simple oil filter wrench in a cup

[mattthemuppet]

My Subaru Outback has its oil filter in an asinine place - underneath the engine between the crankshaft pulley and the 2 exhaust headers, with barely enough space to get a hand in. Won't be able to test it until the next oil change, but it can't be any worse than my previous method of getting covered in oil and swearing alot! Wrench was from a cheapie HF set and the cut was a plastic measuring jug I had laying around. Stuck together with grey RTV.

[Frank S]

From what I see providing there is room for the cup you may have just solved a lot of folks filter change issues. No one likes to have oil running down their arm or on to the floor not to mention the mess many filters cause to the under body of the engine compartment.
I prefer to change the oil in my vehicles and equipment after they are at full operating temperature but about half an hour after shutdown that way any contaminants are still in suspension the oil flows out the drain more freely and completely. Or when I do a cold change I sometimes pour a quart or sometimes up to a gallon (depending on engine size) of Cheap ATF to aid in the draining process this does very little to actually do any cleaning of the inside of the engine since it is not circulated through the system, but it seems to aid in a more complete drain of the old oil.

[hansgoudzwaard]

I bought a filter and filter mount for my chopper project when visiting in Colorado.

Complete relocation kits are not expensive at this retailer.

I have a Dodge Dakota, and am going to relocate the filter to the engine compartment.

[mattthemuppet]

Frank, yep that's the hope. Last change I had to hammer 2 screwdrivers into the filter to get it out, then all the oil at the top poured out over my arm and the exhaust. It still smells like a jalopy after it's warmed up.

Hans, not a bad idea. I'll see if this fixes the problem, if not that sure would be tempting. The next newer model of this engine has the filter up top, so it's a simple reach into the engine bay, unscrew and replace. I guess the engineers came to their senses!

[DIYer]

Thanks mattthemuppet! We've added your Oil Filter Wrench Modification to our Engine Oil category,
as well as to your builder page: mattthemuppet's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Oil Filter Wrench Modification by mattthemuppet

tags: wrench, filter, specialty socket, modification