Anyone use a lubricant other than just the new engine oil on the filter o ring? I just wonder if something like an o ring lubricant such as Dow Corning 111 or Parker super lube might make the filter easier to loosen up for removal at oil change time. I have a hard time getting much leverage on it laying on the driveway and reaching through the wheel well. Thanks for any insight.

Jrs102

 

Not sure you'd want the filter to be easier to remove, else it may do so on its own.

I always use large pipe wrench pliers for removal, it's coming off anyway .



Another piece of advice to make clean-up easier, open up some grocery bags and triple-ply them around the filter, then remove it, no mess afterwards if you're lucky .

Can't assume you're removing the wheel, I always do. Jack it up with a floor jack, remove wheel, place small level on engine block and lower floor jack to ensure removal of all of the oil.

 

Never seen nor read about anyone using anything other than just oil

 

I can usually remove the filter with my bare hands with a bit of the ol' brute force, and if not an oil filter wrench does the trick. If you have no oil filter wrench/channel locks big enough to remove it and it's stuck on there, the messy way is to stick a screwdriver through the filter and use it as a handle to turn it.
The TL has been nothing but a charm when it comes to oil filter removal though and as said a good twist with my hand has always got it loose (and I swear it was screwed on fine!)

Seconding Monkey trucker's recommendation, but instead of triple grocery bags, a freezer ziploc bag also works wonder and you can zip it up for a no mess removal.

Also, do remove the wheel. It takes 5 minutes and it makes the job incredibly easy.

 

I've seen them guns .

I've done the "screwdriver" method once, that was the one and only time I'll ever do it. Hands covered in oil before even attempting to remove the damn filter. Biggest mess I've ever made changing oil, and was in the era of young and dumb and no money for proper tools.

 

If you hand screw the filter and put a dab of oil on the gasket, it's not too much trouble removing it when the time comes. Hardly a feat worthy of superman.

Edit: Agree about the screwdriver method, it's pretty much last resort/hackjob. I've had someone do it and rip the filter clean with the filter ring staying stuck in the threads. That was a hundred times more annoying than it should have been...

 

Oh, I do lube it up properly, I also fill the filter with oil so that the engine isn't starved as much when first cranking after an oil change. I've just accustomed myself to reaching for the wrench. Besides, hands are usually greasy from the pan by then. Look, I ain't got guns like you.

 

Ack! Before resorting to the "screwdriver" method, try the old belt method if an oil filter wrench is not available. Sorry for the blurry photo, but you get the idea.





Old Belt Filter Wrench

 

First time I hear that one, but no reason it wouldn't work, it's exactly like a band wrench.

Good one!

 

I'm wearing that exact belt right now...

 

Screw using a large oil filter pliers or belts. Just buy a oil filter cup/socket pictured above. It's like $10. Use it with a 6" extension and you'll be able to remove it easily.

 

I'm wearing the exact cup right now...

 

My thoughts exactly!

If one can bend steel in their bare hands and be more powerful than a locomotive ...........
.
.

 

just a dollop of the new oil, hand tight on and then hand off!