Community Forums

recycled55 · 03-15-2013, 03:47 PM

X2 on that craftsman wrench that bites on the bottom on three positions. It has removed the most stubborn of filters.
recycled55

bruceisla · 03-15-2013, 04:01 PM

I have yet to find a filter I can't remove with a strap wrench ( 1/2" drive ) with a breaker bar and a piece of pipe slipped over the bar to lengthen it.

1ciderdog · 03-15-2013, 04:58 PM

A mechanic who came out and serviced a diesel tractor I have puts white grease on the seal. I asked him about that and he said it does not glue itself to the mounting. I used the white grease last time I changed the oil filter on the CAT so I'll have a better feeling for benefit (if any) of using white grease. I have the wrench that is like a vise grip and have been able to get the filer off without problem using engine oil on the gasket.

Pigman1 · 03-15-2013, 05:42 PM

As you found out, you already have the right tools. The breaker bar was the trick. I've crushed a few in my life, but the strap still took them off. Now that you've got it loose you'll never find it that tight again. Read the instructions on the filter as to how much to tighten after the gasket makes contact, and mark the bottom of the filter so you know just how much you've moved it. Too many gorillas out there that think more is better.

toneumanns · 03-15-2013, 05:49 PM

One point that hasn't been made is to make sure the seal comes off with the filter. Some get stuck on the mount housing. Knew a guy with a big boat that didn't check his & the double seal blew out during a run down the lake. 12 quarts of oil in the bilge isn't easy to remove.

Darwin · 03-15-2013, 07:33 PM

I have found that if you remove the filter while the engine is hot it comes off much easier. I have twisted the filter off trying to remove from a cold engine.

wimberleyman · 03-16-2013, 08:01 AM

I agree with Darwin. I make sure the engine is at operating temperature on my 3126 and I change the oil and filter at the same time. My strap wrench is a standard one for the filter (4-1/2" I think) with a regular handle. It comes off with a reasonable amount of force. I always lubricate the filter gasket before installing the new filter and tighten it per manufacturer's recommendations. P.S. I do not fill the filter because I read that Cat does not recommend doing so. I know others may have different opinions about this but I prefer to follow Cat's instructions.

WM

palehorse89 · 03-16-2013, 08:14 AM

The biggest thing here is when removed and reinstalling the new one follow the MFG. tighting instructions(all filters) most the time found right on the filter,2/3rd-3/4th of a turn past contact...... most of the time I think, to some this might not seem tight enough, and they wrench it down a bit more or do not follow the instructions from the start, then during the next service this problem with the hard to remove filter is found.