!$#%$** oil filter
 

Well, I tried to save some bucks this year and do an oil change on my 4.3 litre v6 mercruiser and it has turned into a nightmare. First, I could not get the darned extractor pump I bought from West Marine to suck out even a drop of oil. I then discovered a line leading from the oil pan that must be for a remote oil filter or something. Anyway, I removed the brass plug in the end of that line and drained the oil out through the bilge. So far so good other than having to return that piece of **** oil extractor. Now, while the engine is still warm, on to the oil filter.

Got a strap style wrench on it, it tightened around, I pull and nothing. So, I pull harder and oil (hot!) starts coming down on my hands, so I think I have loosened it enough to just reach down and do it by hand. Nothing. Will not budge an inch. So I get the wrench back on it, pull again, and more oil comes pouring out because I had now succeeded in thoroughly crushing the filter canister.

Long story short, I have used end cap filter wrenches, oil filter pliers, regular slip on strap wrenches (metal), a rubber strap wrench, large channel locks, and I cannot budge the danged thing. I am at my wits end. I would love to just jam a screwdriver through it and give that a try, but I just cannot get enough of a push to jam it through, and I cannot get a hammer down in there to tap/bang on the screwdriver. Help!! What do I try next other than taking it in for service.

I can't think of anything you haven't tried. I purchased the giant Channel Locks from Sears for just such an occasion but that was for my truck with good access. Try tapping on the filter housing with a hammer, curse a lot, have a sip or two of the beverage of your liking and then use the big channel locks, repeat as necessary. You can get it, hang in there.

Get the strap wrench up close to the top of the filter around were the rolled bead is. Its the strongest part of the filter and will not crush,then pull like heck while using a couple choice words to your liking. Another option is to get a strap wrench that can be used with a breaker bar and extension is necessary and try to get it from the top. A friend down here is having the same problem as we speak(or type)and may have to raise the engine to get it off. Have ya considered a remote filter set-up? Makes life a hell of a lot easier.

I saw a chain style wrench in Autozone which I might go buy and give it a try. I am all bruised on my chest and arms from the contorted positions I have been in to try to work on this thing!

Go to napa if ya can and get a better quality tool! Autozone,advanced and the like have junk. Don't waste your time,money and skin and blood.

Got a Napa close by. I will give it a shot. Going out there now to get the tool and get that sucker off. It is about 87 degrees with a thunderstorm threat, but I have to get this done! By the way, I called the dealer that did the last oil change and they said "oh, we always just put them on finger tight." Yeah, right. And no, even though the thought is constantly crossing my mind, I am not trying to tighten it, unless this danged thing is reverse threaded!

Oh, and have I mentioned that despite the variety of positions I have twisted my body into, I am doing this completely blind!! Definitely going to do the remote filter thing, BonitaDan!

Good luck man. I got a kit for $150 bucks from a place up by the great lakes. I'll try and find the receipt and get ya the name.

Fishers Marine. Erie,Michigan 734-848-6721
Didn't see a kit on their site but a phone call never hurt. Cheapest on e-bay was $219 from St.Clair marine. What model year is your engine?

Remember... lefty loosy, righty tighty.