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I bought a new oil filter and a socket type oil filter removal tool for my 4th generation Civic.
I know the replacement oil filter is the right size because the clerk looked up the VIN number on the database to confirm it.
The socket type removal tool fit the new (replacement) oil filter but was too small for the old one on the engine.
When I tried a strap type oil filter removal tool, it gripped the filter but then slipped.
It seems the oil filter on the engine is a different size and seized in place.
Could the threads where you screw in the oil filter have been damaged by somebody forcing the wrong size of oil filter onto the engine?
I'm concerned that if I somehow force the old oil filter off, the engine might not take the new one because of damaged threads.
What do you guys think?

 
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More likely than not the threads aren't damaged, someone probably over tightened the filter or didn't run a film of oil over the gasket before installing it. Or both. Last time that happened I had to use a rather large pair of channel locks to remove it and destroyed the filter in the process. I've also heard of people jabbing a screw driver through it if you're too tight on room to get a pair of pliars on it. Make sure the old gasket comes off with the old filter. Inspect the threads on the filter for shavings just to make sure, but I wouldn't think the threads are damaged - it's just not as likely as over tightening or a stuck gasket.

 
Rep Power: 204

^ +1

that's exactly what I would have said and I've had to do the screwdriver through the filter on other cars. Try everything else first though 'cause once you stick that screwdriver through there's no turning back.


...as for the filter size. I bought a NAPA filter (Wix) for my 99 and it was fatter and shorter than the OEM. I never ended up using it.

good luck!