Can I leave the old oil filter on after an oil change?

rebelde33 · 06-14-08, 04:19

I'm doing an oil change on my 08 Toyota Corolla. It has about 3,500 miles. I got all the old oil out on the pan but can NOT get the oil filter off. I was thinking of leaving it on and just adding the new oil until the next oil change. Is this a good idea? I don't drive it much. I got it in January with 350 miles so it doesn't get around as much as others.

spike_africa · 06-14-08, 04:42

If its stuck the good old way is a screw drive or flathead and beat it threw the end of the filter with a hammer and use as a lever to get it loose. I have to do this often to my mustang as it always makes the filter stick to the block real well for some reason.

wfedwar · 06-14-08, 05:28

What are you using to try to get it off? I have a pair of pliers made for filters by Channel Lock that work well. The screwdriver trick is great, but only if you have room to do it.

RTexasF · 06-14-08, 05:37

The factory hires The Hulk to screw them on I believe. Do whatever it takes to get it off and a new one on.

wfedwar · 06-14-08, 05:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTexasF

The factory hires The Hulk to screw them on I believe. Do whatever it takes to get it off and a new one on.

I've seen oil filters installed BEFORE the engine was painted!

BigJimZ28 · 06-14-08, 06:33

WOW YES change the filter!!!!
go to the autoparts store and get a
three jaw filter wrench it goes on the end of a 3/8" ratchet
and if it does not remove the filter you are doing something wrong

Yal · 06-15-08, 05:34

No it is not ok. It would actually have been better for you to change the filter and leave the oil

Get that filter off by any means necessary

smprince1 · 06-15-08, 05:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebelde33

I was thinking of leaving it on and just adding the new oil until the next oil change. Is this a good idea?

Not a good idea, as you'll be passing new, clean oil through a dirty filter. Kind of defeats the purpose of the filter.

Also, on a new engine the first few filter changes are important because a new engine typically has more debris such as minute metal filings and the filter catches more and get contaminated quicker and heavier.

D&D Auto Detail · 06-15-08, 08:34

If your oil filter is sticking to the block then you're doing something wrong.

wfedwar · 06-15-08, 08:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by D&D Auto Detail

If your oil filter is sticking to the block then you're doing something wrong.

It sounds like this is the one put on by the factory.

ducktail · 06-15-08, 11:29

i wouldn't put a screwdriver through the filter, if you rip the filter you will never get it off with a .filter wrench if you decide to invest later. i'll go with bigj's recommendation for a filter wrench.

not saying it can't be done just be aware of the risks

backwoods_lex · 06-16-08, 12:44

With a new car, don't you void the warranty if you don't have the work professionally done?

I know a lot of people who don't do required maintenance and just say "Eh, it's under warranty".