stuborn oil filter removal

Yes, I know the feeling. I have three oil filter wrenches of differing styles that fit the Prius filter, for this eventuality. One in particular is a band-type wrench that grips the filter body instead of the filter end.

If you are desperate you could drive a long screwdriver into the case near the bottom of the filter, then use the screwdriver as a lever to rotate and remove the filter.

If you change the filter after refilling the oil, you will only lose the oil within the filter and a little in the threaded mating assembly; maybe 1/2 quart total. So I would say this will not be a huge loss.

 

I actually prefer the band type of wrench over the end cap type. The end cap I bought for the Prius works ok, but the one I bought for the Avalon is a POS. I gave up on it.

The only advantage of the end cap type is that you can use a torque wrench to install to spec.

 

It may, I'm not sure on that. I believe the filter section is basically a different chamber from the oil sump. But put a clean catch pan under just in case. You might take a coffee filter over the cap wrench to give better leverage. As you probably know there is no room for a band wrench. Last resort is the screwdriver, incredibly messy!

 

Any luck trying one of those strap wrenches or band wrenches? I know there isn't a lot of room to try to get one of the traditional oil filter wrenches into the Prius engine bay, but they are worth a shot

The dealership Toyota-branded oil filters appear to have what looks like vasoline smeared on the o-ring. On other oil filters, I like to smear grease on the gasket, it makes removal *much* easier

I hand tighten only

 

I had this experience on a 1990 VW factory install 19 years ago...spent forever and ended up going the messy screwdriver route.
For future consideration...Pure One new model oil filters (yellow ) have a textured surface that might make changes a little easier.
Good luck

 

Line all or part of the inside surface of your end-cap wrench
with tape, and wiggle it carefully onto the end of the filter,
and that should tighten the clearance just enough to make it
work. Also don't expect the thing to "crack" loose like a tight
metal-to-metal bolt -- oil filters tend to start moving slowly
with steady torque, as you're breaking the rubber gasket loose
rather than metal parts.
.
It's also possible you have a too-oversize endcap tool...
.
_H*

 

Any updates on the stuck oil filter?

 

No more than half a quart in the filter.

 

I agree with Patrick, you will lose the volume in the filter plus a bit more that is in the passage that feeds the filter. The sump is below the level of the filter.

 

I've done the screwdriver method and it works well. You have to be careful that you only pierce the filter and don't hit the engine side.

Another trick is to take coarse grit sandpaper and wrap the oil filter. This works whether you are using a strap wrench or your hand.

 

Sometimes I've had good luck with brute strength while screaming the F Bomb at the offending part

 

Sometimes this works, but more often I end up losing the tool that is in my hand as I throw it somewhere where I can't find it again. :madgrin:

 

Not me.

What happens next, I usually snap and use whatever tool is in my hand to bludgeon the offending part until it dies a slow painful death

I have to point out this form of automotive "repair" can actually cost you many times what the original part is worth, including collateral damage when I run amok and start working over the entire vehicle

It sure feels good to blow off some steam though

 

use a screwdriver... as others have mentioned (it's hard to hit the engine with a screwdriver puncturing the filter...)

worse comes to worse.. you rip the casing of the filter off.... then you're left with 1 solid piece in the center of the filter.. which you can use a wrench to grab.

i've been through this a few times (my fault of course) with time any filter can be removed.

i've had to use special wrenches a few times... the screwdriver twice.. once it ripped apart.. the other time i was able to fit the screwdriver between the casing and the filters inner tube.. that inner tube is strong... (which is why i say the casing may rip)

i tend to buy stronger oil filters with grips on the end now.. instead of "sizes" on the end.. since they never work.

try buying a band wrench.. they tighten as they turn.. you only have a few inches to use this type of wrench.. but it works well until the casing gives...

 

You mean one of these?
Small Adj Clamp Filter Wrench - FocuzTech Performance
I have one and it works well at removing stuck filters. Not so good for installing though.

 

right.. Never.. Ever.. Ever good for installation. WAY too tight...

when putting your filters in.. remember.. finger tip tight. no more than that...

 

Toyota service instructions indicate that you should rotate the oil filter 3/4 turn after the gasket contacts the machined surface. However I find that 1/2 turn is adequate.

You don't want the filter to be too loose, as that might encourage an oil leak under pressure which could result in engine failure.