Factory oil filters tend to be overtightened.
Is she turning it the right way?
Is it the right size wrench?

As a last resort the following will work assuming you have clearance.

Take a large long heavy duty mechanics screw driver and a hammer and drive the screwdriver right threw the filter! Now you have two handles for leverage!

>> Take a large long heavy duty mechanics screw driver and a hammer and drive the screwdriver right threw the filter! Now you have two handles for leverage!

I passed that on to her. She said "What if I still can't get it off?" I told her that if she still can't get it off or if she rips the cannister from the base, then its something a dealer or professional should take care of anyway.

Bill, from what she says, it sounds like she is using a strap wrench. I'll have to get back with her about which way she is turning it. I assumed she knew which way...

Beware there is a threaded stud (pipe) that the filter winds onto. If you drive that screwdriver into that threaded pipe, you could end up with another problem altogether. Remember, you are coaching someone who may or may not which way to turn a filter to loosen it.

"Bill, from what she says, it sounds like she is using a strap wrench."
I have 2 strap wrenches because one size doesn't fit all!
One that fit the larger diameter filters on our old cars doesn't come close to fitting the tiny oil filters they use now.

If she's using a strap wrench and it's not slipping, I suggest that she insert a piece of metal pipe over the handle of the strap wrench to increase leverage.

I took a factory installed oil filter off for a friend a couple years ago. I was amazed how tight it was. You can encounter the same problem with factory installed mower blades.

-Deerslayer

Sounds like tractor filters are like auto filters...overtightened. I learned a long time ago to let the (auto)dealer do the first oil change. The last time I attempted it, it took two gorillas and a 10/ft cheater bar to get the &*%# filter off.

If it is a wrench /metal strap type it is probably too big to make a solid grip. I have a wrench specifically designed for the Deere filter, but a smaller wrench should do the trick. I used to use a leather belt which worked pretty well also. Take the new filter with you as a gauge to teh auto parts store. I'd hold off on the screwdriver idea unless a last resort. There are a few other types that fit over the end of the filter and have a hex on the end for a standard socket or wrench. You may have luck with one of those...but not after you destroy and weaken the sides by making hioles with a screwdriver. I tend to like to place the wrench or other as close to the base as possible for maximum torque. A pipe over the end of the wrench will also give you better leverage. Keep at it, you'll get it.

You always have to bloody your knuckles at least once before it will break loose (if this isn't in the manual it should be).

"Take a large long heavy duty mechanics screw driver and a hammer and drive the screwdriver right threw the filter! Now you have two handles for leverage!"

I would worry that the metal can might tear before the filter seal broke loose. I once resorted to this approach successfully, but not in the last 30+ years.

Wheelhorse's solution was the first thing that popped into my mind when I saw this thread. 8^)

More 'deliberate' use of strap wrenches strikes me as a more prudent approach.

t

Theodocius,

I am *certain* we both thought we were being prudent at the time ;) ! I think it has been about 30 years for me too. But best as I can recall that was the last time I felt I needed a last resort method.

All,

Incidentally, this is one of the reasons you are always wipe some oil on the rubber seal when installing a new filter

The solution is the right tool for the job in the hands of someone who knows how to use it.

The screwdriver method works everytime from my experience. But then again I know which way to turn it.

I hope she didn't drain the oil then try to remove the filter. Your advice to then start the engine, warm it up and hit it with a persuader will destroy the engine. Hopefully, she tried to loosen the filter before draining the crankcase. Since some think she doesn't know which way to turn it to loosen it, she may not think thru the oil drainer, filter still tight so start it to warm it.

The first time I replaced the filter on my Deere CUT, I finally ended up crushing and tearing the filter to get it off. It was a messy SOB to deal with.

If she's close enough to you, you might go over there and be a hero and help her.

Well, I learnt my lesson many years ago on this. I remove my filter on anything new when I first get it. Before I put any time on the equipment. Companies make sure the filters are tight they don't want no failures cause the oil filter loosen and most new owners usually don't change the oil till the warranty has expired anyway.

I had one so tight the band wrench collapsed it. The screw driver trick tore it in to. I finely had to take a big Cole chisel at the metal ring base and a BMFH and beat it off. After that I learned to do it early so it heat and time hasn't locked it on even tighter.

I had the same situation, no wrench I had seemed to work properly, finally went to a motorcycle dealer, and bought a special made wrench for the smaller oil filters. It works like a dream.

The surefire way to get this filter off and a new one on is to call your JD dealer and schedule a service oil change, blade sharpening and lubrication.
Many folks here spout off the advanage and necessity of having local dealer support as well as supporting the local dealer - - nows the chance.
Yes it will cost money - they don't work for nothing - but if something is damaged along the way, they will fix or replace.

Thanks guys, for all the advice.

Re: my advice to her, I told her to make sure if she started the engine to let it warm up, to do that before she tried loosening the filter and certainly before draining the oil.

Come to think of it, I'm not sure she knows how to drain the oil either.

I don't think she lives near a Deere dealer but she DID tell me today that she has a male friend who is coming by to look at it.

Speaking of wrenches, I live near a Deere dealer and have wondered if they have special wrenches for filter removal. Might pick one up for her if they do...

If you know the O.D. of the filter you can find a properly sized filter wrench at a good auto parts house. I have even seen some "metal band" type filter wrenches that have a couple of "pin and chain link" adjustment holes on one end of the band so it will work on different O.D. filters. I don't think I would run straight to a dealer first for this tool. It's not so "exotic" or special that only a dealer would have it.

My JD dealer will come to your house & do minor maintenence on site. Since they schedule the stops the service call is cheaper than if you had the tractor taken back to the shop.
On the first oil change on my JD, I had to puncture it with a screwdriver to get enough leverage. I didn't feel like driving to the store to buy a smaller oil filter wrench. Just a little messy.

These are without a doubt the best darn filter wrenches made. They also do a perfect job off taking off the end of your backpack leaf blower tube.

I've never had a filter puncture or resist being removed.

good luck!
-gh

Here is a link that might be useful: Channel Lock filter tool

BTW- The service call might be a good idea because I bet she hasn't greased any fittings, replaced the air filter or just given it a good going over either.

If this filter was factory installed on this couple of years old mower, wouldn't that mean that the engine still has the orginal break-in oil in it? That break-in oil is very thin and only meant to run in the engine for just a few hours. Hope that no permanent damage is done to that motor. A service call is a very good idea for this and have them check every thing else out on the mower also.

"That break-in oil is very thin and only meant to run in the engine for just a few hours."

So just what evidence do you have of this "thinner" oil? What IS the viscosity?
Show me the proof!

I have the Deere branded filter wrench. It is well made and works well on the small filters. Kids bought it for father's day a while back. They felt good spending some money on dad. Please don't tell them it is probably just rebranded version of one at the auto parts store. Their smiles were worth my extra money they spent on me.

Theodocius,

I am *certain* we both thought we were being prudent at the time ;) ! I think it has been about 30 years for me too. But best as I can recall that was the last time I felt I needed a last resort method.

All,

Incidentally, this is one of the reasons you are always wipe some oil on the rubber seal when installing a new filter