Over tightened filters....

Strap wrench hasn’t failed me yet. First oil change on my truck I had to use a 3/4 impact on the drain plug. The fuel filter was a strap wrench with a 2’ ratchet.

 

If I get a PM at a truck stop they always over tighten my filters for some reason. In fact, once they over tightened the primary fuel filter so much that it broke the weld on the shaft and when attempting to take it off the filter and shift would turn. They paid for the filter housing and put it on, but it was still a pain in the butt!

 

I've used two filter wrenches at the same time pulling on one and pushing on the other, good luck

 

Worst thing is they write the installation instructions right on the filter 99% of the time.

A little lube on the gasket is EXTREMELY helpful as well. Installed to the proper tightness with a dry gasket is as much of a b#### to remove as an over-tightened one.

 

Sometimes I’ve had to drive a large screw driver through the filter near the top as I’ve crunched the filter body.

 

I service mine in one shop over 3 years ...never nad any issues.

 

Shops overtightening them is paranoia about legal liability. We've all heard of oil filters and drain plugs falling out of cars after visits to the quickie lube.

This is another reason I really like to do my own services.