This is my first oil change since I've bought the car (95 Civic with LS swap) and I can't get the oil filter off for the life of me. I've used the universal oil filter clamp to help assist turn it, but it's not budging one bit. I'm actually starting to strip the back end of it where I've been trying to turn it. Anyone ever have this problem? Any suggestions for a noob?

 

get in the gym and work out more lol....but for real if its OEM you can get a tool that attaches to the back of the filter and a wrench and you can try that...you can also try a filter remover that has a rubber strip that goes around the filter..just brake clean it first to remove any oil on it to prevent it from slipping, if all else fails take a flat head and stab into the filter and remove it that way

 

Sears makes a 3 or 4 fingered filter wrench that clamps harder the harder you turn. Works like a charm. I have one, and I've only used it twice on other people's cars.

If not, drive a screwdriver through it and turn it with the handle.

 

when mine get stuck i take a big slip-joint plyers from the underside and twist it. it make a sorta twisty-turny motion on it and gets it off definatly.

 

IF all else fails stab it with a flat head screwdriver! I have only had to do it one time, it may be messy but it works and just don't tighten so much next time!

 

Do not use the screwdriver method unless you absolutely HAVE to. Use a filter wrench or a spring cup, thatll give you the least chance of damaging the filter(Yes its garabage but you dont want to spike it, rip it open, and make it a real bitch to remove).

 

Whoa, the stabbing it with a flathead method sounds fun and effective. That'll be my last resort. I've got the socket than fits on the end of a Mobil 1 filter (what I'm about to install), but not the one on there now. Thanks for the input.

 

Yikes, damaging the filter and not being able to get it off doesn't sound fun at all. I think I'll drink an energy drink before my next try. Niiiiice.

 

When I changed oil I always used big pliers or the screwdriver method.

 

Yes the screwdriver method works but it is messy, so have something underneath to catch the oil spill. And....remember to coat the gasket of the new filter with a thin coat of oil so the next oil change will be easier.