Stuck oil filter, best wrench

Njlarry

Well-Known Member
May 9, 2021
637
Rock Hall, MD. Chesapeake bay
Boat Info
2000 400 DB
AT LAST
Engines
Cat 3126
The oil filters on my CAT 3126s are stuck on very tight. I tried a strap wrench, a chain wrench but I could not get the chain tight up near the mounting bracket.. When winterizing and changing the oil I had to leave the old filters on as the sides of the filters started to dent in and I was afraid that they would puncture and then I would not be able to restart the engines to pump in the anti freeze. Tried the tape around the canister, started to dent in again.
 
The oil filters on my CAT 3126s are stuck on very tight. I tried a strap wrench, a chain wrench but I could not get the chain tight up near the mounting bracket.. When winterizing and changing the oil I had to leave the old filters on as the sides of the filters started to dent in and I was afraid that they would puncture and then I would not be able to restart the engines to pump in the anti freeze. Tried the tape around the canister, started to dent in again.
I just use a cheap Klein strap wrench. If it was the chain type on one filter I would not be able to position it where I want.
wrench.JPG
 
The oil filters on my CAT 3126s are stuck on very tight. I tried a strap wrench, a chain wrench but I could not get the chain tight up near the mounting bracket.. When winterizing and changing the oil I had to leave the old filters on as the sides of the filters started to dent in and I was afraid that they would puncture and then I would not be able to restart the engines to pump in the anti freeze. Tried the tape around the canister, started to dent in again.

Poke a hole in the bottom and drain the oil in to what ever. Then grad a chisel, screw driver, what ever and start edging the rim till the filter spins free. There have been a few times when whole canister had to be removed and down to the securing ring. That was due to some over intergetic boat mechanics. Also might try jamming a large rod or screw driver all the way the filter and use it as a leaver.
And make sure when you reinstall to put for grees or some heavy lubricant on the gasket.
 
0584509_1.jpeg
These work well - near top or bottom of the filter. Next time lube the gasket and tighten barely snug. No need to over-tighten
 
They get really tight on these engines and because they’re so big it’s hard to get leverage. This year I folded a piece of duct tape over itself so the sticky part was on both the filter and facing out, then used the strap wrench. It gave the strap grip and with slow constant pressure it started to turn. Same for the starboard fuel filter which is a PIA to reach in our boat
 
Poke a hole in the bottom and drain the oil in to what ever. Then grad a chisel, screw driver, what ever and start edging the rim till the filter spins free. There have been a few times when whole canister had to be removed and down to the securing ring. That was due to some over intergetic boat mechanics. Also might try jamming a large rod or screw driver all the way the filter and use it as a leaver.
And make sure when you reinstall to put for grees or some heavy lubricant on the gasket.
It may come to that. The sheet metal seems so thin that my quess is a screw driver thru the diameter will just trear the case. I can see this getting nasty, dremel tool and piece by piece surgical removal. Worse on outboard side of port engine.
 
My fear is the gripers may crush the sides but worth a try. Hoping there is some kind of deep sleeve wrench like the sleeve used to install piston rings only wraps around filter.
You are already crushing the sides.... it just gets worse from here.... drain it out and start destroying it
 
Try the strap wrench again, but completely degrease the filter (and strap wrench) and wrap the filter with a piece of non-slip drawer liner. I like the duct tape idea, too. But, you need to get up by the rim or down by the bottom. If it's already crushed and these other methods don't work... Like 'ol Blue said - just have fun with it!
 
Double up on the wrenches.
Use a strap wrench close to the base of the filter and get a appropriately sized cap wrench for the end. You may need an extra set of hands.

Lisle makes a few different sizes like this one.

Lisle 63600 Oil Filter Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SR4Q8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4E8A8DKXS0VG3F5T7ND3


This is what to use if the filter doesn't budge and you have clearance below the filter. It will destroy the filter but it will come off on the first pull. I have used them on filters that refused to budge with a strap wrench.
 
Bty, the @#$% po used cheap napa filters.
'Nothing wrong with NAPA filters, especially if you get their Gold series. They're Wix filters. No, as others have pointed out, it's improper installation. I had one in the shop on a straight-six variant so access was fortunately very good. After having completely destroying the can, we had to take a cold chisel, and, catching the small holes in the base plate, slowly walk the base plate off until it finally spun free. The owner wasn't too happy about the extra hour on his bill.
Most of the filters I install any more are labeled right on the side of the can to wet the face of the gasket with fresh engine oil, then install no more that 1/2 to 3/4 turn after the gasket makes contact with the mounting surface. If feels uncomfortably loose to my way of thinking, but I've never had one leak or fall off using their recommendation.
 
I forgot to mention that, in my stuck filter episode, that filter had been previously installed by the PO. I'm not so sure his anger was from the actual dollar amount seen on the bill, or the fact that he caused it! :D
 
Get the strap wrench as high as possible on the filter near the neck that’s the strongest part of a filter it will not collapse there
 
'Nothing wrong with NAPA filters, especially if you get their Gold series. They're Wix filters. No, as others have pointed out, it's improper installation.

Agree on both points. The business I retired from used Napa filters on all engines regardless of brand and oil analysis always came back with silicon and insolubles better than universal averages.
The filters just need to be snugged after initial gasket contact.
 
I have been asked to help several boat owners in the marina remove stuck oil filters. There are 2 common elements in about 90% of those I have helped with…….the owner changed his own oil and overtightened the new filter, and, nearly every one was installed with grease on the gasket surface rather than engine oil as recommended by the the engine and filter makers. White grease from a spray can will stick the gasket to the filter base just about like it was welded on.
 

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