New Oil Filter Wrench

I haven't done a search, so if this becomes redundant, well, just ignore it.

I've had trouble three times now - at three different oil changes, that is - when trying to remove the WalMart (SuperTech ST7317) oil filter that fits the Swing. I seem to remember reading somewhere in an oil filter comparison that this filter is actually pretty good when compared to others. I have no complaints about the filter's performance.

Trouble is, this filter is consistently near impossible to remove, and not because I over tighten it. I've always managed to do it somehow, but I'll be dammed if I can remember how. I think I've even read about someone tearing this filter apart trying to remove it, and then having to fiddle with trying to remove the remnants from the engine.

Anyway, this last time, just now, I came up with an idea that actually worked. I thought, after again trying without success to remove the thing with three different filter wrenches and all kinds of improvised approaches, that, hey, what might work would be a C-clamp. So I went and bought one, 3", about $4 at Home Depot, and low and behold, it worked.

It'll crimp and bend the filter some, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. You can screw this clamp down tight enough, and you have the leverage you need to turn it by grabbing on to the C. Slowly, I'd recommend, just so the filter begins to give. Then you're home free.

It took me a few tries, but finally it did give way. I now have the 3" C-clamp in my oil filter wrench collection, so next time I'll just start with that.

Happy un-screwing.

Matthew,

If you open this link to the Pictorial I did for changing the oil...and go to page 2 of it...are you using this type of oil wrench. It is basically a very large socket?

https://www.silverwing600.com/pictorials-how-to-perform-maintenance-f21/oil-changing-pictorial-t161.htm#706

I have 2 different sizes, and I can't remember which ones, but when I use different oil filters I need to use a different size wrench. Or were you using different types of wrenches that fit around the filters? Just curious. But I usually just hand tighten and then turn 1/4 turn with a wrench and ...knock on wood...I don't have any future problems since I have to change mine this weekend.

Jeff, yes I have one wrench like that, and it fits on the filter like you'd think it should be ok, but it just ends up slipping and won't grab right. I also have two other types of filter wrenches, and neither of them work right either. Partly it's a problem of too little space around the filter for these wrenches, but anyhow they don't grab right.

I think this problem of the filter being so hard to unscrew is somehow specific to the SuperTech filter. I haven't read about anyone having this problem with other filters. In fact people say they can remove other brands - amsoil and the honda oem filter - very easily.

I happen to have the supertech on hand, but I think I'll switch to a different brand next time. If you're not using the supertech, I doubt you'll have a problem.

Matthew,

I have used Fram, Honda, and HiFlo filters and they all worked good so far. But before I bought the wrenchs I tried with the belt type wrench and a large set of channel locks, which didn't work well at all.

Jeff,
Yeh, the channel locks seem like they'd be too big for the work space, and I have one of the metal belt/band type wrenches that doesn't work right either.
I think the only reason the C-clamp worked is because it crushes the filter some and gets a bite into it to give you some traction, cause that filter seems like it's just glued on there and doesn't want to move until you get some kind of really good hold onto it.

Screwdrivers make a perfect removal tool.

I use a small steel strap type wrench, it fits both my Goldwing and the Silverwing which use the same filters. Normally I can get it loose by hand but if it's being stubborn I can get the strap around it and a couple of twists will loosen it for hand removal. These wrenches are cheap at most auto parts stores. I have also used a screw driver as mentioned above but found it a bit messy.

KurtPerthWA wrote:

Screwdrivers make a perfect removal tool.

The 'universal' filter removal tool, a must for the short tempered!!!!

I have used a screw driver before, but it can be messy. A monkey wrench will loosen any oil filter without damaging the filter and leaking oil.

Heck, just bite the bullet and use a K&N or similar filter that has a welded on 17mm or so nut on the outside.

joncallihan wrote:

Heck, just bite the bullet and use a K&N or similar filter that has a welded on 17mm or so nut on the outside.

I use Amsoil (EAO13) oil filter which is 0.75" (30%) longer than original OEM size ... to get the maximum amount of filtration media.

With the longer sized filter, there is not as much room at the top of the filter.

The oversize plastic socket that I have is a dual size socket. It is either 65 or 67 mm, depending on how deeply the socket fits onto the oil filter. The brand is Imperial.

When I changed the oil a few months ago, I noticed that it wanted to slip. When I wiggled the socket and pressed it onto the oil filter a little farther, it held the oil filter very securely. To press it on a little deeper, you have to rotate the socket about an eighth turn.

Two suggestions for anyone having trouble with removing the filter -

- be sure you have the plastic socket on far enough if it has two sizes available

- be sure to put some engine oil on the gasket before you screw on the new filter.

Hope this helps someone.

Hi All,

When I purchased the scoot. I was looking at what oil filter wrench to use. So I did some measuring and scratched my balding head for a while and went and looked on ebay. Found this little gem. OIL FILTER WRENCH 64MM 14 FLUTES...So I got one. So far the wrench has been working pretty good for the last 2 oil changes. Of cource, I do not torque my new filters down, just been coating the new filter seal with fresh oil and thread it on till the seal makes contact and then just adding 3/4 of a turn, that's all, no more. The seal swell up when they get oil on them and it seals and stays on. I need to use a 3/8" drive ratchet handle with the 64mm filter wrench to take it off because it does get tighter with time.

Here's the Ebay thread: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CAP-TYPE-OIL-FILTER-WRENCH-64MM-14-FLUTES-A265-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem29f5ff7895QQitemZ180220819605QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

Well...There you have it.

Yes, The one one ebay is made of steel. It's really nice and fits the filters well.

Here's what I use. Works well on the Gold AND the Silver

http://www.cyclemaxohio.com/inc/sdetail/858

MikeF and all, I use exactly what Mikef shows in his post. Used it on the Goldwing for years, and just did my first oil change on the SWing. Very easy!

Hi MikeF,

Now that looks like a handy wrench. I think Honda should have included one with every Silverwing scooter.

matthew wrote:

I haven't done a search, so if this becomes redundant, well, just ignore it.

I've had trouble three times now - at three different oil changes, that is - when trying to remove the WalMart (SuperTech ST7317) oil filter that fits the Swing. I seem to remember reading somewhere in an oil filter comparison that this filter is actually pretty good when compared to others. I have no complaints about the filter's performance.

Trouble is, this filter is consistently near impossible to remove, and not because I over tighten it. I've always managed to do it somehow, but I'll be dammed if I can remember how. I think I've even read about someone tearing this filter apart trying to remove it, and then having to fiddle with trying to remove the remnants from the engine.

Anyway, this last time, just now, I came up with an idea that actually worked. I thought, after again trying without success to remove the thing with three different filter wrenches and all kinds of improvised approaches, that, hey, what might work would be a C-clamp. So I went and bought one, 3", about $4 at Home Depot, and low and behold, it worked.

It'll crimp and bend the filter some, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. You can screw this clamp down tight enough, and you have the leverage you need to turn it by grabbing on to the C. Slowly, I'd recommend, just so the filter begins to give. Then you're home free.

It took me a few tries, but finally it did give way. I now have the 3" C-clamp in my oil filter wrench collection, so next time I'll just start with that.

Happy un-screwing.

Changed my OF on my "new" 03 and did experience the slight frustration of removal. My biggest pair of channel locks are about 9 - 10" and they BARELY opened wide enough to get a good grip. I'd suggest a 12" pair can wrangle just about any size OF if you've got maneuvering room (which you do have JUST enough on the Swing).

matthew wrote:

I haven't done a search, so if this becomes redundant, well, just ignore it.

I've had trouble three times now - at three different oil changes, that is - when trying to remove the WalMart (SuperTech ST7317) oil filter that fits the Swing. I seem to remember reading somewhere in an oil filter comparison that this filter is actually pretty good when compared to others. I have no complaints about the filter's performance.

Trouble is, this filter is consistently near impossible to remove, and not because I over tighten it. I've always managed to do it somehow, but I'll be dammed if I can remember how. I think I've even read about someone tearing this filter apart trying to remove it, and then having to fiddle with trying to remove the remnants from the engine.

Anyway, this last time, just now, I came up with an idea that actually worked. I thought, after again trying without success to remove the thing with three different filter wrenches and all kinds of improvised approaches, that, hey, what might work would be a C-clamp. So I went and bought one, 3", about $4 at Home Depot, and low and behold, it worked.

It'll crimp and bend the filter some, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. You can screw this clamp down tight enough, and you have the leverage you need to turn it by grabbing on to the C. Slowly, I'd recommend, just so the filter begins to give. Then you're home free.

It took me a few tries, but finally it did give way. I now have the 3" C-clamp in my oil filter wrench collection, so next time I'll just start with that.

Happy un-screwing.

After reading your post, I changed the oil/filter on my "new" 03 Swing. My 9 (or 10) - inch channel lock pliers just barely barely barely got a grip and loosened the Honda filter. Went to wally world and got a 12" pair and they'll easily twist off just about any filter where you can get a grip and some leverage. About 9 bucks - but have beaucoups uses.

I know this is an old thread, but I was doing some searching around the site for fun. I too had some issues removing the oil filter for my first oil change. I picked up one of these at Cycle Gear, but they're probably available from any number of sources. It worked really well, and obviously will work with many different sizes.



Oil Filter Wrench

Lab Rat wrote:

I picked up one of these at Cycle Gear, but they're probably available from any number of sources.

That's an excellent tool. I have a similar, if not identical, version from Harbor Freight. Works great.

I bought my oil filter wrench from Napa. It is made of some type of plastic. Extremely durable and a nice tight fit. I believe it cost me around 7 bucks.

Now... that's what I'm talking about. Welcome Back Kurt!

Skip it. Buy a Fram. They have eliminated the need for a wrench by coating the bottom of the filter with a rough-grip coating. Even with oil soaked hands, You can remove the current filter and tighten the new with no additional tools. Works like a champ.