Little bit of a dilemma here..

Went to change to oil on my 2012 JKU and the oil filter cap has been rounded off. I tried everything to get it off but it's so incredibly tight and the top of it is a complete circle so it's almost impossible to grip.

I ran out of time and had to get to work so I left the filter in and replaced the oil. Needless to say, I need to get that filter out.

Any suggestions? Is it ok to change just the filter once I get the cap off since the oil in there is brand new?

 

I'm no expert but I would say no.

 

Blah... if that's the case then I may let it go another 2500 miles or so just to get at least some use out of the oil.

 

You will have to try & get a strap wrench on it if it will fit. Otherwise you will have to use channel locks or something that will bite into the plastic and buy a new cap. The cap doesn't need to be that tight, just snugged down. I've never seen one rounded off. Good luck with it.

 

I've already got a new cap. I'm not the one who tightened it originally, dealer must have done it.

 

First off, you need to get the cap off. If you can't, bite the bullet and pay someone, try channel locks, or vice grips if you have to. The cap will be wasted, so make sure you get a new one first. For the future get a 6 pt 24mm socket. when you tighten it back on, the o ring will contact, then tighten just until the base is flush. NO TIGHTER. the o ring stops the leaks, not tightness.
Second, I see no reason you can't just change the filter without changing the oil.
Good Luck, keep us posted on your results.

 

Harbor Freight sells a rubber strap wrench (usually in sets of three) that will do the job. The oil filter shouldn't be tightened using a wrench (if you fill so inclined to use one, just until snug is the guideline).

 

The 12+ 3.6 doesn't have a conventional spin on oil filter. It's a cartridge filer under a plastic cap On TOP of the engine. Not sure a strap wrench would do the job.

 

Buy the new cap first, use a strap wrench to get the old one off. Don't over tighten when installing the new one.

 

when in doubt blow torch it out, just make sure you have fire insurance in place