Deformed filter / filter wrenches

[Detroit_Doc]

I put a wix filter on my 2008 Wrangler (first oil change). I used a band style filter wrench. I put it on hand tight plus about 1/2 - 3/4 turn. I noticed after I was done that the oil filter case was deformed a little bit by the wrench.

I've never had this happen before. Are there different sized band styled filter wrenches? I wonder if mine is the wrong size for my new Wrangler.

Any idea if a little deformation of the case warrants pulling the filter back off and replacing it with a new one?

Thanks!

 

[Pablo]

I never tighten an oil filter with a wrench for this exact reason. (And other reasons, like getting it off)

It's "contact, and then hand tighten 1/2-3/4 turn"

How smashed is it?

 

[Detroit_Doc]

It's not very dented. If you glanced at it quickly you probably wouldn't even notice it. It's at the bottom of the case and it's a wrinkle in the case about the size of a dime. But it does make me wonder if that's enough to allow oil to bypass the filter media.

I'll probably just bite the bullet and replace it.

 

[Eddie]

Sounds to be OK if only slightly deformed. I hand turn the filter into the holder and back off until the gasket touches then hand tighten 1/2 turn. You must also oil the seal. Never a problem.

 

[Pete C.]

What does it say on the filter and the box about dents?

 

[Detroit_Doc]

I had already tossed the box and the filter is tucked up where I can't see it.

I'm just going to go ahead and replace it and consider it a $5 lesson.

But it does bring me back to my original question. I've used this band-wrench 20 times before on different vehicles and filters and this was the first one to be dented. Are there different sized band wrenches? Or was this just an issue with the Wix cases being weaker?

I started thinking about the design of the wrench and can see where a larger diameter filter would cause the wrench to exert more clamping force before translating it into turning (torsional?) force. I'll have to look up the filters I've done in the past and compare their diameter to this filter.

 

[sciphi]

I wouldn't worry about it.

Now if you really mangled the filter, that's another story.

 

[DmanWho]

I did the same thing two OC's ago to a Wix. I was panicking a little on the inside... That dent just made me nervous. But it was fine for the 6,500 mile interval.

On this last OC, I used a rag between the filter and wrench when snugging it on. No dents.

 

[RacerE7773]

I have a pair of filter pliers from Channel-Lock and they are worth the money. I've used them mainly on the Impala as the Cav's is up horizontally on the block and it is easier to get to with my hand.

 

[Eddie]

I now use a cup style wrench.

 

[OVERKILL]

You aren't supposed to use a wrench to tighten filters.........

But anyways.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: Detroit_Doc

I put a wix filter on my 2008 Wrangler (first oil change). I used a band style filter wrench. I put it on hand tight plus about 1/2 - 3/4 turn. I noticed after I was done that the oil filter case was deformed a little bit by the wrench.

I've never had this happen before. Are there different sized band styled filter wrenches? I wonder if mine is the wrong size for my new Wrangler.

Any idea if a little deformation of the case warrants pulling the filter back off and replacing it with a new one?

Thanks!


They do make different size band wrenches to accomidate bigger as well as smaller filters. They also make narrow and wider band filters. Like Eddie I use a cup wrench. I snug the filter hand tight and give it about 1/4 turn with the cup wrench. I never had a problem removing a filter I installed.

Frank D