Please tell me how to remove a stubborn tight fightly installed oil filter from my 89 Volvo 240. I have tried everything including 3 finger grab/rotate tool, large screwdriver push though/turn method. At this point, the filter is pretty mangled up. There is so little room around the filter, that access with most tools is near impossible. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated!

 

Unfortunately the person before you did not lubricate the oil filter seal. Your only choice for removal is brute force. Any method you can think of - will be needed. The punch / screwdriver hammered through the filter is a good one, but may not be enough. Large channel locks work sometimes.

Just put a little oil on the seal for the next person - and it will unscrew easily.

 

I was told that the reason you oil the seal at installation is so that the dry rubber would not catch and bind on the housing. Oiling the seal makes it slide against the metal thus making a better, tighter seal. Of course overtightening it and being on there forever and all bets are off...

 

there does exist a band type tool that uses a 1/2 inch breaker bar for the leverage ...
i have the swivel handle tool for tight spots, you could also get a pipe over that handle if needed.

 

Don't you just hate it when a simple procedure goes terribly complicated?
Sounds like this filter has been there a very long time and has rusted itself solid to the treads of the housing.

 

once the filter is mangled the job become way way tougher. Not sure what can be done with a filter that is out of shape. I got a two finger tool at o'reillys auto parts that worked perfectly. It grabs the filter and bites into it as the tool is turned. Eventually the filter is crushed in at the fingers, but it comes off.

On an off note I learned the hard way to never ever use a screw driver for removal. Rarely works.