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Stripped Oil Filter???
Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:07 pm
by ColumbiaBMW
I was changing the oil tonight to 10w-40 to help with winter starting, and came across a problem I have never had to deal with. The oil filter seems to be stripped and I can't get it off. I made sure the oil filter wrench was completely on the filter by giving a couple light taps with a hammer, and I checked the oil filter wrench that I ordered from beemerboneyard on the new filter and it gripped perfectly, so how in the world am I going to get this old filter off??
Re: Stripped Oil Filter???
Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:14 pm
by Sunbeemer
By "stripped" I assume you mean the wrench isn't gripping the flats on the filter. This has happened to others on this forum and I remember one solution recommended was to drill a couple holes through the bottom of the wrench and drive some #8 or #10 sheet metal screws through those holes into the bottom of the filter then unscrew it. Note that some oil will dribble out when the screws pierce the bottom of the filter, so be ready! Good luck and let us know how it works!
Re: Stripped Oil Filter???
Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:22 pm
by ColumbiaBMW
Very simple, but logical remedy. I'll definitely try that tomorrow, thanks!!
Re: Stripped Oil Filter???
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 8:09 pm
by fpgirard
Sunbeemer always seems to come out with really great ideas....
Re: Stripped Oil Filter???
Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 2:04 pm
by acejones
Since the OP hasn't been back it must have worked. I have done this before with mixed results. Sometimes the sheet metal screws just ripped out of the filter bottom leaving an even bigger problem.