Getting off the Oil filter

[jenn1981]

So I just got an old Mazda 323 and was attempting and oil change today and I can't get the oil filter off for the life of me.
I have tried a couple different oil filter wrenches and the damn thing won't budge.
Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions/tricks that I can try.
I even resorted to getting Ryan to try...but he can't get it to budge either.

Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jenn

[Immortal]

Hammer a flat blade through the can, then the ol' "lefty-loosey" trick.
Don't forget to put the oil catch-pan under it to avoid the ensuing mess.

T

[jenn1981]

I have read a few places to try that...so I guess tomorrow night I will be punching a hole through it
Let you know if it works

[mike s]

Sometimes hammering a screwdriver through it will loosen it esp if you drive the blade on an angle with the "undo" (counter clockwise) direction. I've had good luck with big adjustable pliers, just crush the filter up a little first. It distorts the gasket surface making it easier to get off. Don't forget to oil the new filter to keep this from happening again. Hand tight it plenty tight.

[slimbeam]

run the engine a bit so the oil is warm, heat does wonders

[Gearhead]

Use a strap wrench , less mess , always works , the harder you pull the tighter it gets.

[specialk]

I have a strap wrench and one that looks like alligator jaws.  Even when the strap one slipped, the alligator one grabbed even it if meant crushing the filter a bit.

x2 on the alligator jaws - Mine are the vise grip style - a couple of bucks at princess auto. 

[SwampSinger]

What's wrong with using a torch and a chain saw?

[mike s]

After all...it's only a Mazda, not a jeep. Any power tool should do.

[jenn1981]

I tried the metal strap wrench, tried while the car was hot and cold, tried a rubber strapped wrench too, still can't get it to budge.
I am starting to lean towards SwampSingers idea of a chain saw/torch for the whole car. 
Free cars are so never worth it..lol
 
I think tonight I will try the screwdriver through it...or suck it up and pay someone to get it off.

Thanks for  the tips

[w squared]

Just so you know, Swamp Singer is out to lunch on this one. (I hear he's having BLTMB's. That's bacon, lettuce, tomato, more bacon)

You should NOT use a torch and a chainsaw. You should use a torch and a sawzall! After all, once you've used a chainsaw to take off an oil filter, you'll have to sharpen it before you use it on trees 

[dac]

what about Goons?  There's always the hired Goon option.  They can do almost anything.



I'd do the crewdriver myself though.

[w squared]

I vote for hired goons with sawzalls. And bacon. The bacon won't help with removing the oil filter, but it'll help to keep the goons happy. Even goons like bacon.

[Mikes off road]

Let quicky lube worry about it. No stress for you then.

[Gearhead]

When I suggested a strap wrench  , I mean't the type with nylon webbing ( seat belt material ) , not  metal or rubber .

Mine has never failed me on ANY size filter , from Cummins to Cat  to tiny motorcycle filters ,  no matter how tight.



No exageration , I've changed thousands of filters in my career.