How to Get a Tight Oil Filter Off a 4.3L S-10

A tight oil filter can turn a 15-minute oil change into a 3-hour ordeal. Prevention is simple: buy the right oil filter, oil the gasket on the oil filter before installing it and make sure it is threaded in correctly. Hand-tighten the filter and then, depending on the instructions that come with the oil filter, tighten it an additional 1/2 or 1/4 turn. However, first you have to get the old filter off, which can take some mechanical artistry if it is stuck in place. The steps that apply to a Chevy 4.3-liter S-10 also apply to other automobiles, as well.

Instructions

1

Slide the edge of a single-edge razor between the filter and the block. It may take a little wiggling to get it into place. Slide the razor blade around the oil filter, to separate the gasket on the oil filter from the block. Once you have freed as much of the gasket as possible, try spinning the filter loose. If it works, clean any residue of the gasket from the block so that the new oil filter will seal correctly.

2

Use a screwdriver with a thin edge to break the bond between the filter gasket and the block, if the razor blade isn't successful. Work the sharp edge of the screwdriver between the oil filter and the block, and try to slide it around the entire gasket, then try spinning the filter again, to see if you can get it to move. Use the razor blade to clean any gasket pieces off the block.

3

Put a band wrench around the filter to unscrew it if you can't loosen the oil filter with your hand grip. Put a folded piece of sandpaper between the wide metal band of the wrench and the oil filter to give it extra grip. Tighten the sandpaper against the oil filter and then try to loosen the oil filter. Place the band wrench as close to the block as you can, as that part of the oil filter is stronger than the rest -- otherwise, you run the risk of crushing the filter without getting it loose.

4

Use filter pliers if there is room around your oil filter. You may be able to grip it more tightly, since it has plier handles. Place the pliers on the oil filter, close to the block, where the filter is stronger.