How long to let engine cool before changing oil?

[Eli]

ASAP. The hotter the better.

 

[Eli]

Oil filters filter down to such small particles that I dont even think it will matter much.

Oil filters, overall, should be seen as "rough" filters. They do not filter all wear causing particles, not even close. Some filters are only nominally efficient at 40 microns.

You would be best advised to change your oil while hot.

 

[alfa147x]

I always have trouble getting the oil filter off. Any tips?

I'm going to order one of these for next time:

 

[Vette73]

Get a oil filter claw. I used this when I had my shop and even have one to this day...

Harborfreight, AZ, advance auto, etc... all sell it.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Get a oil filter claw. I used this when I had my shop and even have one to this day...

Harborfreight, AZ, advance auto, etc... all sell it.

I've found that even the smallest size one of those still may have difficulty in removing some small oil filters. On my current vehicle, I have to use one of these:

 

[alfa147x]

I've found that even the smallest size one of those still may have difficulty in removing some small oil filters. On my current vehicle, I have to use one of these:

Excuse my stupidity but its that velcro on a stick?

 

[thescreensavers]

Oil filters, overall, should be seen as "rough" filters. They do not filter all wear causing particles, not even close. Some filters are only nominally efficient at 40 microns.

You would be best advised to change your oil while hot.

some are down to 10-25 microns. But yea best to change while warm/hot

 

[Capt Caveman]

Excuse my stupidity but its that velcro on a stick?

No, it's a nylon strap that you use with a socket wrench. You put the oil filter inside of the strap opening, hand-twist to tighten the strap around the filter then add your socket wrench and turn til it comes off. Though it might not be the easiest thing to use, it can be used on just about every size oil filter.

 

[kornphlake]

I always have trouble getting the oil filter off. Any tips?

I'm going to order one of these for next time:

I use something that looks a lot like that but made from plastic instead of metal, it's the easiest tool I've found so far, the only down side is that it only fits one size filter.

In a pinch I've used a screwdriver, poke it through the filter, wipe the oil out of your eye then twist off the filter using the handle of the screwdriver for leverage. It's fool proof, although it will make you feel like a redneck mechanic for sure.

 

[bruceb]

Yes, it is a bit hot when you do it right away. But there are ways to minimize burns. Start with a good rag while you take the plug out the final turn or two. Keep your hand above the plug opening. Or use a magnetic socket (or a socket with a piece of tape in it) with an extension to take it out the last couple of turns. This way it won't drop into the pan (I have once actually had to get it out of the pan when I emptied it into gallon jugs)

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Yes, it is a bit hot when you do it right away. But there are ways to minimize burns. Start with a good rag while you take the plug out the final turn or two. Keep your hand above the plug opening. Or use a magnetic socket (or a socket with a piece of tape in it) with an extension to take it out the last couple of turns. This way it won't drop into the pan (I have once actually had to get it out of the pan when I emptied it into gallon jugs)

I've dropped one in the pan, which promptly plugged up the hole.


So I then had to deal with a split second decision of either burning myself grabbing the plug or dealing with 5qts of oil on my nice garage floor. I was wearing gloves so I was able to snag it and chalk it up as a lesson learned..

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I use something that looks a lot like that but made from plastic instead of metal, it's the easiest tool I've found so far, the only down side is that it only fits one size filter.

In a pinch I've used a screwdriver, poke it through the filter, wipe the oil out of your eye then twist off the filter using the handle of the screwdriver for leverage. It's fool proof, although it will make you feel like a redneck mechanic for sure.

The exact fit ones are by far the best if it's for your own car. You should also have an adjustable but I've bought a specific oil filter wrench for pretty much every vehicle I've owned.

 

[Howard]

Why are you guys having problems taking off the filters?

 

[Vette73]

Why are you guys having problems taking off the filters?

Because some idiot before me would tighten it down to near stripping the threads.

I never had a filter leak or come off that I installed when I was a tech and could remove most by hand. It was only ones others installed I had to pull out my filter claw and put it to work.

 

[alfa147x]

Seems like the guy I bought car was awesome. He used castrol full synthetic and he tightened everything correctly!

15 min oil change Had no trouble getting the oil filter off (it was one of those grippy fram filters) Ended up waiting 15 mins before changing the oil. Not on purpose just getting stuff ready and dealing with my mother trying to feed me before I even get out of the car

Replaced it with a Honda 15400-PLM-A01 filter + Mobil 1 full synthetic

Easy as hell.

Thanks guys!

 

[helpme]

My determining factor is how long it takes for the exhaust to cool down so I don't fry my arm on it when reaching for the filter (on my tsx and my wife's sentra, you have to reach for the filter).

As you can see in your pic, it is possible that you could contact the exhaust by accident