Hello
I installed a new oil filter on a 98 ford escort, however, I cross
threaded it.
does anyone have any idea how to remove it?
I tried using the the socket wrench, but it doesn't move.
I also tried drilling hole in the filter and then inserted a
screwdriver.
I was thinking about cutting the metal shell.
thanks
Lawrence Glickman - 14 Feb 2005 04:53 GMT
>Hello
>
>I installed a new oil filter on a 98 ford escort, however, I cross
>threaded it.
>
>does anyone have any idea how to remove it?
I use a rubber strap wrench. Cinch it tight to the filter. Push or
pull, but in your case, counter-clockwise. Depends a lot on how much
room you have to work in, what kind of tools you can get in there.
>I tried using the the socket wrench, but it doesn't move.
>
>I also tried drilling hole in the filter and then inserted a
>screwdriver.
>
>I was thinking about cutting the metal shell.
Since these filters are only supposed to be mounted hand tight, one
wonders how you cross-threaded it so badly that a screwdriver through
it won't turn it off.
>thanks
Worst case scenario, a chain wrench, which will absolutely demolish
the filter, but also absolutely remove it.
Lg
N8N - 14 Feb 2005 14:42 GMT
> Hello
>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> thanks
If the screwdriver doesn't work, your last hope is to just destroy the
filter completely and try to "walk" the baseplate off with a dull
chisel or punch.
Once you get it off take a look at the threads on the stud that the
filter mounts on; if it is indeed cross threaded you may need to
replace that stud. Having a filter blow off is Not Fun; the only
redeeming thing about the situation is your engine generally develops
its highest oil pressure on a cold start so it will leave you stranded
in your driveway, not the highway. But if it's at all questionable I
would replace it.
good luck
nate
Rudy Hiebert - 15 Feb 2005 02:26 GMT
I suggest using a filter wrench if you haven't tried that yet. If you
need more leverage, extend it w/ a pipe or bar.
RH.
> Hello
> I installed a new oil filter on a 98 ford escort, however, I cross
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> I was thinking about cutting the metal shell.
> thanks
ed - 15 Feb 2005 14:53 GMT
COUNTERCLOCKWISE...for god sakes COUNTERCLOCKWISE!!!
seriously, anyone ever have to run a screwdriver through a filter and work
it off? what a friggin mess.
N8N - 15 Feb 2005 15:18 GMT
> COUNTERCLOCKWISE...for god sakes COUNTERCLOCKWISE!!!
>
> seriously, anyone ever have to run a screwdriver through a filter and work
> it off? what a friggin mess.
oh yeah, I remember in college I offered to change the oil in my
girlfriend's car - she'd previously taken it to one of those quick-lube
places, my filter wrench just collapsed the filter, ended up punching
three different holes in the filter before it was loose enough to spin
off. Much cursing. This was when I decided that a) those quick-lube
places just weren't worth it and b) neither was doing any maintenance
on a Crapolier.
nate
Lawrence Glickman - 15 Feb 2005 17:59 GMT
>COUNTERCLOCKWISE...for god sakes COUNTERCLOCKWISE!!!
>
>seriously, anyone ever have to run a screwdriver through a filter and work
>it off? what a friggin mess.
Yes.
Back when I used to take my car to oil shops, at one place they put
the new filter on with an impact wrench? Came time to take it off, I
had to pierce it through and through with a long screwdriver.
TeGGer? - 17 Feb 2005 02:03 GMT
> COUNTERCLOCKWISE...for god sakes COUNTERCLOCKWISE!!!
>
> seriously, anyone ever have to run a screwdriver through a filter and
> work it off? what a friggin mess.
Yes. I tried that once on my old '75 Corolla. A sorry, oily mess it was,
and guess what? The filter still did not come off! All the screwdriver did
was tear a ragged slot in the can, nothing more.
I had to remove the smog pump in order to make enough room to get a great
big set of Vise Grips on it.

Signature
TeGGeR?
ed - 17 Feb 2005 03:26 GMT
TeGGer® wrote:
>>COUNTERCLOCKWISE...for god sakes COUNTERCLOCKWISE!!!
>>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> I had to remove the smog pump in order to make enough room to get a great
> big set of Vise Grips on it.
yep. I can relate to that also. Ended up throwing a rag over the sharp
metal to avoid a nice mixture of dirty oil and blood..
N8N - 17 Feb 2005 16:01 GMT
> TeGGer® wrote:
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> yep. I can relate to that also. Ended up throwing a rag over the sharp
> metal to avoid a nice mixture of dirty oil and blood..
But a cut filled with dirty oil will leave a nice, noticeable scar,
marking you as a true Car Guy(tm) (looks at hands) I guess I must
qualify by now :)
nate