil filter, to create a lever, to turn it off.
You could order a new wrench from eBay , if they’re still delivering ....

[classicswede]

This is what I always use if its gone too tight to undo by hand https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-Leg-Oil-Filter-Removal-Wrench-Tool-Fuel-Filters-Removing-Remover-3-8-Drive/263665971583?epid=1612694200&hash=item3d63b7717f:g:Sk4AAOSwpQ1axrSA

[amazon69]

Good man, thanks.

[Ron Kwas]

Dave;

If you must wrench on an oil filter so hard to loosen it, that you break oil filter wrenches, it is surely a sign that it was overtighted, and you must learn from that! I too used to overtighten them (preferring to err on the side of tight, rather than what might happen if it were loose)...but I have changed my ways and consciously tighten on the light side...I too have resorted to C1800's screw-driver piercing last resort, which inevitably makes a huge mess, and typically leads to bloody fingers or knuckles, on the razor blade edges made, if not worse...not to mention turning a 10 minute oil change job into a ruined afternoon...

Always put an oilfilm on the rubber seal of the new filter (I even like to prime filter with new oil...), and resist the temptation to overtighten...

Cheers

[amazon69]

I don't over tighten them at all. Just snug with my hand. I have no idea why they always become limpet like over time. And I do coat the seal too. It's a goddam mystery to me.

[ksmi]

Evening all, sometimes if the filter is in an awkward position and you don't have a remover that will do the job, try a piece of folded emery cloth to grip the filter and your hand,remembering to clean the outside of the filter,of course. Happy twiddling, Keith.

[simonvolvo]

I am with Amazon69 here.

And @Ron: I can confirm over-tightening is not the cause. Nor does a film of oil on the rubber seal when installing the filter avoid the problem.

The problem is a lack of elbow room in the late model B20 with twin carbs and twin exhaust downpipes. Not to mention the presence, in a RHD car, of the steering column on that side of the engine, between the underside of the carbs and the oil filter. In other words: simply too much hardware crammed into too little space.

For me the solution was:

[MikeKiernan]

I posted this a couple of years ago...

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=267152

So another vote for the 3-legged tool !

[red122]

Poundland etc sell a great wrench for this. it works really well and i use it a lot

[kishor]

Hello,

I've just snapped another oil filter strap wrench, and was wondering what tool you lot use to get the filter off. My car is a late b20 with twin carbs and twin downpipe, so I can't get a great angle on the filter. I always have trouble getting it off because I can't get enough torque in the right place. Any tips welcome.

Cheers

Dave
Hi.
hammer a screw driver through and turn. Best remedy

[simon roberts]

Brutal+messy😜

[fifevolvo66]

my grandad has used a tool similar to what classicswede linked for the past 20 years to remove the filter, minimal mess when ive helped him and links to a standard socket wrench

[Bob Meadows]

I have a sort of strap wrench with a metal flexible dimpled & adjustable band- I think that it is an older tool but should be worth looking out for if interested.
Used on the 240 & early V70 and both have restricted access but it works with small initial movements- a piece of cloth sanding paper under the band can also help with the grip.
Trust it helps. Bob.

[sleek lemur]

https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/automotive-tools/halfords-advanced-adjustable-oil-filter-remover-926527.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=rmmwa&istBid=t&_$ja=tsid:94971|cid:865695754|agid:42483195983|tid :pla-331014970935|crid:203186066553|nw:g|rnd:9807596837 378255604|dvc:m|adp:|mt:|loc:9045071&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-O35BRDVARIsAJU5mQU5Ko53dIlFTebm--TjbseJzlTbJ4YRcOrk0u9v3cT38ZwhZFzBO-kaAthPEALw_wcB

[HRA]

I wonder if it makes a difference whether the engine is hot or cold? I've got a late B20 RHD Amazon with twin down-pipes but I've not had this problem (touches wood rapidy!). I've always removed the oil filter with the engine warm. (I've got an old pair of leather gardening gloves that would protect my fingers from the hot exhaust if I ever remembered to wear them!) I also fit the new filter almost immediately, while the engine is still warm.

Just thinking out-loud, the seal is made by an O-ring. Would there be any harm in periodically (every few months?) loosening and retightening the filter? Not so much that any oil leaks out; just a fraction of a turn; enough to know it's not seized and keep it that way.

Might it be worth considering the thread? I know it's a large diameter filter on a small diameter thread, so there should be plenty of torque on it but... The thread on my fitting always looks undamaged. Is this always the case or is there the potential for a previous owner/workshop to have crossed the thread? The thread also looks very clean - no dirt, grime or debris. Lastly, the thread is always covered in a light film of oil when I've removed the filter, and I don't wipe this off before screwing the new filter on.

[sleek lemur]

Maybe the issue is proximity to the exhaust?

The tool in my link was about a fiver. Povided you ensure it's gripping evenly around the filter, it turns easily. Another advantage is that, using a short extension, the ratchet is in just the right place for you to get a good grip.

[fishyboy]

Hi
these work best for me. This one with articulated jaws is better than the cheaper fixed arms. Search Oil filter removal tool pliers!
Phil

[221Tom]

Hi All,

I’ve got twin carbs and a 4-2-1 exhaust on my amazon and use a chain wrench.It can take a couple of goes to get a nice grip, but it hasn’t failed me yet.

Regards,

Tom

[Derek UK]

One of these has done the job when needed. Several styles.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amtech-J1100-Rulers-Measuring-Transparent-Size/dp/B002P5ZK3A/ref=sr_1_36?dchild=1&keywords=oil+filter+removal+tool&qid=1597959870&sr=8-36
Oil the seal, clean the block face and wind filter on by hand only. It will be a bit tighter to get off but with a bit of effort it will come off by hand too. If you are worried about burning yourself, I have scars too, loosen it when cold, snug it up and then warm up the engine for a few minutes before the oil change.

[red122]

I have a sort of strap wrench with a metal flexible dimpled & adjustable band- I think that it is an older tool but should be worth looking out for if interested.
Used on the 240 & early V70 and both have restricted access but it works with small initial movements- a piece of cloth sanding paper under the band can also help with the grip.
Trust it helps. Bob.

These are the ones in poundland etc .. very good piece of budget kit