$600 (+-) Oil Change

Hi:
I’ve been trying to remove what’s left of my oil filter for 2 weekends. My boat is a 1984 Barefoot with a 454. When I attempted to remove the oil filter, it essentially crushed when using the oil filter wrench. The oil filter body was about as thick as or maybe a tad thicker than a aluminum can. Long story short and about $100.00 later the only part left of the oil filter is the base. I took the boat to a mechanic and he said that he’s going to have to pull the engine loose ($600 +-) in order to get to the filter. Does anyone know of a better alternative - other then dynamite?

Thanks.

I'm guessing the 454 filters are a little tougher to get to than the 351s?

When this type of thing happens in Auto repair, guys would take a blade type chisel, and set it at an angle. Then tap, tap, tap to bite in a little and put some rotation. It requires a skillful hand.

Post pictures. It might be interesting to get some ideas once we can take a look at it.

That's why I don't go to any of the Uncle Jiffy oil change places anymore. I have damaged a few oil filters removing them after a gorilla with an impact wrench and prybar tightened it on at the lube shop.

On top of filter are small drain holes, i had to place two screws in holes 180* apart and used a screwdriver to twist out the piece that was left, i don't know if you have the clearance for something like that, good luck and keep your patience.

Is the oil filter outlet on the block completely open? It seems like there is a cross pattern (best way to describe it)- at the base of the block oil filter opening and the oil filter base sits on that. I like the pliers method - but am concerned about the opening in the block.

Pictures would definitely be helpful, but without seeing your situation, i would suggest a pipe wrench.   maybe a strap style wrench would work as well?

cloth type strap wrench

If worse comes to worse & you have to pull the engine, it can be done for far less than $600. You can rent a hoist at a rental shop for maybe $50.

It would be a full afternoon of R&R, but you would get to clean under the engine!

Call my friend Bull 407 855 2115. He has B.I.M.P mobile ski boat repair in Orlando. He is also known as Mr. Bigblock as he has one of the coolest blown drag drop top camaro's in Florida. I am sure he can get the boatback up and running oil filter and all.

Would it be possible to have someone weld a big nut onto the remaining piece of the filter.   Then the filter could be removed with a socket.

Just use a 4x4 with a block on one side and a bottle jack on the other side and a chain in center to lift back of motor/trans enough to get access to whats left of filter.This way you only have to take two big nuts off rear mounts and loosen fronts and of course coupler to propshaft.This way you leave motor mount bases alone and alignment is minimal.Usually get a grip on whats left of filter with a pipe wrench.If I was going thru this I would be installing remote oil filter at same time.very easy with this motor and never have this problem again

Bri892001 wrote: I'm guessing the 454 filters are a little tougher to get to than the 351s? When this type of thing happens in Auto repair, guys would take a blade type chisel, and set it at an angle. Then tap, tap, tap to bite in a little and put some rotation. It requires a skillful hand.

If this method does;nt get it off the block, you are not doing it right.

Long chisel?

Get that plate to bend even, and you are almost home.   I have used a chisel to cut from the holes toward the large threaded hole, started tearing the plate, and it will loosen before you have to tear into the threaded part.

Oh yea, I swear and get mad. 20 MF'ers and that filter is good as off.



If that doesn't work, I'd take it to the oldest longest standing auto shop in town(not a dearship), talk to the guy that has turned wrenches for 25 years, get him a bottle of his favorite booze, $50, and you will be boating in a couple hours. He has the tools, knowhow and this is minor compared to the crap he deals with everyday and doesn't get to charge boat yard prices.   

The oil filter was a generic POC.

This is the tool that I purchased on the internet. It had another piece which I eventually removed. I found that the holes for the bolts line up with the holes in the oil filter. I’m using hardened bolts and they are bending or breaking. I think that there is a partial obstruction in the opening of the block. I originally used bolts that were going into the oil filter holes about 1”, but it seemed that they were getting hung up on something inside the block opening. I have since shortened the bolts so they are going into the oil filter only (about ¼” +-). Now it’s a real pain with almost zero leverage.

if you haven't gotten it by now just call Bull

Thanks, I called Bull & left a message.

A hacksaw wouldn't work. There is a 1" flange on the block that encompasses the oil filter base, plus I'm really paranoid about damaging the block. This job should've taken an hour tops. I'm now going on my third weekend…