Filter Removal

GrandLakeGAR · Mar 22, 2012

I need to do the first replacement of the hydraulic and transmission filters on my 2815. Must have been installed by a Sumo wrestler because I can't budge either one. The first oil filter was also very tight but I got it off with one of the orange handled adjustable spanner type filter wrenches. Not working on these two though. Any tips or other type wrenches I could use. I'd hate to totally mangle a filter and have it leaking but still stuck on the tractor. Thanks

Texan4Life · Mar 22, 2012

I prefer strap wrenchs. they can crunch the filter up pretty well, but get the filter off 99% of the time. only once when i broke a strap wrench did i resort to the screw driver method.

another thing, double check your going the right way. I have gotten turned around before and when i realized it I was like oh yeah durr no wonder its not coming off. lol.

SandburRanch · Mar 22, 2012

Use two wrenches 180° apart if possible. This will give most all energy as torque rather than a little torque and a whole lot of prying side pressure.

I made a T-handle wrench for my whole house water filter and it works great.

Bigfoot62 · Mar 22, 2012

NAPA sells filter wrenches that have a very wide band and you use a 1/2 drive ratchet (or break-over) for the handle. This one is for a standard size oil filter, but they have them all the way up to fit the 1 gallon filter on my Kenworth.
NAPA AUTO PARTS

GrandLakeGAR · Mar 22, 2012

Thanks, but I never forget "righty tighty, lefty loosy" LOL. I have a strap wrench but not as good as the spanner type pliers in my experience. And no room for two wrenches in this area either. I will check on the NAPA part and maybe see about a big pair of channel locks. Screw driver will be the last resort. No excuse for the factory putting filters on so tight but I have run into it before on new cars and trucks. Might be a deliberate practical joke from the guys on the assembly line? Thanks again.

AchingBack · Mar 23, 2012

Try tightening the filter first. I have used this technique with great success. You should hear a slight cracking sound, as the gasket is released from one of the two surfaces.

George2615 · Mar 23, 2012

I have 8 filter wrenches of various types and sizes. If they don't work you can always drive a long heavy duty screwdriver thru the top of the filter (not by the base or gasket end) and turn it off. A bit messy but it does work.

Johnp33 · Mar 23, 2012

Many filters if they get hot the gasket will weld onto the filter and the base.
Cummins use to make a hydrolic transmision, Sunstrand, to get the filter off we use to remove the lines, then the fiter head, put that in a vise, and rip the canister off the monting plate then heat the plate till the gasket burnt away. Then it would come off

GrandLakeGAR · Mar 24, 2012

Thanks guys. I also have a drawer full of different type filter wrenches. The spanner pliers type with orange handles has been my best to date if there is room to use it but the NAPA strap with the 1/2" drive looks even better if there is one the right size. Pierced with a screw driver is still my fall back but hope it doesn't come to that. Don't think a torch will be needed. Since this seems pretty common on the first filter change with new vehicles too, I wonder if it's because they are installed with no lube on the gasket when the engines are built. I'll get em off one way or another.Thanks again for all the ideas.

TBarD · Mar 24, 2012

When I replaced the HST filter on my Kubota (original factory filter) I tried several of the fancy filter wrenches - couldn't budge it. Broke at least one of them. Then I noticed that the base of the filter was machined thick with notches. Tapped on it with a drift and hammer and it came right off!