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A Better Oil Filter Cap Wrench

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by The Critic, Jan 1, 2013.

  1. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    http://image.snapon.com/international/pdf/ofwtoy3kt_npa.pdf

    I found this posted on GarageJournal. It appears that BluePoint/Snap-On has developed a pair of cartridge filter sockets for the newer Toyota vehicles that are equipped with a cartridge oil filter.

    Judging from the shape of the smaller one for the 4-cyl vehicles, I think this is a much better choice than the generic 64mm aluminum caps that one would otherwise use. From what I can see, the Bluepoint cap has greater surface area around the edge, which should grip the cap better to allow for a easier removal. A number of people have reported difficulty in removing the cartridge filter cap on the 1.8L if they are even the slightest bit overtightened, so this cap should help.

    I think I will pick one up for future oil changes on my 2011. The smaller one is $32.15, which is not cheap, but is probably one of the cheaper items that you can buy from Snap-On.

    Between this and a new inch-lb CDI torque wrench, doing a proper "by-the-book" oil change for this car is expensive!
     
  2. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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  3. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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  4. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    I just looked at the one I have in the garage and it is completely identical to the OFWTOY4. I loaned that one to a friend and he broke off one of the ears trying to get the filter housing off of a Toyota truck. He then bought the Assenmacher one and that wouldn't remove the housing either. He had to use a big pair of Channel lock pliers and a hammer to remove it. He gave me the Assenmacher along with the broken tool.
     
  5. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    I never have understood why they dont just incorporate a nut head or drive socket into the filter cap. Sure would make it easier and you wouldnt need another tool to change the oil.
     
  6. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    VW did that with the early 2.0T engines, but if you used the 36mm nuts, it would cause the cap to flex a lot....it almost appeared as though you would crack the cap.
     
  7. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    The 4cyl TDIs still have the hex on top of the filter cap.
     
  8. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    So they can sell their special service tools. ;)
     
  9. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Correct answer!
     
  10. rrg

    rrg Active Member

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    How about a universal wrench. Once size fits, most all.

    [​IMG]
     
  11. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    When the service department overtightened mine one time I tried a wrench like that and could not budge the filter. The rubber belt just slipped no matter how hard I tried. With normal tightness it should work fine.
     
  12. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    The guy I know practically destroyed the housing to get it off. He used a torque wrench when he put the new housing on.
     
  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Honda's automotive filter is same socket shape/size. They sell a heavy duty, chromed steel socket. Not sure about the price.
     
  14. ImeanGreen

    ImeanGreen Prius v Five BP Brigade #236

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    Did my first oil change today. Used a 65/14 oil cap wrench that fit perfectly-snug and tight. I've read that others are loose using the 65mm but mine fits perfectly and no wooble. Had to use a screw driver to pry it out of the filter housing. Mine is metal with 65/14 inside of the oil cap wrench.