Oil changes and used cars

Factual Questions
41

Sorry about the late response…

Usually they’re OK with it. Typically one drives a significant distance here (TX) while shopping and after some time looking at the vehicle, I’ll either need to run to a nearby restaurant or use the owner’s facilities. It’s probably in their best interest to keep me and my wallet there.

I have no problem with letting strangers use my bathroom while they’re here, whether contractors or a prospective vehicle buyer - I figure I kinda invited them so I ought to provide at least that level of courtesy.

42

Contractors I don’t have a problem with. Last month, I let the guys who were cutting down my tree use my bathroom. It’s obviously in their best interest to not do anything nefarious.

But a possible buyer of my used car, who I don’t know at all? Don’t think so. There’s a couple of convenience stores within a couple of miles.

43

The oil change place seems to use a gorilla to put the filter on. I really have to haul on the strap-type filter tool to get it to move (cant use the bike-chain type as not enough clearance). Hammering a screwdriver thru the filter and using that as a lever is the last resort (messy).

44

I love the screwdriver solution though! Thought I was the only one who had to resort to that!

45

I have at least a dozen tools for removing oil filters, including a kit containing (big) sockets. But over the past couple of years my “go-to” tool has been a pair of pliers specifically designed for oil filters.

46

Can’t use that, not enough clearance.

47

I had to do that on my motorcycle. The filter is inset into the engine in such a way that the strap wrenches and pliers can’t get in there, and I couldn’t find an oil filter socket that fit. One size was too small, and the next larger just slipped when turning.

The screwdriver thing also barely worked, in that the filter was on so tight that the screwdriver just ripped through the oil filter metal instead of twisting it. One of those things that turns a 20 minute oil change into a three hour job, and why I hate working on cars/bikes.

I replaced it with one of those K&N filters with a nut welded to the bottom. We’ll see if that makes it any easier to remove.

48

I tried the “screwdriver” back in 2018 when I was trying to remove the oil filter from a 2005 Saab I just bought. Didn’t work as well as I thought it would. Shortly thereafter I purchased some better tools for removing filters.

I don’t know why some people find it necessary to tighten them so damn tight.

49

They’re afraid of leaks. Or of catastrophic oil loss if the filter backs off and falls off.

So rational, if stupid.

IOW: just because a wrench is easy to operate, doesn’t mean it’s easy to use properly.

Lotta DIYers don’t understand that distinction. Whether wrenching on engines or painting a bedroom.

50

Right. But apparently they’re not aware that simply hand-tightening an oil filter is perfectly fine, and will not leak.

51

Overtightening is ignorance. With all that implies.

Sigh. Whaddayagonnado?

52

maybe they made the mistake I made several years ago. In stead of using fresh motor oil to lube the rubber seal before tightening it I used axle grease. It weded the seal to the motor-seal- surface. I am back to using motor oil

53

It’s not always the gorilla thing:

Also, while it’s a bit of an aside, I’m not entirely comfortable with the ‘gorilla’ reference used in this context.

My fourth great-grandfather was a silverback, and – while not particularly strong – he was family.

Grandma always told me that I’m only the second generation in my family ‘tree’ to (mostly) walk upright.

:wink:

54

Over-tightening can cause leaks, though, by warping the gasket.