Trojan Boat Forum

I pulled my boat today and when I was winterizing it I wasn't able to get the oil filter off. I think after going through the freeze/thaw cycles of the Winter I'll be able to get it off in the Spring. My question is: Will the oil from the engine pan come out if I take the oil filter off? I don't think so looking at where the filter is attached to the engine, but I would feel better if someone can confirm. Thanks.

You will be fine---- all you will get is what is in the filter if you have the filter that is mounted almost upside down on the side of the engine ( not a remote mounted filter). Try a strap wrench and remember when you put on a new filter to oil the seal and no tighter than good hand tight--- Mike

Thanks for the confirmation Mike. I have the oil filter that's mounted to the side of the 318, so I thought I would be alright. I oiled the gasket when I put it on last Fall but I guess I tightened it a little too tight. I'll have to curb my enthusiasm when I put the next one on.

Mine is the same setup, was also very tight. Needed to wrap the filter in a rag because the strap wrench kept slipping due to the tightness. If worse comes to worse drive a screwdriver through it. You will need some sort of tray and or plastic liner under the filter. It is upside down and will leak like crazy.
Good Luck.

I would never change the oily and filter with out starting it back up. I have seen them lose prime when sitting and not ran after the oil change .

If the strap wrench is slipping, try putting a piece of sand paper in between the strap and the filter.

When I first bought mine, I had the same, I used water pump pliers and just wrenched it off as I wasn't worried about any damage to the filter itself. (Big ones and the long handles really helped and it was very tight on space) I would not leave it for next year, if it is a problem now, I would be surprised it wont be one in the spring.