Oil filter removal tool
 

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

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 ....

This is what I always use if its gone too tight to undo by hand https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-Leg-Oil...4AAOSwpQ1axrSA

Good man, thanks.

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

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.

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.

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:

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 !

oil filter removal
 

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