Hydraulic Filter Change Problem

[marrt]

You are lucky this popped up. Air introduction on the suction side is very bad news, longer term, for the pump. Terry once told me to ensure my filter is VERY tight on installaiton. This isn't like a car filter...where you get it firmly tight with your hand and it will tighten up in use (or that's what people say). This filter must be TIGHT. Air can easily get into the system and you'll never know. They use a special filter wrench from gearwrench if I remember correctly. I've posted the model number before.

 

[ponytug]

You are lucky this popped up. Air introduction on the suction side is very bad news, longer term, for the pump. Terry once told me to ensure my filter is VERY tight on installaiton. This isn't like a car filter...where you get it firmly tight with your hand and it will tighten up in use (or that's what people say). This filter must be TIGHT. Air can easily get into the system and you'll never know. They use a special filter wrench from gearwrench if I remember correctly. I've posted the model number before.

Marrt-

Could you repost it? I couldn't seem to find the relevant post. My strap wrench is only ok, and I am looking for something better.

All the best,

Peter

 

[SpringHollow]

This is the one I bought but I have not used it yet so no idea if it is better than a Ridgid strap wrench.

Amazon.com: GEARWRENCH Heavy-Duty Oil Filter Wrench 4-1/2" to 5-1/4" - 2321: Home Improvement

Ken

 

[ponytug]

That's the one I had my eye on. My 1759 filter is a hair over 5" in diameter. I'm curious what other's experiences are.

Thanks!

All the best,

Peter

 

[woodlandfarms]

I have that wrench Peter. As you and I both know the filter is a bit of a PITA to get on and off (it isn't as bad as a Ferrari 355 and dropping the engine) but I have both a strap version of an oil wrench and this version. I generally use the Gearwrench strap but to get the metal band under the base of the filter is a PITA. But it has less "slippage" and difficulty getting that first grab.

 

[ponytug]

LOL! Thanks Carl- ok not as bad as a Ferrari 355 (I will take your word for it), but a challenge. The nylon strap works fine for removal, but usually caves in my filters. I was hoping that the gearwrench metal strap might help put the filter on tightly, without damage.

Thanks to MR or whoever suggested the trick of putting a ziplock over the filter once it starts unthreading, my removals are a lot less messy. A lot.

All the best,

Peter

 

[woodlandfarms]

How to change the Oil in a Ferrari 355 - YouTube

That said, YES, it does keep the crush down. Not perfect but a lot lot better.

 

[PowerTracManiac]

Great info! My feeling of dread is decreasing.
FYI, I noticed they also have a wider version of this filter wrench if you check under the similar listings. I bought that one. Hopefully it will reduce the crushing effect you all are talking about.

 

[joshlee]

Here is a picture of the new housing for the hydraulic filter. This one doesn't have that cheesy white metal look like the other did, and it also says "Made in the USA." :thumbs:

 

[joshlee]

You are lucky this popped up. Air introduction on the suction side is very bad news, longer term, for the pump. Terry once told me to ensure my filter is VERY tight on installaiton. This isn't like a car filter...where you get it firmly tight with your hand and it will tighten up in use (or that's what people say). This filter must be TIGHT. Air can easily get into the system and you'll never know. They use a special filter wrench from gearwrench if I remember correctly. I've posted the model number before.

After getting it as tight as I could by hand, I turned it half a turn with the filter wrench. It's on pretty tight. I'll say one thing, the little clip that Power Trac welded on for attaching the hydraulic filter housing is a good, deep penetration weld. That vertical plate that it's welded to has even bent some from torquing, and the paint around some of the weld chipped off from allot of strain being put on the welds.

Thanks for the info about making sure the filter is tight.

 

[cqaigy2]

Here is a picture of the new housing for the hydraulic filter. This one doesn't have that cheesy white metal look like the other did, and it also says "Made in the USA." :thumbs:

View attachment 678702

Oh ya, that one looks uptown.

 

[ponytug]

Joshlee: I like that new filter bracket! Looks solid. The original wasn't exactly a high quality casting. I hope that this lasts you a good long time.

Woodlandfarms: That 355 oil change is something else. Slick jacking system. The oil change brought back tons of memories of being under vehicles thinking "You have to be kidding me. WTH? Who designed this, or more to the point what were they thinking?"

Makes working on my PT seems so easy!

All the best,

Peter

 

[joshlee]

Great info! My feeling of dread is decreasing.
FYI, I noticed they also have a wider version of this filter wrench if you check under the similar listings. I bought that one. Hopefully it will reduce the crushing effect you all are talking about.

It looks like that wide one might work better than the one I have. Where do you guys grip the oil filter? Is there a place where its less likely to crush?

 

[ponytug]

To avoid denting the filter, I apply force either by the top rim (my first choice) or by the opposite end seems to work best for me.

All the best,

Peter

 

[joshlee]

That痴 what I found out too. For a long time I was gripping the upper part, but here just recently found that the bottom seems to work better for me.

Josh

 

[marrt]

Peter, sorry for the late replay. MossRoad is correct...that's the one, although I don't recall if the model number is correct or not. I had to order a couple different sizes because I have multible machines. One size didn't work, so I ordered a third one.

 

[ponytug]

Thanks! On order now.

All the best,

Peter

 

[BobRip]

Thanks! On order now.

All the best,

Peter

I wonder if you could just leave the wrench on between changes. I guess you have to flip it over between tightening and loosening, so that would not work. I ordered one so thanks for the tip.

 

[Tchamp]

Just curious, couldn’t the filter and mount be mounted in a more accessible area, i think i would do this to make it easier to service seeing how it has to be so often.....

 

[ponytug]

Just curious, couldn’t the filter and mount be mounted in a more accessible area, i think i would do this to make it easier to service seeing how it has to be so often.....

Of course! You just want to keep the hoses short, and if the hoses lengthen, you might need to up size them to keep resistance to a minimum.

Personally, I don't might popping the hood frequently, but everybody is different. It helps me keep an eye on oil or fuel leaks or weeps, and how dusty everything is.

All the best,

Peter