[aintThatBroken]

I tried changing my own oil for the first time today, and wow the previous owner must have tightened that oil filter on tight! I also had a really tough time getting my new oil filter wrench around the exhaust pipe and other stuff to actually reach the thing from the bottom, but the mess of wires above meant that it looked even harder to reach from the top. Even when I did get in there and was able to grip hard enough to scratch the oil filter up, the limited elbow room meant I wasn't able to actually turn the darned thing.

My car is sitting with 2 wheels on the curb with no oil in it. Giving up for today, any tips for tomorrow?

 

[disabilityguy]

Assuming it is a first gen CR V, it takes a little work with both the exhaust pipe and the O2 sensor in the way. If you can get enough leverage with a socket wrench you will get it loose. I have done a few after having a 2000 model for 19 years. Good luck.

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[bchan_42]

Use this type of wrench, add an extension to clear the engine and use socket wrench.

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[craig baconator]

I have had a few times where I had the oil drained out and almost gave up—of course, I have never bought an oil filter wrench so that did t exactly help. I use rubber gloves for extra grip and turn by hand. Only hand tighten without the gloves and oil the gasket and this one will hopefully be your only tough one.

once on a civic I was having a hard time and the neighbour suggested to me punching a screwdriver through it to turn it out. It worked but that is a point of no return.

 

[new-2-me-CR_V]

once on a civic I was having a hard time and the neighbour suggested to me punching a screwdriver through it to turn it out. It worked but that is a point of no return.

Lol
Same here. I punched like 20 holes on that thing.
I had to remove it with a sharp wood chisel.

Get a rag and use it to wipe clean the oil filter, use carb cleaner or any solvent if it's really dirty.
Use a rubber glove and make yourself as flexible as possible, get under there and have a good time.

Don't forget to oil the seal of the new filter or you will be going through the same thing on your next oil change.

 

[disabilityguy]

Also double-check to make sure that the gasket from the filter previously on there does not stay stuck to the block. I had this happen a few years ago and it had two or rings sandwiched together. It went a few miles before it sprang a leak.

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[PhilF]

Sometimes a large pair of Channellock pliers can be your friend.

 

[craig baconator]

Lol
Same here. I punched like 20 holes on that thing.
I had to remove it with a sharp wood chisel.

Get a rag and use it to wipe clean the oil filter, use carb cleaner or any solvent if it's really dirty.
Use a rubber glove and make yourself as flexible as possible, get under there and have a good time.

Don't forget to oil the seal of the new filter or you will be going through the same thing on your next oil change.

Ahh the good old chisel trick. I have a steel cold chisel for that. I’ve had to go ape on some nuts sometimes that are stripped.

 

[aintThatBroken]

Got it! I got the filter socket thingy that bchan_42 recommended from an auto parts store, and that worked far better than the oil filter pliers I tried first (apparently I was gripping tightly enough to crush the filter slightly, but still not enough to turn it.) The socket made it much more tolerable, had it out in less than 5 minutes of grunting!

Thanks for the tips, all!

 

[bchan_42]

glad that helped. one trick that I remember when I had my 97 CRV was to drain the oil and let it sit for at least 20 minutes, this reduces the amount of oil that would come out of the filter when it is removed. The first gen CRV was the easiest car to work on, there is so much space in the engine compartment. Make sure to drain and fill the rear diff if you have not done it yet.

 

[tglenn]

I tried changing my own oil for the first time today, and wow the previous owner must have tightened that oil filter on tight! I also had a really tough time getting my new oil filter wrench around the exhaust pipe and other stuff to actually reach the thing from the bottom, but the mess of wires above meant that it looked even harder to reach from the top. Even when I did get in there and was able to grip hard enough to scratch the oil filter up, the limited elbow room meant I wasn't able to actually turn the darned thing.

My car is sitting with 2 wheels on the curb with no oil in it. Giving up for today, any tips for tomorrow?

I never even thought of going from the bottom. have you tried from the top? I use the Honda filter socket on a 1/2 drive ratcher. Tap it onto the filter before you tryto turn it.

 

[tglenn]

Assuming it is a first gen CR V, it takes a little work with both the exhaust pipe and the O2 sensor in the way. If you can get enough leverage with a socket wrench you will get it loose. I have done a few after having a 2000 model for 19 years. Good luck.

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I always did my 1st gen from the top side, you can actually see the threaded adapter when you go to put on the new filter.

 

[Buffalo4]

Got it! I got the filter socket thingy that bchan_42 recommended from an auto parts store, and that worked far better than the oil filter pliers I tried first (apparently I was gripping tightly enough to crush the filter slightly, but still not enough to turn it. The socket made it much more tolerable, had it out in less than 5 minutes of grunting!

Thanks for the tips, all!

I used a filter wrench and a ratchet to do it from the top with no problems at all. It was my roommate's 2000 CRV. Just need the right filter wrench and right length extension (can't actually remember if an extension was needed or just a 3/8th ratchet), But, the advice to check for the old gasket sticking to the engine and to make sure you put some oil on the gasket and ONLY hand tighten it is GOLD!!
Buffalo4

 

[craig baconator]

I always did my 1st gen from the top side, you can actually see the threaded adapter when you go to put on the new filter.

Whaaat? You can reach from the top?? I’ve been doing it the hard way all along 😭

 

[aintThatBroken]

I feel like this might also depend on whether you have the B20b or B20z intake - the resonator chamber on the latter got in my way, I wouldn't be surprised if it was easier with a B20b.

 

[Buffalo4]

I guess the one I worked on was a B20B, I really didn't know about the other one.]
Thanks, for posting that.
Buffalo4

 

[ImBroke]

I've used a Napa oil filter wrench, with the handle cut in half to make it shorter. Gives much more room, and I always do it from the bottom, for some reason. Maybe I like looking at my engine from the road's POV.