tool and washer replacement on oil change

[tahoe666]

The 04 Pilot LX manual suggests a special tool is required for changing the oil filter. It goes on to suggest that the tool is only available from the dealer. Do you really need anything more than a box wrench to remove the drain plug and a oil filter 'strap' to remove the oil filter? It also suggests replacing the washer on the oil drain plug. That's great if you have one handy that fits but you can't drive off to get one while the oil is out of the car.

Any thoughts?

[iivtecracerii]

if the "strap" fits, then thats fine. the filter is pretty small, so it might be too big if its one you had for other cars. you should use a new aluminum crush washer (like 25 cents at the dealer), but just flip it over and use it again as long as its still in pretty good shape.

[RFM]

Originally posted by Brian Mellea
. . .It also suggests replacing the washer on the oil drain plug. That's great if you have one handy that fits but you can't drive off to get one while the oil is out of the car.

That's why you get one BEFORE you start to change the oil. Would you start the job before you had the oil, or the new filter, or read the directions?

[colorider]

Originally posted by RFM
Would you start the job before you had the oil, or the new filter, or read the directions?

Is this a trick question????

[tahoe666]

good show colorider.

RFM--show me how to find the inside dia of the washer before unscrewing and I would do as you suggest. Nowhere could i find the inside dia to have the correct washer handy!

[colorider]

Originally posted by Brian Mellea
good show colorider.

RFM--show me how to find the inside dia of the washer before unscrewing and I would do as you suggest. Nowhere could i find the inside dia to have the correct washer handy!

Your local stealer will know the correct size (14mm). True crush washers of the correct size are sometimes hard to find at hardware stores. Good to just have a supply on hand (just like oil filters and oil).

Good luck!

[Bill Balmer]

Originally posted by Brian Mellea
RFM--show me how to find the inside dia of the washer before unscrewing and I would do as you suggest. Nowhere could i find the inside dia to have the correct washer handy!

Do not use a regular washer.

This is a crush washer - it compresses to form a seal when you tighten the drain plug onto it. A plain metal washer of the correct size won't do the job. It NEEDS to be of the correct density so it will deform slightly upon tightening. Go to the dealer and ask for a crush washer for a Pilot. When I did this the guy at the parts counter handed me a handful of them and sent me on my way - no charge. When I buy an oil filter at the dealer it comes with a crush washer taped to the top. They aren't difficult to come by.

Taking the easy way out and substituting the wrong type of washer could be very costly if you dump your drain plug and lose all of your oil on the road.

[okii]

has anyone removed the factory filter with a strap wrench. I guess I would like to know whether it works before I attempt to change the oil myself (car out of warranty period). I have an 03 Pilot and I understand that Honda has changed the filter size from the original when I bought this car. Will either size work on this Pilot.

[mchan]

I'm pretty sure a strap wrench will work fine. If I recall correctly, I believe I just twist mines off by hand. It depends on how tight the previous guy spun that thing on. They also sell filter sockets at the autoparts store, just find the right size, attach it to a 3/8" drive socket wrench and wrench that thing off.

A few words of advice, get youself a long funnel, once you break the seal on the filter, put the funnel under it to catch the draining oil and direct it into what ever you are using to catch the oil.

It's an easy job. Have you never changed oil in a vehicle before?

[colorider]

Originally posted by okii
has anyone removed the factory filter with a strap wrench. I guess I would like to know whether it works before I attempt to change the oil myself (car out of warranty period). I have an 03 Pilot and I understand that Honda has changed the filter size from the original when I bought this car. Will either size work on this Pilot.

Yes, a strap type will work (I have three different sizes). What I have found with the ones I have is that the one that fits the OLD size filter will not clamp down small enough to fit the NEW size filter.

[okii]

I've changed the oil on my Toyota Tacoma PU.
It takes a pretty small filter. I can't imagine the Pilot using a smaller filter.

I plan on making a ramp out of stacked 2x 12's. From the photos it looks like you access the filter through the wheel well, not from underneath.

[fireflock]

My Pilot has uses the same size oil filter wrench as my 1994 Toyota Corolla.

I think I bought mine at Walmart, but any auto parts store should have one.

[Bill Balmer]

My strap wrench was too big for the small filter, but I just wrapped a couple of big rubber bands around the filter and put the strap over them. Worked like a charm.