tightening new oil filter

[punisher]

Do most folks use an oil filter wrench to tighten their replacement filters or just tighten it as much as you can by hand? I have found I cant get the whole 3/4 turn as recommended by hand, but dont want to use a wrench

[MMitsock]

I've found if I use my hands or a wrench the filter pretty much bottoms out and comes up against the mounting plate when fully tightened, knock on wood I've never had a leak. Just be sure to lubricate the gasket with new oil before installing.

[fly]

If you are using a wrench to tighten your new filter, you are putting it on way to tight!

[george60]

SUGGEST

I tighten the filter down by hand, Then I put the wrench on and go 1/4 more. Never had a problem.

[Wadingboy]

'til I started following this board I used Fram filters, the ones with the black grip end. Don't need a wrench on or off. Why don't all the filter makers do this?

[Wadingboy]

On another note, when my daughter brought her new car home for help changing the oil I figured "no problem." Well, I think they put the filter on with an impact wrench because I had to drive a metal stake through the filter then use a 3' galvanized pipe as a handle to break the d**n thing loose. Needless to say it was THE messiest oil change ever.

[akauth]

Originally posted by Wadingboy
On another note, when my daughter brought her new car home for help changing the oil I figured "no problem." Well, I think they put the filter on with an impact wrench because I had to drive a metal stake through the filter then use a 3' galvanized pipe as a handle to break the d**n thing loose. Needless to say it was THE messiest oil change ever.

I'd get yourself a set of oil filter pliers. You might not need them for 5 or 10 years but since it might cost you $10 it' worth it to have around when you need it. "It's all in the tools".

I prefer to buy tools when I have the chance knowing full well they'll "have their day" when I'm soooooo glad I bought them.

I even went as far as to get a large vise grips that is capable of clamping around a full sized filter (or a mason jar cap) because I've been through this too. Plus a regular pliers like filter wrench.

Sometims an end cap type wrench is handier too. Couple buck there too....

Though the worse I've ever had is to drive a phillips screw driver through it to form a handle and twist with that.

In almost all cases I would not *ever* advise tightening with a wrench. As long as it doesn't leak with the engine up to full temp, I don't worry about it and it will only seal tighter with time.

alan

[fly]

Originally posted by george60
SUGGEST

I tighten the filter down by hand, Then I put the wrench on and go 1/4 more. Never had a problem.

Why do you use a wrench? You should be able to make the quarter turn by hand.

[george60]

Why Do I Use A Wrench?

It's arthritis in my hands and the Tundra V8 oil filter is hard to get to.

[SATundra]

Originally posted by fly
If you are using a wrench to tighten your new filter, you are putting it on way to tight!

Ditto.

Spin it on until it touches, then turn until its tight (about 1/2 to 3/4 turn) BY HAND.

[fly]

Originally posted by george60
Why Do I Use A Wrench?

It's arthritis in my hands and the Tundra V8 oil filter is hard to get to.

Well, those are good reasons.
I guess you don't take off the skid-plate off, so a wrench makes it easier to turn the filter.
If you do it that way, you can use an old serpentine belt to unscrew the filter from top side, after you break it loose with the wrench, of course. Just a tip.

[Dude Boy]

It's arthritis in my hands and the Tundra V8 oil filter is hard to get to.

I have the same problem. I've found that wearing a rubber glove gives me enough extra grip that I can usually get 3/4 - 1 turn more after the gasket makes contact.

[charlie]

I have read the "don't use a filter wrench to tighten the oil filter" for 35 years,and I generally can get the 3/4-1 turn(after touching) by hand,but sometimes the wrench is more convenient,especially if the filter is slippery,or the space is limited.The smaller filters don't allow as good a grip,and the smaller diameter gives you less mechanical advantage-less torque.If you take it easy with the wrench it should be fine.Mark the filter into quarters so you can tell how much you have turned it after meeting resistance.Older hands need an edge.Charlie

[akauth]

Originally posted by charlie
I have read the "don't use a filter wrench to tighten the oil filter" for 35 years,and I generally can get the 3/4-1 turn(after touching) by hand,but sometimes the wrench is more convenient,especially if the filter is slippery,or the space is limited.The smaller filters don't allow as good a grip,and the smaller diameter gives you less mechanical advantage-less torque.If you take it easy with the wrench it should be fine.Mark the filter into quarters so you can tell how much you have turned it after meeting resistance.Older hands need an edge.Charlie

Personally, I don't really monitor how tight I have the filter by "turns". I get it spin on tight with oil on the filter gasket so it's pretty tight and then I'll "eyeball" the gasket squish as I tighten it up 1/2 turn. After that I just replicate it. Too, I think you can feel when it's properly tight by "feel". I guess it's really a combination of both for me.

You can practice by doing a 3/4 turn backing off to 1/2 turn (you need oil on the gasket) and you'll see how thick the gasket needs to be. After that, I'll just tighten 1/2 turn (which is enough) right away either in 1 step or 2 or "whatever".

If you're doing it for someone else (and you're not going to be the one to pull it off and you have to assume they are an idiot who won't guess that leaking oil means something), then I'd do the full 3/4 turn.

Alan