5.0 oil filter problem

[mounty71]

This may seem like a pretty 'newb' problem, but i'm starting to change my oil on my own finally in my 2000 mountaineer 5.0. So the oil is drained but now i can't access the oil filter, it's at an odd angle above the swaybar and some other fluid lines. I can't get to it from above either. I can get the oil filter wrench only onto just the end of the filter, which only crushes it. So what do i have to do to get the filter off? How do you 5.0 guys do it?

 

[techieman33]

I can get to it just fine from underneath, and can usually take it off by hand.

 

[nssj2]

oil filter wrench and an angled 3/8 socket wrench. if it really wont budge poke a screwdriver through it and you should have good leverage. the location of this filter SUCKS.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

if you're having problems with it, you should consider getting a oil filter relocation kit. and put it somewhere easier to get to.

i know for mine it took a few times to get used to it.

 

[mounty71]

Thanks for the tips, i ended up running out of time before reading about the screwdriver tip so i filled up the oil and took it to a shop, it turned out to be an expensive oil change this time.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could have used a plumbing wrench or an alligator pliers (Channel Lock). What did they charge you?

 

[mounty71]

Because i got the full-service for my parents' discount card, it was about $40, plus the $15 i spent on the first 5 qts. of oil and the filter.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

It is awkward (and messy). I use a wrench I got at harbor Freight

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=36778

on sale for about $4. It is listed in the link for about $8.

 

[Cobraguy]

Go online (Lisle Tools is a good source) and find you a wrench you like. I have a wrench that works well.

By the way, the screwdriver trick should be your very last resort. Once you go there, if it doesn't come off, (starts tearing the can instead of turning) you're screwed. Besides, if you have room for a screwdriver, you have room for one of the wrenches.

 

[mounty71]

Go online (Lisle Tools is a good source) and find you a wrench you like. I have a wrench that works well.

By the way, the screwdriver trick should be your very last resort. Once you go there, if it doesn't come off, (starts tearing the can instead of turning) you're screwed. Besides, if you have room for a screwdriver, you have room for one of the wrenches.

I realized that the screwdriver trick would leave my truck undriveable if i still couldnt get it off. So i'll try again next time with a different wrench.

 

[wyochimneysweep]

good old arm muscle.

 

[Turdle]

I never have issues with this--

The only issue I have with oil changes is the dribble on the front cross member-but now I remember to put a rag there first-

In fact, of the newer cars I have worked on, this one is very accessible
You ought to try a nissan 200sx oil change-I still get oil in my armpits from that one--After about 8 of them I still haven't figgered it out-

 

[CDW6212R]

Ditto that about a screwdriver, avoid that for as long as possible, that can cause more trouble than you had.

Don't over tighten the filter, that can be the reason for the next guy to have issues.

...
You ought to try a nissan 200sx oil change-I still get oil in my armpits from that one--After about 8 of them I still haven't figgered it out-

Psst, find a farm and get an arm glove from a vet there, LOL.

 

[MustangP51]

If you remove the dust shield from the bottom of the radiator you will have a lot more room to get to the filter. I found that out when I put my front hitch on.

 

[Cobraguy]

Jt...instead of using a rag under your filter, try a piece of tin foil instead. Fold it up and shape it so that the oil will run off it into your pan while you spin the filter off. Works like a charm. I've been using that trick on several cars now for years.

Another reason the filter sticks is the gasket wasn't properly lubed prior to installation. Use grease on the gasket and it should turn right off when you go to change it.

 

[Electrohacker]

sounds like the filter was over tightened if it crushed, i think he was doing it right to begin with, or at least thats how I do it. a strap wrench on the end of the filter. I did crush one once, but i kept turning and it eventually cam off. my dad always told me to lube the o-ring with the removed oil and turn the filter by hand until finger tight then turn a 1/4 turn with the wrench.

as the engine heats and cools it will get tighter and hopefully when it come time to remove the filter it will remain looses enough to remove easily

 

[CDW6212R]

Do not use a wrench or tool to install an oil filter, that makes them too tight. Do it by hand only, and not as tight as you can get it. The common rule is 3/4 of a turn after the filter touches the sealing surface. I'd place the torque at about 15-20ft.lbs.

 

[Cobraguy]

Do not use a wrench or tool to install an oil filter, that makes them too tight. Do it by hand only, and not as tight as you can get it. The common rule is 3/4 of a turn after the filter touches the sealing surface. I'd place the torque at about 15-20ft.lbs.

I know you're correct here and that's the proper way to do it...but man, I just can't do it! I do as was mentioned...I hand tighten as much as I can then hit it about a quarter turn with the wrench. I just can't stand to not have it that tight. But I also use grease on the o-ring and I've never had any kind of problem taking a filter off that I've installed.

 

[CDW6212R]

Using dab of new oil is the normal process, and I don't think that any filter has ever come loose. Like a few posting here, I have had several filters that I had to remove that others installed too tight. They all were tough to remove. None of mine have ever been loose, and all were very snug, cannot be removed by hand. That's plenty tight.

 

[beauboy]

i realize that after posting the problem a week ago, you no doubt have this fixed, but I'll still throw in my two cents. Beware of the "tech shop" oil filters. For some reason, probably job security, they always use a slick-sided filter. I had the same problem you had with my very first oil change. Since then I've used the "Sure-grip" type. Even when I had a problem with the pan plug and had to take it to a shop, I gave them the filter to install and they did. I've never had a problem removing a filter by hand after that very first time. Just a small, insignificant piece of advice.