How do I remove the oil filter adapter?

[sd_iconoclast]

I have a '91 Eddie Bauer and oil is leaking from between the block and the oil filter adapter. I happen to have the exhaust manifold and AC clamshell off right now so I want to change out the O-ring under the adapter. But, I am finding it very difficult to remove. I started by trying a long, 19mm box end wrench on the central bolt. It seems to have just rounded off the corners. I tried vice grips, same result but more so. Is it on with red locktite? Is there some other bolt I cant see? I seem to be just destroying the center bolt but making no progress on removing it. It doesn't help that the exhaust pipe makes it difficult to see.

My local dealer wants about $100 for the adapter and about $60 for the center bolt. Does anyone have one or both to sell?

 

[410Fortune]

Rounded off the corners? Oh no...
The oil filter adapter comes off the engine with that big center bolt yes.
I do believe it is 19mm
Can you get a shallow 19mm six point socket on there?
You may be able to remove the front right tire and pull back the plastic fender skirt to get different access

I have a 4.0 oil filter setup and bolt if you need it I can ship.... but first you gotta get yours loose! There are 3 O rings in there.....the big one at the block leaks all the time on these older 4.0

 

[sd_iconoclast]

Rounded off the corners? Oh no...
The oil filter adapter comes off the engine with that big center bolt yes.
I do believe it is 19mm
Can you get a shallow 19mm six point socket on there?
You may be able to remove the front right tire and pull back the plastic fender skirt to get different access

I have a 4.0 oil filter setup and bolt if you need it I can ship.... but first you gotta get yours loose! There are 3 O rings in there.....the big one at the block leaks all the time on these older 4.0

I figured my next move would be to take off the exhaust Y-Pipe so that I could (at least) see it better.
This would also allow me to get a six point socket onto it.
I was puzzled as to what size wrench to use initially. My 19mm seemed loose, but my 18mm would not fit.
If I could buy the new one from you, I would have much more latitude to destroy the old one while taking it off.
What would you charge me?

 

[410Fortune]

$20 plus shipping
It should be 19mm but see how a 3/4" socket fits too
Use a 6 point socket here not 12

 

[sd_iconoclast]

I removed the bolts holding on the Y-Pipe and was able to get easy access to the adapter.
I used a breaker bar and a 6 point socket and it came right off.
I guess the center bolt is not as bad as I thought.
Thanks for the advice and the offer to sell me one, but I think I can reuse my own.

 

[410Fortune]

HECK YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I can leave mine attached to the core engine