kwillms

I decided to start changing my oil again. 2007 IS250. I've never changed it on this car and I encountered a problem. Curious what you all have to say.

The torque spec for the oil filter housing is 18 ft-lbs (hand tight). But mine is so tight that I bent the housing wrench (socket type with the notches) trying to get it off and could not remove it. I was eventually pulling a wrench with a 15" handle towards the front of the car, meaning conventional (not reversed) threads, later confirmed with a YouTube video.

I only read one post on another site say they get tighter over time. Is this correct? Or am I justified thinking the oil change place I went to over-tightened it?

Also any ideas how to remove it?

NYIS300awdFS

Somebody overnighted your oil filter housing, who knows how long ago was your last new filter installed when technicians couldn’t loosen the housing and went ahead changing the oil without changing the oil filter.
When I purchased my IS300 from a Nissan dealer and drove it home I did an oil change on it right away. Discovered the oil filter was crushed inside the housing and it was a poorly fitted aftermarket part. Even when I take my car to the Lexus dealer I’m uncomfortable about the work been performed.
Oil changes are easy enough to diy, I feel good knowing everything is done with correct parts the right way.

kwillms

Thanks for responding. I found a couple examples on the oil change thread here about other occurrences of this. Not really any good solutions though.

NYIS300awdFS

i would seek help from a Lexus or Toyota dealer. I’d explain the problem up front so they know the problem before the start working on it. Pay them to solve the issue and do a proper oil and filter change. You can take it from there and do your oil changes going forward.

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

My Tundra was the same way. Jiffy Lube idiots (po used to take it there), had it so tight I thought the whole thing might snap off. Stupid people it only needs to not fall off in 5000 miles.

OP I suggest slow constant pressure. Don't strike it! Also if engine /filter housing was cold the last time, fill with oil and warm it up with a good drive and try again.

Protholl

This is what I had to do with my LS after purchase. Some 800 pound gorilla tightened it the oil change before I bought it.

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

Like so?

sheetmetalfab

😂😂😂 classic.

kwillms

I went back to the place where I'd had the oil filter changed the last 3 times. They were nice about it, just ignorant. The entire staff was telling me it had to be tight so it won't leak and that I needed a stronger filter wrench. One guy was proud that he got the shop to get the Snap on version of the wrench because they were going through the cheap ones.

I just wanted to watch them crack it loose. I peeked under the car and watched. The guy got the Snap-on version of the filter wrench, used a 2 foot socket wrench and tried to turn it. The first time nothing happened. Second time he had to pull so hard that the car moved forward, but it broke loose.

I left and I'm sure they think I'm the idiot. If I'm not mistaken, that replaceable rubber gasket is what's holding the oil in, so as long as the cover is tight enough to not vibrate off it's fine. Cranking on it just moves the gasket a tiny bit further in, which doesn't matter, right?

NYIS300awdFS

Order oem oil filters, they include a new o ring to properly complete the job. Also remember to order the oem crush washer for the drain plug.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Correct. Just use OEM filters, and they include the O-ring in the filter box. Lube the O-ring with oil and install the housing BY HAND. There is a definite stopping point you will feel by hand. DONE!

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

You are correct. They are idiots! The housing the cap screws into tappers to compress the O-ring as the caps flange seats. Cap tightness need only keep it in place until next OCI. There is Zero reason to tighten the bejesus out of it once it stops turning.

kwillms

Yep, both done. I just couldn't replace the filter this time. I'll go maybe another 1000 miles and replace the oil and filter. I'm not up for it this week.

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

These are good too. Come with both O-rings and a drain shoot, although my 350's cap isn't drilled for one. $7 to $9 each...
Wix Filter 57173 (Napa 27173)