I picked up a 96 Taco with a 3.4 in it and decided to do quick oil change on it, Oil came out fine but the filter wont budge, I managed to get some channel locks up there but only managed to crush the filter, punched a hole through it and broke my screw driver. I was soooo mad I had to get up and walk away this thing is Welded On!. The filter is pinched and has holes in it so what are my options now, anyone know any tricks.

 

What did you try before the channel locks and the screwdriver. Did you try an actual oil filter wrench? I have yet to find a filter that I couldn't remove with my filter wrench... and there have been some tight ones.

At this point, I would try a bigger screwdriver in the hole you made through the filter.

and quick reminder... lefty loosey, right?

 

Well Ive never had to use a filter wrench, allthough I have tried befor. Which one would you suggest, one that is like a big sockett, the strap one or one of those swivel ones.

 

Strap Wrench. I've never had one that I couldnt get off with one, there have been some seriously tight ones!

 

I'd suggest the strap type w/ swivel good luck

 

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...pecialty+Tools

normally these work great

if it comes down to it and all you have is the part of the filter that meets the block left, then you can use a hammer and chisel to turn the filter out, just be careful you don't go through the filter and hit the mating surface

 

I like that chisle idea, and atistang those look good, I like the fact that it fits different sizes but im leaning towards the strap type, I think it may be more versatile.
Thanks guys Im going to give the chisel a try and hopefully not damage anything.

 

I had a similar experience the first time I changed my filter. My buddy brought over a universal oil filter wrench that looked like this:

http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?P...OD&ProdID=5622

After a couple tries the filter came out. Mine was semi-mangled, but it still came out with this wrench.

 

Best filter wrench is the socket type, that has a 3/8" or larger drive and is made of metal. They usually fit loosely, as filters of the same size still vary a little bit.

Next step is to get masking tape, and start putting layers of it on the inside of the socket. When it gets close to being slightly smaller than the filter, take a hammer, and hammer the socket onto the filter. Then use anything you have to drive the socket.

 

busted a screwdriver ?


now, usually the screwdriver trick is the end-all final answer. that filter
is coming off. (though messy)




stop buying your screwdrivers at the dollar store

 

yeah... i actually had to use a screw driver to get the filter of the 07... guess i put it on a lil tight last time, my filter wrench just wasnt cutting it, my hands werent doing it, so i stabbed through it with a philips head and that broke it loose

 

Well I used the chisel and it worked like a charm, Thanks for that idea, I dont think I ever would of come up with that.
It was a cheapo screwdriver.There really isnt much room to manuver up there, more than most but still was limited.

 

I use this type,I don't think its ever failed to take a filter off,Used in conjunction with a flex-head 3/8 drive long handle ratchet.

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-Ca...4894999&sr=8-2

 

Hopefully you don't tighten this thing up with an socket attachment, wrench or strap, I hand tighten mine, as long as you pre-oil the seal you should have no leaks with hand tightening it. Makes it easier to change out.

 

Glad to hear you got it. On my wife's Jeep Compass the oil filter was crazy tight from the factory. I would have never got it without my Pennzoil strap wrench from AutoZone. I use that tool all the time. Heck I used it last night to hold the flywheel from turning while taking apart an atv engine and a couple weeks ago I used it to open a screw-on paint can lid that got stuck on when the paint dried lol.

Rob

 

The 3.4's have the worst location for their oil filters that I have ever seen. Maybe think about an oil filter relocator if you are going to keep it for a long time.

 

I see you were able to get the filter off, anyhow I thought I would contribute another filter removal tool to this thread: http://www.wattora.com/index.php?page_id=15

 

Yeah that looks interesting, I wonder where I could find one around here in Toronto area. As far as the filter, I only use toyota filters and only snug it up hand tight, I like the fact that they come pre greased on the seal.

 

my diesel filter is 30 bucks so i change it every 2 oil changes...
how much is the 3.4 one...
mine is for a forklift

 

Its 8 bucks here and comes with a new washer for the oil pan plug.