Help!

TexasSteve · Nov 18th, 2007, 03:03 PM

All right folks I need advice. I just changed my oil and it took 5 minutes to change oil but 45 minutes to reach the oil filter and remove the old one. I'm tired of the same old song and dance each oil change. I have 4 different kinds of oil filter wrenches and NONE of them reach in well enough to get a decent grip on the filter. I finally used the cap type to start getting it loose but it keeps jumping off. I have to use a crowbar to push up against it while reaching in with the other hand with a closed end wrench and start loosening it. A very nasty and hand scraping, wrist cutting job not to mention the incredible mess.

The strap one is useless and the channel lock wrench type won't quite get on it. The old steel strap type won't tighten up where it needs to and finally I don't really want to stick a screwdriver into it because I tend to over-destroy stuff and nearby stuff when I need the vehicle on monday mornings and usually like to change the oil on saturday or sunday afternoons.

My American car is easy but I love my Pathy EXCEPT this job! The drive-

in places are not for me with burger slapper rejects trying to sell you everything in the book with a oil change.

**88pathoffroad** · Nov 18th, 2007, 11:15 PM

I've never had this problem. Just reach down from the top after it cools off and unscrew it. A standard hinged-handle filter wrench fits on fine. You could try going through the fenderwell but you'll have to remove the rubber flap and sometimes the clips break...

LittleStevie · Nov 19th, 2007, 04:50 PM

Are we talking about an R51 pathfinder?

I agree it's a pain. I use a hinged-handle metal strap type filter wrench, and while I'm looking up through the access hole in the "skid plate", I stick the filter wrench in from the passenger side. There's barely enough room for the wrench to turn a few degrees, so you have to ratchet it a little at a time. It works though.

The worst part is the little oil slide that somehow always sends oil on the top side of the skid plate when you remove the filter.

boogyman · Nov 20th, 2007, 08:14 AM

Sorry for the late response, but they make a ratchet cap wrench that actually fits. I use an extension with a knuckle on the end. I have gotten to where I don't cut my hands anymore. The oil getting stuck on the skid plate is still a problem. The oil trough doesn't work for crap.

Just loosen the filter with the filter cap wrench, then go around the skid plate to remove the filter. Don't try from the access hole, because you just get oil running down your arm. It's a pain but less messy.

TexasSteve · Nov 20th, 2007, 08:59 PM

Thanks guys

I think I have found the answer; the K&N oil filter with the square nut welded on the end cap.

LittleStevie · Nov 22nd, 2007, 11:05 AM

I would personally stay away from K&N filters for street applications. They're known for high flow for racing applications, but the compromise is reduced filtration efficiency. I used to have a K&N drop in air filter, but switched back to OEM cellulose after seeing data on pass through efficiencies. I believe they have the same philosophy with oil filters, higher flow but reduced filtration.

I will stick with nothing but Nissan OEM oil filters while I'm in the powertrain warranty. If there's ever any engine damage or problems, Nissan wont have the excuse that an improper filter was the cause.

I don't think changing the filter is really that big of a deal, just find something that works and stick with it. With the hinged strap wrench it takes me only a couple of minutes to get the filter off.