What the Stuck?

[mccash40]

It was the first warm day of 2017 here in the Adirondacks. A great day for changing filters on my BX23. Drained the oil and started to change the oil filter. It wouldn't budge. It appeared to have swollen a bit and the wrench I had was too small. So it was off to the auto supply to buy a larger wrench at $19. I just about had to crush the filter to get it off and replace it. Next it was on to the transmission filter. No problem...new wrench. Well I used all my strength (I'm 76, so it's not Herculean by any means) and it wouldn't budge. Not only that, I popped a small hole in it and it started to leak. I was parked in the sun, outside of my garage so I started it up and with oil spraying out, I backed it back into the garage and shut it off. Lost about a pint of UDT. This a.m. I called the dealer and told him what happened. I've owned the tractor for 6 years but he remembered me. He said he could send a service man out, but he was coming over my way tomorrow and would give me a hand, no charge. He would also bring some UDT to fill the machine back up. Gotta love these Kubota dealers. I need to find a better wrench, I guess or eat more protein. Anyone else have filter problems on their BXs?

 

[George2615]

It's not just your BX. It seems like all the factories have a gorilla on staff who installs the filters. I hope that since its 6 years old its not the first time you've changed the filters.

When you get help and get it off make sure to put some oil on the new filter gasket before installing. I'm guessing at the last filter change they were put on dry. If they are put on dry they tend to fuse themselves to the mating surface.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

It always amazes me when people on here say that the dealer is not important. :confused3:

Sounds like you have a good one.

 

[mccash40]

It's not just your BX. It seems like all the factories have a gorilla on staff who installs the filters. I hope that since its 6 years old its not the first time you've changed the filters.

When you get help and get it off make sure to put some oil on the new filter gasket before installing. I'm guessing at the last filter change they were put on dry. If they are put on dry they tend to fuse themselves to the mating surface.

It's the 3rd time for both. A friend showed up as it's a holiday and together we got the filter off and the new one back on. All is well in the North Country. Yes, the dealer is great. Salem Farm Supply, Salem NY.

 

[oosik]

I hear your problem. I crushed the oil filter at the 50 hour oil/filter change. The two hydraulic filters were easier.......

 

[George2615]

Mccash, Looks like you are due east of me.
I've had stuck filters too. I've broken filter wrenches, crushed some filters, and drove a large screwdriver through them for leverage to get them off. Maybe you are right about getting older. I know I don't have the strength I used to.

 

[Herkypilot]

Yes, it has also been my experience - between dry gaskets at install and gray paint on everything, the factory filter installs are tough to break free.

HP

 

[oldironsights]

As someone who has broken many a filter wrench, I feel your pain.
I no longer buy the cheap filter wrenches that auto parts stores sell.
Even Snap-On oil filter wrenches break.(No. Snap-On will not exchange your broken tool for a new one)
I use filter wrenches like this one;
Amazon.com: GearWrench 2321 Heavy Duty Oil Filter Wrench (4-1/2 to 5-1/4"): Automotive
Sometimes I use a very long breaker bar with proper extensions & use two hands to break a filter loose.
Always grab the filter at the base & not the tip.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Here Snap On still offers replacement on broken tools. They replaced the guts in a forty year old ratchet just recently.

I too have poked holes through filters or squashed them with a large slip joint pliar. Mostly though because they were in an impossible location. Nothing quite like having old hot oil running down your arm.

I probably put filters on too tight. Just, don't like the thought of one coming loose.

 

[oosik]

I finally bought one of those GearWrench heavy duty band filter tools. It fits on my 1/2" ratchet and allows the use of both hands - but only in in a convenient location. I've had hot oil down to my elbow - gave up and took a new purchase on the filter. Didn't need hot oil in my arm pit.

My Kubota is the only vehicle I own where the filters are in - more or less - convenient locations. They must have made the design engineers take a shot at filter removal before final location approval. The others are a new adventure in exploration & extraction.