An oil filter wrench is only needed to take off over tightened oil filters. The best tools to tighten oil filters are on the end of your arm. Hand tight is all you need, and easy off when you change oil next. I do not own an oil filter wrench....useless tool, IMHO.

 

I just stab a screw driver thru it if its stuck on. Most cases thats worked in a pinch, so I've never needed an oil filter wrench.

 

No kidding. Gotta add the dish soap too. let 'er idle until you get lots of bubbles.






I'm kidding. do NOT do that.

 

That's alright... Back in the day, I once dumped a quart of transmission fluid into the crankcase on someones vehicle. Reached over and there it was sitting next to a quart of oil. Didn't even think to look. Off went the cap, and into the motor. Realized it was the wrong fluid right after I was done.

Pulled the oil plug and ended up wasting a few more quarts until it ran clean again. Didn't run the motor with with the tranny fluid in it thankfully.

 

Did it my self, about 30 years ago. Two different seal sizes. Even though I oiled the ring up. I didn't notice the size difference. 5 quarts onto the driveway. The hardest part was the embarrassment and cleaning up the driveway.

 

Haha yep first oil change i did just that, but I kept wondering why the filter wasn't getting that much tighter... So after spinning it for a while I figured it's gotta be on by now and started it up. Nice little jet shot out from between the O rings. I only lost about 3/4 of a liter and I put these giant foam tiles on the driveway to lie on so cleanup wasn't that bad. The old O-ring was actually mashed to the point of protruding so I was able to use some needle nose pliers to get it out.

I spent like an hour and a half on it and wasted a bottle of Mobil1. But it was good times and he runs the same

 

Few people know to dip your finger in the oil and run it around the new oil filter gasket. It helps get a seal and prevents the filter from getting stuck next time you change it.

 

just a quick thing to think about and something I learned real quick. when you pull the old filter off ALWAYS make sure the old gasket is still attached to it. if not its still on the mating surface of the block. when you leave that there and put a new filter on it WILL spray all the oil everywhere. always wipe and inspect your mating surface when installing a new filter.. then dab your finger in oil and rub it on the new gasket to lube it. then install the filter. spin it till it touches the surface then spin it 1/4 to 1/2 turn more. you dont need to go any tighter all its going to do is make it harder to get off and more likely the gasket will stick to the block. ALWAYS inspect, ALWAYS lube, and NEVER over tighten.

 

IT'S METRIC! Just a couple of weeks ago an experienced parts guy at my Napa handed me the wrong filter. A Napa #1626 is a fine choice, or a Wix elsewhere. (M 20 X 1,5) is what is on my sticker.

Idk, just wanted to make sure that was out there, (for 87>90), Renix Jeeps.

 

About 500 miles before I change my oil I add a quart of transmission fluid to the oil to help clean up any sludge or varnish from inside the engine. A quart of ATF won't hurt anything, it's a pretty good detergant.

 

I like that idea! I'm pretty high miles, and a slob about oil changes. (Every February, weather it needs it or not)(I'm usually not too busy)...yea, hit it with higher detergent, than drain it and can the filter. Neat thinking.

 

An entire quart?!?

 

I would hate my self more for having to deal with cleaning 6 qts of oil on my driveway up then I would for running my engine 20 seconds with no oil.