2003 sport trac changing oil for the first time

[koda2000]

99% of the time you will not be able to get the oil filter to come loose by hand. You'll need an oil filter tool. Which tool may depend on what brand of oil filter you have and how tight it is. Motorcraft filter's take a different tool than what works on most brands of oil filters.

 

[sickwilly]

You can put a screw driver through it, and then turn it with the screw driver (from the side). It will be messy and if you don't get it off you are not driving anywhere. Or, borrow some big arss channel locks from a neighbor.

 

[swshawaii]

I got it off the plug and hand tightened it.

BTW, "hand tightened" means with your fingers. Always use a wrench to "tighten" the oil pan drain plug.

Probably no more than 1/8 turn beyond finger tight. (18 ft/lbs.) Make sure there's a sealing washer on it.

 

[rhoptry]

Channellock makes oil-filter pliers. I've found that they work great and can handle any size filter.

 

[sickwilly]

Mine are like that but also offset a little. Good tool to have.