OMC GM 4.3 Oil Filter - STUCK!

[jrbryanjr]

I just purchased a 1986 Sea Ray with a OMC/GM 4.3 and I can't break the oil filter free. It is on the block, on the port side, with limited access - can't get a wrench around it. IT has probably been on there for years.
Any Suggestions???
Thanks, Rob

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: OMC GM 4.3 Oil Filter - STUCK!

There are filter wrenches with a swivel handle or that take a ratchet.
you can get a wrench on it though,just need the right kind of wrench.

 

[flatiron14]

Re: OMC GM 4.3 Oil Filter - STUCK!

This probably not recommended, but the last time we had this problem, we hammered a long flathead screwdriver through the filter and turned it that way. Kinda makes a mess, but gave us leverage to break it free.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: OMC GM 4.3 Oil Filter - STUCK!

There are filter wrenches with a swivel handle or that take a ratchet.
you can get a wrench on it though,just need the right kind of wrench.

If it's on there really tight this would be the way to do it.

Slide that tool as far onto the filter as you can get it and use an extension and a long "breaker" bar.

If you put too much torque in the end of the filter and it doesn't move you could twist the filter so much that the wrench will slip.

This is an example of a filter that was tightened far too much!

 

[AZSenza]

Re: OMC GM 4.3 Oil Filter - STUCK!

Try a few different automotive supply stores, you'll eventually find one that has a wrench that works. There are sone new ones that look like a giant socket, they grab onto the flutes at the bottom and come in a lot of sizes to ensure a tight fit. I've never used one but they look promising.

 

[frustratedboater]

Re: OMC GM 4.3 Oil Filter - STUCK!

The wrench/socket approach is the best way. I fell victim of the screwdriver method by slipping on the oily handle and getting slashed by the shreaded metal. "BE CAREFUL" if you use that approach. After the blood bath and "this things not getting the best of me" approach, it finally gave.

When you turn the new one on.... Think of how frustrated you were before and 1) oil the rubber gasket, 2) stick to the 1/2 - 3/4 turn rule once the filter makes contact.

Good luck....

 

[danond]

Re: OMC GM 4.3 Oil Filter - STUCK!

This and auto lug nuts installed by people with air tools. My two pet peeves.

 

[FishHog]

Re: OMC GM 4.3 Oil Filter - STUCK!

Not to be a smart *****, but are you sure your turning it the right way? I had a brain fart a few years back and cranked mine way to tight and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't come off. Then I stopped and thougth about it, and since mine is mounted upside down, I was turning it the wrong way.

Yeah, I felt stupid, but sometimes the brain just isn't firing correctly.

FishHog

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: OMC GM 4.3 Oil Filter - STUCK!

Try a few different automotive supply stores, you'll eventually find one that has a wrench that works. There are sone new ones that look like a giant socket, they grab onto the flutes at the bottom and come in a lot of sizes to ensure a tight fit. I've never used one but they look promising.

The "giant socket" types don't work very well on a really tight filter. They're usually plastic and they just slip off when you really put the torque on them!

You want the type that gets tighter as you turn harder.

 

[Lou C]

Re: OMC GM 4.3 Oil Filter - STUCK!

If you are using any kind of a strap wrench one thing that sometimes works is to take a piece of sandpaper and fold it so both sides have the rough side out...slip this between the body of the filter and the wrench...and that will keep the wrench from slipping and it may come loose. I have also used the kind that has jaws that spread open to get it on the filter and then when you tighten it with a ratchet it gets tighter and tighter...and this works well if the only access is from underneath. I have a collection of oil filter tools accumulated over the years.....they all come in handy sooner or later.