Oil Filter Cap Wrench

These little buggers have always been a crap shoot. And gave up on them years ago, replace with a metal ban style.


Purchased a Mustang, ready to change the filter. Find it in a hole above the belly pan. Drop a triangle panel for access, looking at the work area.

"Huston" we have a problem, without a bunch words that can not properly describe the scene.

Cut to the chase, no way the tool at hand is usable. Off to the Auto Zombie for an oil cap jobby. Filter in hand test fit a few, find one back to business.

Cap Wrench went on, but when any torque was applied. I bet some know what is coming, click, click useless will not move the filter.

After getting the car back together. On to Oreille’s replenish the filter supply, they have WIX filters on the shelf.

See Pennzoil cap wrench, but it is different, the Cap wrench mystery was solved.

Here is a tip, Auto Zombie, cap is sized 78 - 76 mm. The Pennzoil has a SINGLE size 76 mm, this is important.

And why, the 78 - 76 cap, smaller size in the bottom or top of the cap.

Using a 3/8 ratchet or extension, it protrudes into the cap. Not allowing the filter to seat for removal or install.

That's why, in most cases, I use a K&N filter since you can put a socket on it and be done.

I did use the K&N when they came to the market, and that is a good deal. This filter is literally in a hole, frame rail crosses parallel under the filter bottom. The height of a socket & ratchet is not possible. Heck is not that K&N nut 3/4 or so, don't remember for sure ?


I see you have a Mustang check out this shot I took last week.