Oil Filter

[Island Solara]

Hey guys, I tried searching, but too many topics came up & need your help.

Over the weekend, I changed my oil from regular to synthetic. However, that isn't the problem. The problem is that I couldn't take out the oil filter. I didn't have that "oil filter wrench" or whatever you call it...i didn't buy one because when I changed my gf's oil, I unscrewed the filter with my hands, so I figured I could do the same. Not the case! haha...feakin' thing didn't want to come off.

Anyways, I'm sure there's some regular oil in the filter & I've already poured the synthetic oil in because I had to use the car really quick (maybe drove it half a mile or so) & I figured I'd change the filter during the next oil change. Would the mixture of the regular oil & synthetic oil do any harm?

Also, with the oil in the motor, is it possible to change the filter? Thanks for your help!

[CamryOnBronze]

I think youll be okay with the filter on there, probably not optimal but it shouldnt harm anything I dont think...

As for changing the filter, I think your best bet would be to drain the new oil into a clean container, then change the filter and put the oil back in.

[SleeperSolara]

I think you should be fine...
Yeah an oil filter wrench would help alot.

[unbalancedwood]

Or switch to a filter with a nut bit on it so you can use a wrench on it...i know K&N has a 1" nut bit on it...

[Yanks0114]

You don't have to worry about the traditional and syn mix because when you go to remove the filter, all the oil will drain out.

If its a cheap filter (ie fram) I would absolutely recommend replacing it ASAP. I use KN filters and I am very happy with them.

In short, you need to drain the oil before you can remove the filter or else it'll all pour out.

[Jon11582]

If you ever see "Synthetic Blend" oil on the shelf, thats exactly what it is - a Synthetic/Conventional oil blend. Its kind of like the "Plus" or "89" of oils.

What I would be more concerned about is reusing the filter. Like Yanks said, if its a crappy filter, replace it ASAP. Filters are not built to be used through an oil change. All the crap that would be sludge in your engine ends up building up in the filter, and if the filters, full, theres no where else for the sludge to go but to stay on the internals.

Knowing the Camry/Solara's history with sludge, I would say this is the bigger worry.

Also, I'm pretty sure, at least in some cars, that you can change the filter without draining the oil without all the oil draining out of the filter hole, as long as there is no pressure pushing the oil up from the pan (basically, keep the engine off and have it settled for a few minutes). Some oil will come out as normal. I cant confirm this for the Solara so try this at your own risk, but I would say that it most likely is the case due to the high position of the filter in the engine.

[Island Solara]

Thanks for all the replies....very helpful! I think I'm gonna change the oil in a couple of weeks (busy schedule up ahead). In the meantime, I'll just borrow my girl's car.

[ThatVietGuy]

Just jab a screwdriver through the sides of the filter and turn

[ClassySolaraGuy]

I'd jab a hole on the bottom of it first so the oil can drain out from the filter then jab & turn.

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

Just jab a screwdriver through the sides of the filter and turn

DANG! is that what some of you all do????

I've got two parts.
1. It is a band thing you wrap around the filter to loosen it
2. The second part is called a import-filter (its metal) and its got a hole in the top for a wrench to be tapped into (but our spacing is limited so i don't use it with a wrench). After its loosened...i just unscrew it with this mental thingie...
On the whole both parts should run you close to 7-9 bucks combined

[ThatVietGuy]

It's one of MANY things I've done to remove a filter.

[Sentinel]

^^ Because you are throwing the filter away you can do whatever you want to with it. While we all would prefer to have it come off easily, punching a hole in it and using a screwdriver is an acceptable method to get that beeyatch off.