Do I "NEED" the special 32mm to remove the oil filter?
Deceased
Joined: 06-30-2010
Posts: 25,739
From: Kannapolis NC
I'd highly recommend getting the proper socket, you don't want to mess up the oil filter cap, it would really ruin your day. Head to your local auto parts store, the sockets are not that expensive, and it'll pay for itself the first time you use it.
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
I'm going another route than previous responders.....
Since you are emphasizing "NEED", I will say MAYBE NOT. If you are VERY careful a crescent wrench or water pump pliers will work. It really depends on how tight the previous person tightened it.
When reinstalling, it only takes something like 25 Ft# to install (according to GM spec.). Someone will correct me if this is wrong. That's a little more than hand tighten. But most people are gorilla's and crank it down.
The real "problem" is starting the thread correctly when reinstalling.....then just a quick snap of the wrist with the wrench will do it.
My first oil change was using this method. I have since purchased a socket of the correct size.
Having the correct tool is handy, however.
Since you are emphasizing "NEED", I will say MAYBE NOT. If you are VERY careful a crescent wrench or water pump pliers will work. It really depends on how tight the previous person tightened it.
When reinstalling, it only takes something like 25 Ft# to install (according to GM spec.). Someone will correct me if this is wrong. That's a little more than hand tighten. But most people are gorilla's and crank it down.
The real "problem" is starting the thread correctly when reinstalling.....then just a quick snap of the wrist with the wrench will do it.
My first oil change was using this method. I have since purchased a socket of the correct size.
Having the correct tool is handy, however.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 03-17-2012
Posts: 1,042
From: Bay Area, CA
Ok i did like you said and i got the part for $9
But the cap wont come off.
I looked up a video and it was a counter clockwise removal, but its not budging!
So now im thinking we could have used the pipe wrench.
Am i doing something wrong?
Are some reverse thread?
But the cap wont come off.
I looked up a video and it was a counter clockwise removal, but its not budging!
So now im thinking we could have used the pipe wrench.
Am i doing something wrong?
Are some reverse thread?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 03-17-2012
Posts: 1,042
From: Bay Area, CA
I'm going another route than previous responders.....
Since you are emphasizing "NEED", I will say MAYBE NOT. If you are VERY careful a crescent wrench or water pump pliers will work. It really depends on how tight the previous person tightened it.
When reinstalling, it only takes something like 25 Ft# to install (according to GM spec.). Someone will correct me if this is wrong. That's a little more than hand tighten. But most people are gorilla's and crank it down.
The real "problem" is starting the thread correctly when reinstalling.....then just a quick snap of the wrist with the wrench will do it.
My first oil change was using this method. I have since purchased a socket of the correct size.
Having the correct tool is handy, however.
Since you are emphasizing "NEED", I will say MAYBE NOT. If you are VERY careful a crescent wrench or water pump pliers will work. It really depends on how tight the previous person tightened it.
When reinstalling, it only takes something like 25 Ft# to install (according to GM spec.). Someone will correct me if this is wrong. That's a little more than hand tighten. But most people are gorilla's and crank it down.
The real "problem" is starting the thread correctly when reinstalling.....then just a quick snap of the wrist with the wrench will do it.
My first oil change was using this method. I have since purchased a socket of the correct size.
Having the correct tool is handy, however.
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,721
From: Alabama
That thing must really be tight. Plus its made of plastic. Is there a chance that it was cross-threaded the last time it was installed.
I would go ahead and get a replacement cap. Since you have already had a wrench slip on it, may as well get a new one.
As far as getting the old one off. Maybe a short handle pipe wrench? Plus lots of muscle.
After removal, check the threads in the housing(engine) for damage. When installing new cap be sure to put a coat of oil on the new O-ring.
Good Luck.
I would go ahead and get a replacement cap. Since you have already had a wrench slip on it, may as well get a new one.
As far as getting the old one off. Maybe a short handle pipe wrench? Plus lots of muscle.
After removal, check the threads in the housing(engine) for damage. When installing new cap be sure to put a coat of oil on the new O-ring.
Good Luck.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 03-17-2012
Posts: 1,042
From: Bay Area, CA
