Kia oil filter cap stuck.

[Chaznsc]

I am changing oil today in my 12 Sorento. When I tried to take the filter cap off, my socket slipped on the PLASTIC nut on top. I tried vise grips, but I can't put enough force on it to budge it. Apparently the dealership mechanic is impressed with his strength.

In any event, what should I try next? I did spray some penetrating oil around the cap seal.

Attached is a photo of the stock cap. Why they make it out of plastic is beyond me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ChaseDE]

love the oil filters on top, my mercedes is the same way, hate taking them off though.

so the top plastic hex nut is destroyed now you are saying? if not get a proper socket and a big wrench to undo it.

if its destroyed looks like you may be able to get a strap wrench on there and pull for dear life.

 

[kd3pc]

Why they make it out of plastic is beyond me.

Thanks in advance.

It is cheaper to do it that way.

There is a filter wrench for that cap, although an appropriate size socket should do the trick.

You could go to a local parts place and buy a "strap wrench" to assist your socket.

best of luck

 

[x Wild Bill x]

As mentioned above, a strap wrench should be able to get the filter cover off. It looks like a normal strap wrench may be a tight fit in that area so I suggest trying one of these: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/.../9013180-P?searchTerm=strap+wrench#fragment-2

I have one and it works great, it does take a 1/2" ratchet to drive it FYI.

 

[sti491]

Strap wrenches work great. Good tool to have a round for all kinds of things! I have used them on plumbing jobs, cars, various "stuck" parts!

 

[CJ7VFR]

My wife also has a 2012 Kia Sorrento. I change the oil on it all the time, and I use a big 6 point socket on the plastic nut part. I do believe it is a 27mm socket.

If the nut portion of the filter cap is rounded out, and you have not tried a 6 point socket, try one. It can still remove the filter cap because a 6 point socket grabs the flats of the nut, not the points like a 12 point socket.

Other than that, try the strap wrench like others have said. That should work because the harder you pull on the strap, the tighter it gets.

Jim

 

[tthornto]

Was the engine warm or cold when you tried to remove it? If it was put on tight when warm last time and it is cold now the contraction/hardening of the plastic will make it very tight now. If so try warming up the engine, it will make the oil drain a little quicker too.

 

[66HertzClone]

It is amazing how tight these can be, even more amazing that tightening them by hand is enough to seal them without leaks. As others have said, get a strap wrench, but secure a replacement before going any further. There is a torque value for how tight they should be, if you have an inch pound wrench get a six point socket and you will never have this problem again.

 

[Supergumby5000]

Looks like everyone has it pretty much covered....

Take the car for a good drive and get everything warmed up then hit it with a socket or a strap wrench.

 

[493 scamp]

It is amazing how tight these can be, even more amazing that tightening them by hand is enough to seal them without leaks. As others have said, get a strap wrench, but secure a replacement before going any further. There is a torque value for how tight they should be, if you have an inch pound wrench get a six point socket and you will never have this problem again.

The captured O-ring seals it and it could be hand tight and still seal. Only needs enough tightening to ensure it doesn't vibrate loose . Mac sells a handy assortment of 6 point sockets to fit all the different sizes,I use a 4" long swivel ratchet to tighten them and have never had one work loose or leak.

 

[MikeF2316]

I'd use the strap wrench and the 6 point socket at the same time. A helper would be good at this point. And I second the suggestion about securing a replacement first.

 

[Chaznsc]

Everyone:
Thank you for the great recommendations. After I posted, I went back to try once more with the vise grips. It finally broke free, but the damn threads are tight all the way out. No cross threading, but my goodness, no way that could ever back out on its own. I ordered a replacement cap and a 6point 27mm socket. And my next tool purchase will be a strap wrench.

Thanks to everyone who responded, I learned a lot from your responses.

Chaz

 

[Drew_flux]

Next time you change this filter cartridge, a solid whack with a dead blow hammer, tends to loosen them up a bit.

 

[finn]

Ford had a similar problem when they first went to a plastic oil fill cap 25 years ago. A simple design change to the original lathe cut rectangular seal profile solved the problem.

In your case, if it is truly a thread problem, it seems the composite material they are using for the cap is incompatible with the engine oil you are using.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I learned a great "trick" many years ago. It probably doesn't apply to true O-ring filters, but I was told on many screw on filters, the seal is a composite and contains some fibers. When tightened, the fibers tend to bend or flex opposite the direction of rotation. After some time and heat cycling they basically stiffen up and work like a lock washer, making removal of the filter difficult. Simply loosening the filter a couple of degrees after you tighten it flips the fibers the other way and is enough to eliminate the problem. IDK if the thing about the fibers is true or not, but I've been doing it this way for 30+ years and have never needed a filter wrench on any of my cars. Obviously, wiping a little fresh oil on the new filter's seal is a good idea, too.

Tommy

 

[Chaznsc]

In your case, if it is truly a thread problem, it seems the composite material they are using for the cap is incompatible with the engine oil you are using.

The threads aren't gummed up at all. I think it's more of it being a plastic component. In any regards, excellent observation.