I was putting off maintenance on the splitter for the past month, and had to get it done. We changed the motor oil, cleaned the air filter, then went onto to changing the hydraulic fluid. I drained all the 3 year old fluid, then went to change the filter. I could not get a purchase on it with a filter wrench, or strap wrench. I sprayed it with carb cleaner to remove any grease and wiped clean. I used sand paper in between to create more grip, no go. I proceeded to start cursing it pretty good. Probably nothing my 15 year old hasn't heard before. I did use a new one when knuckles got busted the last time the strap wrench slipped. I resorted to using a 6 inch C-clamp. After messing with that for 15 minutes, I finally broke it loose. Anybody else have a problem with hydro filters?
People alway over tighten oil filters. Used to work with a guy we called mongo. Put drain plugs in with a breaker bar and twisted the filter in with all he had. All of my filter strap style wrenches are bent from trying to get filters he put on off. He did not understand that too tight is a thing.
I never tighten them as much as most recommend and this does save using some of those words! When we bought our tractor though, I learned the manufacturer takes tightening to a whole new level!
Yes the first filter from the factory is always super tight. We had a few cars towed in when the new owner mangled the filter trying to get it off. Very unhappy people.
A lot of filters say how much to turn after the gasket makes contact but few people read directions. Over tightening filters seems to be a national sport imho.
Never met a filter I could not get off. I have had some tight ones before. One time a hammered a long screw driver through the filter and used that to get it to turn. It made a mess but I did get it off. Usually a good filter wrench will do the job. I also have a special pair of pliers that are made for removing filters. But over tightened filters are a pain in the but without a doubt.
We get a lot of those in the shop, speedy lube did the last oil change.Correct torque for most filters is 3/4 turn past gasket/O ring contact, not 3-4 turns. Many filters are in tight spots that negate good leverage, it gets to be a pita sometimes.
I shared here recently on another thread of a similar topic (or at least a derail ) about a filter my buddy couldn't get off of his newly re-built Chevy 350 (and he installed it too!) tried all the usual tricks and nothing worked, was finally down to nothing left but the threaded flange and Oring surface...that FINALLY came off with a hammer and chisel!
Back in my teens i put one on too tight. Used the screwdriver trick and almost tore it in half. I learned...
I’m usually able to get filters off by hand. It’s the small spaces I can’t physically fit my hand in that I hate.
