Which way does the oil filter on the engine unscrew?

Every driver who independently maintains a car and strives to keep the engine in good condition knows the importance of replacing the oil filter.
Each oil change is accompanied by the process of replacing the oil filter and other consumables. You cannot skimp on oil filters, otherwise metal shavings (formed due to engine wear), dirt and other debris will enter the engine along with the oil, which can lead to failure of expensive parts. The process of replacing the oil filter is quite simple. The driver needs to remove the old filter and install a new one in its place. However, there are situations when the oil filter does not unscrew. What to do in such cases will be discussed in this article.

Why change the oil filter?

The recommended mileage after which an oil change is necessary is on average 15 thousand km. It all depends on operating conditions, the degree of engine wear, and driving style. For example, when constantly moving with a trailer, it is recommended to change the lubricant more often. The same can be said about drivers who prefer an aggressive driving style. Each oil change is accompanied by the installation of a new filter.

Inexperienced drivers sometimes do not understand why this element needs to be changed: they say, it is enough to fill in fresh oil. The fact is that any lubricant that is poured contains foreign particles that negatively affect the operation of the engine. Plus, there are always tiny chips inside the motor, and dirt can get inside it. All this needs to be sifted out, which is what the oil filter does. It has been calculated that if it were not there at all, the engine’s service life would be reduced by five (!) times.

Second method

Unscrew the oil filter using special keys previously purchased at a car store; they come in two main types:

1. Chain key.
2. Crab Key.

Chain key

crab key

Having decided to purchase a special key, choose the first option; it is more reliable and is more often used by service station workers.

What to do next?

When the old filter is removed, before installing a new one in its place, be sure to wipe the mounting area with a rag, pour oil into the filter itself, and do not forget to lubricate the rubber gasket with it. Only after this can the new part be considered ready for installation. Screw it into place (you don’t need to put much effort into this), turn on the ignition and let the engine warm up, while you observe the repair site. If everything is done correctly, oil will not ooze out from under the filter.

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Installing a new filter

This is an equally important action. The correct operation of the engine largely depends on the quality of its implementation. Before installation, do not forget to wipe the area where the element is attached with a rag; any dirt that gets in can lead to serious consequences. Oil is poured into the filter housing and the rubber gasket is lubricated. The filter element is installed in place and screwed in; do not apply much force. After this, start the engine and allow it to warm up. Pay attention to the filter; if installed correctly, oil should not escape from under it.

Conclusion

. Changing engine oil is a mandatory and regular procedure. If you do not do it, then problems with the engine cannot be avoided. During the process of changing the lubricant, the question often arises of how to unscrew the oil filter without a key. After all, it doesn’t want to be disconnected by hand, and a specialized tool is usually not at hand at the right time. At the same time, there are plenty of ways to unscrew the filter housing.

Why might this be needed?

Car manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil every 15 thousand kilometers. Under difficult operating conditions, for example, when traveling with a trailer, the lubricant is changed more often. When changing the oil, it is advisable to change the oil filter.

Many car enthusiasts do not understand the reasons for replacing the oil filter when the lubricant is changed. The engine is the heart of the car; it is subject to the greatest wear and tear, since it bears the main load. The engine fluid being poured contains foreign particles that have a bad effect on the operation of the engine. An oil filter is designed to filter out these particles. The more it is worn, the worse the quality of the lubricant becomes, and this, in turn, affects engine wear.

Structure of the filter element

It is impossible to determine the suitability of an oil filter by appearance. It is also difficult to draw conclusions about the need for replacement based on mileage. The filter element works constantly, even when the engine is idling, so its wear depends not on mileage, but on engine hours. Some drivers, when changing the oil, neglect to replace the filter element, considering it unnecessary.

When choosing a replacement product, it is important to focus not on its appearance, but on its content. Drivers with an aggressive driving style are better off installing expensive products. This is due to the fact that when driving fast, hard braking or accelerating, the engine requires a large amount of oil. Expensive filters have synthetic elements that can withstand loads and high temperatures well, allowing the oil to pass through quickly. Analogues have felt-based elements through which the lubricant passes longer than through synthetic material. These products are suitable for lovers of a quiet ride.

Why can't I keep the old filter?

The oil in a car engine is changed every 10-15 thousand kilometers or once a year. When using a vehicle in difficult conditions, the replacement interval for consumables will be shorter. Oil service life depends on the specific brand of fluid and the vehicle. It is necessary to change the oil filter when changing consumables.

The motor is the main unit of the machine, which is subject to rapid wear during operation because it operates under high loads. Over time, foreign substances begin to appear in the lubricant, which negatively affect the functionality of the internal combustion engine. To prevent their impact on the power unit, an oil filter is used. The higher the wear of the device, the lower the quality of the oil, and this will sooner or later affect the operation of the internal combustion engine.

Moreover, it will not be possible to determine the suitability of the filter element visually, nor will it be possible to draw conclusions about the need for replacement based on mileage alone. The lubricant cleaning device always works, including when the engine is idling. Its wear is determined not by the mileage of the car, but by the number of engine hours worked. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a VAZ 2109, 2110 or a foreign car.

How to unscrew the oil filter

There are special keys for this that can be purchased at car dealerships. But it happens that it is impossible to get to the filter with such a tool due to limited space. Or another situation: instead of a standard product, you installed a higher quality element with larger dimensions. In such cases, the question arises: how to unscrew the oil filter without a key? But first it’s worth identifying the reasons why the product cannot be turned away by hand. There are two of them:

• during the previous oil change, the filter was tightened too tightly with a wrench (this is typical for car repair shops);
• the product just got stuck because it hasn’t been changed for a long time.

Below are all the popular ways to replace an old filter with a new one. However, this product must be unscrewed by hand. There is also a trivial situation: maybe you just don’t have enough strength. Then invite a stronger assistant.

Using a screwdriver

The tool must be long: longer than the diameter of the filter. You just need to pierce it, and right through it. The screwdriver here plays the role of a lever, which should be sharp and thick. Don't forget to drain the oil first: however, some of it will still spill out, so take care in advance and place a suitable container down. It is worth noting: all filters turn counterclockwise.

Using a leather belt

A regular trouser shirt will do. You need to make a loop out of it and throw it over the body. The free end is a kind of lever.

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If the belt turns, place a piece of sandpaper under it. If you have an alternator belt from a VAZ or other car at hand, you can use that too. The filter must be unscrewed.

Using a gas key

Removal in this way is only acceptable if there is enough space in your car and the tool can easily fit there. The handle of the tool will be the lever. However, fanaticism is not needed! Be careful not to roll anything else along the way.

Using a chisel and hammer

Everything is clear here: take a tool (it should be sharp), place it on the rim of the filter, closer to the engine (this makes it easier to remove). The blows must be strong and sharp.

Using a homemade tool

It makes sense to make a puller yourself, similar to the factory product. To do this you will need a regular bicycle chain. If it has 30 links, then this is an ideal option for the VAZ classic. The chain must be connected into a ring using a rivet or a regular lock. Next, take your used 19 or 22 socket head: you need to make a cut in it, the width of which corresponds to the width of the chain. This is where you need to insert it. To make it more convenient to unscrew the filter, insert a wrench or ratchet into the square hole of the head. All that remains is to smoothly twist the homemade puller counterclockwise.

When the old filter is unscrewed in one way or another, thoroughly wipe the seat with a rag, removing all particles of dirt. Fill the new filter with oil and screw it in by hand. Try to do this with force, but not excessively! Only after this can the filter replacement procedure be considered complete.

Selection of components and consumables

First of all, let's look at how to choose an oil filter. Filters with the number 21080-1012005-00 were produced by the VAZ plant for a long time, and they were installed on Prior engines. Then, with the advent of the Grant family, filters began to be supplied from the plant in Livny. These parts are always identified by the number 21080-1012005-08. And only a filter from the city of Livny can be installed in a new car.

Oil filter for Lada Granta

The height of the “new filters” housing is 74 mm. And for VAZ filters it was 75 mm. The difference here is practically zero, but anything less than 70 mm in height will not suit us.

The option with the Renault filter (7700274177) immediately disappears. Its height is 54 mm. Really suitable replacements include MAHLE filters: OC384 (74 mm) and OC606 (72 mm). Filters) are also suitable.

Next we talk about the choice of oils. From the factory, 8-valve engines are always filled with break-in fluid, which is replaced after 2500 km. At TO-1, until November 2015, Shell material was used - we are talking about semi-synthetic Helix HX7 (10W40). Then we switched to using Rosneft oils with the same viscosity.

Shell Helix HX7, 4 l pack

The entire list of recommended materials looks like this:

In the VAZ catalog you can even find the number of the drain plug. It consists of the numbers 21080-1009156-00.

Drain plug for VAZ 8-valve internal combustion engines

The filling plug is designated as 11190-1009146-00. And the part with the designation 21080-1009045-00 is a control probe.

How and with what can this be done?

We suggest you familiarize yourself with the main methods that will allow you to dismantle the filter device with your own hands.

User Andrey Florida in his video explained how to replace the oil filter and what options are available for dismantling it.

Can you twist it by hand?

There are special tools for dismantling the filter device. But you can also unscrew it yourself. If the sticking of the device is strong, a tool or improvised devices will be required for dismantling.

Which way should I unscrew?

The filter is dismantled by turning its housing counterclockwise.

Special key

You can use a special key to unscrew it. This is an effective method, but to implement it you will need to purchase a tool. You will find several key options on sale:

• chain;
• clamping tool;
• tape;
• screw puller.

How to use it correctly?

To unscrew it with a chain or other special wrench, hook the filter device with a tool, securely fix it and remove it by turning it counterclockwise.

Chain type removal tool Special wrench with clamp for filter removal

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Rope (belt) and screwdriver

To remove the device without a tool, use a belt or rope with a screwdriver:

1. A screwdriver is used to pierce the body of the filter device, as a result of which the tool is used as a lever. When using a screwdriver, you need to pierce the element right through, this will make twisting more effective.
2. When using a belt or rope, the dismantling method simulates the use of a special key. The strap should be wide and made of leather or leatherette. A loop is made, after which it is tightened on the device itself counterclockwise. For quick dismantling, give a sharp tug on the rope or strap. The removal process may be difficult due to the strap slipping. Then insert a piece of sandpaper into the loop itself and perform the described steps again.

Hammer and long screwdriver

This method of unscrewing a part is similar to the screwdriver method. Its implementation is relevant if you pierced the filter, but could not move it from its place. Then dismantling the device is possible by applying force from blows with a hammer to the screwdriver handle.

Hammer and chisel

If these dismantling methods do not help or the housing of the filter device is damaged, then use a chisel instead of a screwdriver. Make a small notch on the part for the chisel to rest against. We begin to hit the instrument with a hammer. This usually helps to quickly unscrew the filter.

Homemade instrument

You can change the filter and dismantle the device with a homemade puller. The operating principle of such a tool is identical to a special key.

You will learn about making your own dismantling tool from the video. The material was filmed and made public by the kv3st channel.

You need to build such a device yourself:

1. You will need a bicycle chain, or rather a section of it. When dismantling the filter in domestically produced VAZ cars, the optimal chain size is 30 links.
2. The chain is connected into a ring; a lock or rivet is used for fixation.
3. You will need an unnecessary head from a 19 or 22 socket wrench. You need to make a cut in it that matches the size of the bicycle chain.
4. Install the extension into the connecting square hole on the head. Use an awl or ratchet. For reliable fixation, the diameter of the extension must be equal to the size of the hole.
5. Unscrew the filter device by turning it counterclockwise.

Gas key

The use of this method is relevant if there is free space around the device. Hook the oil filter housing with the tool and use its handles as a lever. Be careful not to damage other powertrain components. Be careful as some oil will come out of the filter when removing it.

Which way to unscrew the oil filter?

When difficulties arise with unscrewing the filter element, the motorist may begin to be tormented by doubts regarding which direction the device should be unscrewed. Remember that the oil filter must be unscrewed counterclockwise (to the left). In the same way, a regular nut or bolt is unscrewed (if you do not take into account fasteners with reverse threads).

If you cannot unscrew the oil filter on your own, ask a stronger person for help. In fifty percent of cases this method works. The main thing is to achieve a breakdown from the starting point. This is easier to do with a warm engine. When the engine cools down, it becomes difficult to unscrew the filter.

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For dismantling, you can use one of the following methods:

One of the factory oil filter wrenches

1. Special key. In stores selling car accessories, you can find a wrench that is designed to unscrew the oil filter. It can be one of three types:

• chain;
• crab;
• clamping

Such a tool needs to be hooked onto the filter. After that, start rotating it.

You will also be interested in:

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