Hard to remove spin-on oil filter (Tempest)

[Neal]

I torque my Tempest oil filters using a nice torque wrench to 17 ft-lbs. I've had an issue in the past removing the oil filter, that one may have been over torqued as it was years ago and I was newer to this. However, the current one I know was properly torqued and it was on for a year as my last oil change was 6 months with 6 hours so I left it on and this cycle was 6 months and 12 hours. I had a terrible time getting it loose, in fact the top of the oil filter started deforming as I was applying torque. I thought it may be a case of having to go to an A&P to cut off or however this would be handled but I finally got it loose.

Any idea why and how to prevent this? What torque are other people using? Or your method of installing?

 

[Tsquared]

I gave up on using the Tempest torque wrench shortly after I got it. It always seemed to over tighten the filter.

I switched to a 3/8” torque wrench (don’t recall the brand) with about 24” handle. I use that wrench to install and remove the filter. I find the extra length allows for more control when removing the filter and less chance the socket will slip off the filter.

I tighten to 17 ft-lbs

 

[Neal]

This is what I use. I think part of the problem is you don't lubricate tempest spin-on filters and I think their gasket probably "welds" over time. What do I know??? But that's my point of concern.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

This is what I use.

What model is that? Torque wrenches are often inaccurate at the lower end of the usable range. AC Delco says -

* Accuracy Rating applies from 20% to max torque. Example: Torque range with max. 100 ft-lbs will have stated accuracy rating between 20~100 ft-lbs

Accuracy below 20% of max range is not specified.

I have never used a torque wrench to fit an oil filter. Never had one leak in about 50 years. Tempest does not require the use of a torque wrench -

Q: What is your torque spec for tightening your oil filters?
A: We recommend 16-18 ft lbs. of torque or tighten by hand plus a quarter turn.

 

[Neal]

What model is that?

ACDelco ARM601-4 1/2” (14.8 to 147.5 ft-lbs.) Heavy Duty Digital Torque Wrench with Buzzer and LED Flash Notification – ISO 6789 Standards with Certificate of Calibration​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0081AQDIY

I've heard the finger tight plus but I prefer torque values knowing I have it where it should be. I use 17 ft-lb.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

I've heard the finger tight plus but I prefer torque values knowing I have it where it should be. I use 17 ft-lb.

What is the calibration accuracy at 17 ft-lb. Please refer to the certificate of calibration.