Hello I'm new here to posting at least, but here's my issue, I have been trying for weeks to get my oil filter off to change it. I just got my 2004 RX-8 6 SPD about 2 months ago and I do love it. But back to the issue at hand.. I've tried everything I know to get the filter off, it's got the 24mm bolt on top but it's stripped.. tried to get the filter wrench that grasps it and tightens with more force, but it just can't get a good grip on it.. I've already went as far as taking the intake, throttle body and upper manifold ( almost) completely off, just the vac lines and fuel lines and solenoids on the back remain on it.. and I can get my hand all the way around it and still nothing.. I don't know what else to do , and would really like to get this solved before saying f it and having to put it all back together so I can get around.. any help would be great
Thanks

 

Matco, Snap On, Cornwell, etc all sell an oil filter claw. My favorite is the Matco branded claw. It's actually made by Gearwrench and can be purchased at Amazon.
To remove the filter, you will need a swivel and an extension. Get the claw on the filter and use a ratchet to turn the claw. The claw will bite into the filter and it will loosen up.

 

Agree on the claw wrench, but on really tight filters it’s a Strap wrench for the win. The claws can collapse the can too much and cause a tear which will really ruin your day. The nylon strap spreads the load to keep from doing damage. If you want bonus points, grab your wife’s rubber can opener gripper and wrap the filter in that then use a strap wrench.

 

Strap wrench with an extension is what I use. I have a few vehicles with difficult to reach oil filters but this one hasn't failed me. It accepts 3/8 and 1/2 if you really need some extra leverage.

https://a.co/d/cQASAsW

 

All the solutions mentioned are probably superior to what I’ll offer…have you ever tried hand wrenching it off with a course grit (<100) sandpaper? It will definitely be slow going at first but any movement is progress. Probably won’t work if on way too tight, but has worked for me.

 

Yeah I've tried hand loosening it, and I guess I'll give the strap a chance, seeing as I've already got the upper manifold off .. I haven't tried the cap filter wrench yet.. I'm gunna try and heat up the grabber wrench I have and try bending the teeth things on it

 

You can always do the screw driver through it with a hammer trick.

 

Have you made any progress in getting it off?

 

Not sure what space is available around a series 1 oil filter (mine 8 is series 2). If the screw driver through the filter fails try cutting the can off. Then use 3 screw drivers, 2 inserted into the filter base holes, third (long as possible) between the 2 others to act as a lever to twist the filter base off.

 

glad some guys mentioned the less destructive methods because I would have stabbed that b*tch with a screwdriver and hammered it out.
but the more prudent thing to is get one of the tools mentioned above.

 

I once fought an oil filter for a few hard hours. Tried all the tools in the box, then the screwdriver stabbing method. All were met with naught but destruction and an oily mess. Then we (me and another accomplished mechanical mind, both with long resumés of impressive applicable accomplishments) realized we were turning it the wrong way. Came right off once we started turning lefty loosey. Seems super dumb (and it was), but sometimes things conspire to get you pointed in the wrong way until something gets you back on track (or you just fall off the rails). In this instance, I believe it was the fact that the position of the oil filter relative to its surroundings made turning in the correct orientation very difficult, while turning it wrong was easy. Plus beer. And it was very late. And I'm sure a half dozen other distractions. Point is, take a step back and reassess. "Clutch in" is what I usually say; let things roll and allow the world to turn around you for a beat. Helps gain a little perspective from time to time.

 

spectre6000 - nice to know I’m not alone in my sometimes misguided belief in my abilities. Thanks for the laugh.

 

late night work on the cars + beers is how people cause sparks / small engine firse.
​​​​​​@Atilla ?

I like the 'clutch in' philosophy.


@Lakejz4u : ever get the filter off?