I've been doing my own oil changes ever since I got the Teg. However, changing the oil filter has always been a challenge becuase it's next to impossible to get off. Anybody want to share their secrets on the easiest way to remove these darn things?


[Modified by 99ls, 2:10 AM 12/12/2001]

 

have you been using an oil filter wrench? i find that its not very difficult when using one of those.

 

 

use the search button, some guys just gave some nice tips .about two days ago

 

99ls - get an oil filter wrench like everyone suggested. You can order one from your dealer or order from: http://www.ahmotor.com .

 

Tighten it by hand next time.

 

I dunno, I have an old wrench (clamp style), that doesn't fir. I've always been able to get it off by hand, and tight enough so I've never had leakage....

 

ditto...if you hand tighten it, you can hand loosen it

 

Although the conventional way of tightening the oil filter is to do it by hand, Honda specifically states to tighten the filter with a wrench...and there are even hash marks on the filter to give feedback on how much to tighten it. Personally, I would be nervous going on the road course with an oil filter that wasnt tightened as much as is specified. YMMV.

To help avoid all the oil leaking on you when you pull the filter off, the best way is to change the filter after letting the car sit over night, BEFORE starting the car. Why does Honda place their filters in such a retarded position??

 

Helm's manual states that the filter should be turned 7/8 of a turn after the rubber seals seat against the block. Anybody with a forearm larger than a toilet paper roll should be to handle that w/o a wrench.

 

I always follow the torque spec. (yes, there is a torque spec for the filter)

 

I dont have my service manual in front of me, but I believe the actual language is to turn the filter 7/8ths AFTER hand tightening, not after the rubber seal seats against the block.

 

I simply pry my oil filters off with a prybar. If it won't come off then, i just keep beating it with a hammer until it falls off.

for some reason I keep having to replace oil filter housings and once I had to replace the block for some reason. I can't figure out what's causing this.



[Modified by B18C5-EG6, 4:27 PM 12/12/2001]

 

Tighten it by hand, and to remove, use a rubber dishwashing glove.. works every time.

 

Oil filter wrench at Pep Boys-the black one with the 3/8 socket wrench attachment. I believe it is the size H. Bring a filter with you. Then hand tighten and rub a little oil on the rubber gasket that surrounds the filter. I've had to punch a screwdriver through a friends filter to get it off.

 

I stick to the same brand of filter and then use a filter wrench with the 3/8 drive hole. Then to get the most amount of space I used a 1/4 ratchet with a 3/8-1/4 drive adapter.

But that was when I was too lazy to jack up my car and always took off the filter from above the car. If you go in from below it's much, much easier, hehe.

 

yah, after the oil filter catches turn it 7 numbers. Labled on the honda oil filter. then you will never have a problem.

 

Ditto, except I use a surgical glove (Bend over, this won't hurt. Much.... ).

I still have yet to figure a way to get it off without it spilling oil all down the side of the motor (which then runs down the swaybar, over the downpipe and down the exhaust). Yes I'm draining it first too, the filters just seem to hold oil for a long time.

 

I guess the best method would be to turn it counter clockwise.


Make sure to get a steel oil filter socket. I had the plastic one and it lasted three oil changes before the center stripped out.

Be glad you dont have a prelude. After I changed the oil in my wifes 99 SH for the first time, I drove to the airport and flew to the honda headquarters, found the guy who designed and developed the engine compartment and slapped him and his wife.

 

Hahah.

 

Yep...the rubber glove works great!

 

for getting it off, not putting it on

 

Mad skillz: That thing looks like it could be used to give an enema!

As far as the Prelude's oil filter being harder to change than the ITR's, that isnt my experience. The now wife then gf had a '98 SH, and aside from the fact that you had to use an open end wrench to loosen the drain plug (the ATTS reservoir sits too close and prevents the use of a socket), I thought it was easier. After all, you could change the filter from the top, although it required some hand contortion .

 

Also, I dont know what kind of clearance there is on the ITR, but on my B20 I can reach the oil filter from the top (route hand behind and under intake manifold). It makes it much easier and you dont have to get all up under the car (except to drain the oil)

 

The filter wrench I got from the local Trash (Trak) Auto store got deformed. It's got stripped is more like it. So I place it over the filter and when I turn, it just rotates without catching the filter.

I hate taking the filter off!