Anybody else rounded off the hex Oil filter cap? Any tips to remove?

[dorourke7280]

Anybody else round the hex off on the top of the oil filter housing? I can’t believe how tight the shop made it at the last oil change (usually I do it myself, but it was in for something else so I let them do it). If anyone has any tips for getting it off now I’d really appreciate it.

 

[hogmemberisold]

Small pipe wrench comes to mind....

 

[jcthorne]

This can happen if the cap is installed dry. I have seen shops actually clean the cap with brake clean prior to changing the o-rings and leaves the threads completely dry. They then seize up with heat and milage and make removal very difficult. The cap threads and o-ring need to be wet with oil when installing.

 

[Woodaddict]

36 mm if you want a hex socket, not the 12 point

 

[Mikey]

Good socket, and some good down force while turning!! Good luck, you may need a new cap before it's over!!! Did you call the shop and thank them for the pain? Maybe they will spring for the cap, I know, what I am I saying!!!! Hell would freeze first.

 

[Mrmikey]

Small pipe wrench comes to mind....

I'd be worried about the grooves the wrench puts in the cap. Maybe run it for awhile to warm it up before trying it may help a bit?
I'd also be concerned about how much stress is it putting on the actual cannister, forcing it apart/open. I asked awhile ago what the thoughts were about putting a screw type hose clamp around the body of the cannister just because. It seems quite thin to me but maybe I'm just being paranoid.

 

[hogmemberisold]

I'd say he's not worried about reusing it if he's able to get it removed.... The idea is to get it removed, and a nice small pipe wrench may do...

 

[dorourke7280]

This can happen if the cap is installed dry. I have seen shops actually clean the cap with brake clean prior to changing the o-rings and leaves the threads completely dry. They then seize up with heat and milage and make removal very difficult. The cap threads and o-ring need to be wet with oil when installing.

Good socket, and some good down force while turning!! Good luck, you may need a new cap before it's over!!! Did you call the shop and thank them for the pain? Maybe they will spring for the cap, I know, what I am I saying!!!! Hell would freeze first.

I already ordered a new cap. I used a 36mm socket, but that just rounded the corners off. I'm going to try vice grips, but there's not a ton of room.

 

[hogmemberisold]

Or something like this basin wrench - https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-140XL-Telescoping-16-Inches/dp/B001PNOEX0?th=1

 

[2dogs]

I already ordered a new cap. I used a 36mm socket, but that just rounded the corners off. I'm going to try vice grips, but there's not a ton of room.

Can't remember where I got them but they do make a small pair of vice grips. How'd it go with the drain plugs? I'd also order a pair of gold plugs for my next go around. Very cheap insurance.