Removing original oil filter plate...can't get that darn 1 1/4" nut off!!


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By Big6ft6 - 16 Years Ago
I heard this nut was a pain the rear..but it has me stumped.

I'm trying to remove the original oil filter plate, but the big 1 1/4" nut has such a low profile, even when i can get a purchase on the nut, any pressure on my wrench bar just tips the socket off the nut!! And the position is too akward for me to get a hand up in there to hold the socket on.w00t

Is there a trick?  Turn the wheels one way or another to get the steering linkages out of the way?  Or use a open-ended wrench? How have people gotten in there with enough leverage to get an old nut like this out?

Thanks, Nate Wink

By charliemccraney - 16 Years Ago
use a belt sander and grind the socket until the chamfer on the inner edge is gone. Once that is done, it should not slip off so easily.
By Big6ft6 - 16 Years Ago
charliemccraney (11/12/2009)
use a belt sander and grind the socket until the chamfer on the inner edge is gone. Once that is done, it should not slip off so easily.
 

......checking Harbor Frieght for cost of belt sander Smile

Any other ideas that might preclude buying another power tool? Not that I mind more tools!...but I AM married nowBigGrin and don't want too much evidence for the wife to think this car hobby is a waste of money.  Lucikly I had a pretty stocked garage when she met me...but a belt sander is not in my existing inventory.

By aussiebill - 16 Years Ago
What about a 4" angle grinder or buddy,s??
By Big6ft6 - 16 Years Ago
aussiebill (11/12/2009)
What about a 4" angle grinder or buddy,s??

I got one of those!BigGrin  But I was a little worried about maintaining an even edge with the angle grinder, but I'm willing to give it a shot.  I've checked some other threads and grinding the sockets appears to be the consistent recommendation.

I'm determined so I will prevail!Smile

By charliemccraney - 16 Years Ago
Got a friend with a belt sander?

A chop saw will make a nice straight cut.

The angle grinder with a cut off disc should do it as well.

When you're doing this wear gloves, and eye protection. Maybe even attach an extension to the socket to hold it. It's going to get hot.
By Timbo from Mempho - 16 Years Ago
Just take it slow, if you get the socket too hot it will weaken it.

later,

BP

By Big6ft6 - 16 Years Ago
Success!  Didn't have to modify the socket to get it off afterall, just needed the proper length socket extension to get a good set on the nut...and have the wrench sticking down in a good location through all the steering linkage etc.  Also some other photos of under my car for fun! (can you tell what part of the car is under all that sludge?)

By mctim64 - 16 Years Ago
Good job Nate!  Looks a little grimey under there but I bet that keeps the rust away there in Wisconsin. BigGrin
By Big6ft6 - 16 Years Ago
mctim64 (11/12/2009)
Good job Nate!  Looks a little grimey under there but I bet that keeps the rust away there in Wisconsin. BigGrin

Yep!  too bad they didn't get the rocker panels coated in oil sludge...they could've used a little more rust protection.BigGrin

By crenwelge - 16 Years Ago
Unfortunately, the rocker panels can't be protected by undercoating or anything else. Dirt gets trapped inside of them and gets wet and doesn't dry out and they rust from the inside out. They even rust out down here in Texas from sand getting trapped inside. This happened to cars that never saw a salted road. The same goes for the front cross member. You were lucky to get the oil filter nut off without modifying a socket. I don't think I ever accomplished it without grinding down a socket.
By kevink1955 - 16 Years Ago
Good job, now get rid of that fram filter and get a Motorcraft FL-1 or it's equivlent from Napa.

Fram is the worst rated filter by several people who have cut the major brands open and examined the construction.

By PF Arcand - 16 Years Ago
Kev: Yes, I've heard the same information about Frams. However, when installed in a tight spot on some engines, they have one thing going for them, the grip setup. Some other filters particularly if installed to tight, are near impossible to get off, due to the slippery case.
By kevink1955 - 16 Years Ago
I have a filter wrench that is like a large socket that fits the bottom of the Motorcraft FL-1, it has a 3/8" drive and with a few extensions I can remove the filter without breaking a sweat. I also have 1 for the FL-400 I have on my Windstar, I do not think I could get that one off any other way. They were about $12 each and worth every penny.
By Big6ft6 - 16 Years Ago
I was nervous about posting a pic with a Fram filter in it!BigGrin

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to comment.  I too have heard bad things about Fram...but never put enough fear in me to get me to go out of my way to get a different brand.

Never had an oil problem and I've used Fram forever (for some reason I like blaze orange) I'm sure they aren't the best, but how bad can they be? (now i've asked for it!)Smile

Edited*********

Yeah, after a little internet research Fram seems pretty crappy...maybe after initial starting I"ll change it out..probably a good idea anyway since new oil will probably pick up some of the mess under the valve covers.

By crenwelge - 16 Years Ago
Fram is not my filter of choice, but they are not as bad as posts in forums make them out to be. I sold filters for about 40 years until Walmart came to town and kept dropping the price until I quit selling them. My preference is a Purolator, but If I had a Fram on an engine, I wouldn't put out the effort of changing it. When times were tough and parts were expensive and labor was cheap, it was common to wash filter elements in gas and reuse them and the old engines survived. If your engine has no other problems, it will survive with a Fram.