Actually, the Honda filter suggests you turn the filter 7/8 turn. But remember, this is from the first instance of contact. I find 7/8 turn very difficult to achieve. I make sure that the filter gasket is "greased" with fresh oil before install and I turn it as hard as I can by hand. This is usually enough as the oil gasket will expand once it is one the car and is heated up. A filter put on by hand will usually need a wrench to remove. The trouble with using a wrench to achieve the required 7/8 turn is that it will dent the filter casing unless you have one of those that look like a giant "socket" that you can turn with your rachet.

 

#1 Let the engine cool down completely. The oil filter is easier to remove cold.

#2 Clean the filter of all oil, till it's squeaky clean.

#3A Go to an auto parts store and get type "H" oil filter ratchet attachment.



OR

#3B Go to your local 5&10 and get one of these strap wrenches:


Note: Use safety gear if you try any tricks with a hammer and screwdriver!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Destiny2002
[B]#1 Let the engine cool down completely.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by wickerbill
[B]

The Owner's manual says to change the oil with the engine fully warmed up to normal operating temperature.

 

I'd really advise against the screwdriver punch until all other resources have been exhausted. Worst case scenario, you drive the car with a dirty filter to a place that can take it off properly for you. Otherwise, you risk damaging the post if you punch the filter too close to the base.

My recommendation: sandpaper in addition to the rubber glove. Sandpaper has saved me lots of times.

Worst case scenario - you get a tool called "the claw", its the last resort which totally destroys the filter on the shaft by twisting and crunching the filter until it can be screwed off. Very cool tool, just not too useful for anything else.

 

I'm not sold on those strap wrenches.

I recently used one for the first time and it failed miserably. I was working in tight quarters and didn't have much room for leverage. The strap had just enough "stretch" in it to use up the leverage room I had. I ended up going to get a real metal filter wrench to do the job.

 

These strap wrenches are the same idea as the elastic band just more effective - I have a set, it's a must if you want to change your own oil. The metal wrench will always work better (specialization versus generalization), but it's not as useful around the house since all you can use it for is removing oil filter.

Once again viper is right about the 7/8 turn. Too much with a wrench and you can badly damage the filter. I usually tighten it by hand.

 

Get some good sized pliers and you can turn the filter with no problem at all, if you do not have a filter wrench. The best kind I have found is the Craftsman ones that go on the end of a ratchet.

 

Has anyone used the type of oil filter wrench that attaches to a 3/8" socket wrench and "cups" the bottom of the filter?When I say cups it....I mean perfectly....it is the same size and shape. I used to use that kind on my '87 Civic (may she rest in peace.)

Excuse my ignorance about the S...although I have been under my hood a bit, I haven't seen where the filter is and don't know if you would have full access to the bottom of the filter (although I believe you do.) I no longer change my own oil....after religiously changing it on the Civic every 3000 miles in college, I had enough. I put 100K miles on that car in four years...that worked out to a tad over 8 changes a year. I also have three vehicles of my own right now....don't feel like playing mechanic 3 days a month.

The only downside to this kind of 'wrench' is the fact that it is not one-size-fits-all like a strap wrench is. It always worked excellent though.

...just thought I would throw that one out there.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]Actually, the Honda filter suggests you turn the filter 7/8 turn.