Oil Filter removal on V8?

[john tilson]

I have a 2000 Explorer with V8 engine. How do you get the filter out with it jammed up agains the radiator? Do you have to drop the sway bar?? its 4x4 so there just isnt room.

 

[JDraper]

Welcome to the forums!!

Shouldn't have to drop the swaybar. And end ring filter tool should be able to remove it.

Also, moving this to the under the hood category...

 

[john tilson]

I don't mean loosen it. That is easy. What I mean is there is a two inch space to drop out the filter after its off. It won't fit through that space!

I cannot see how it would be possible to push it up and out the top of the engine compartment.
So how do you get it out and the new one in to screw it on?????

 

[scaperrotta06]

filter

mine comes off with mucho space try taking off the radiator dam the thing that directs the flow of air its held on with 4 bolts

 

[KLW]

Did they use the wrong filter? It's suppose to be a Motorcraft FL820S equiv. and not the FL1A longer filter. I haven't changed oil yet on my Explorer but am sure there is plenty of clearance.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

You probably have a longer filter than stock. Wiggle the filter loose, then replace it with an 820s.

 

[john tilson]

No it is a short filter no t a long one. Even if I take off the air dams around the fans and the rubber shield under the radiator there will still not be enough room for it to drop out past the sway bar. I can't see any other way.

It doesnt look like any tension on that sway bar so I think I dould loose the two bolts on each side and drop it down easily enough. Would that harmn anything? No wonder they sell a remote filter kit. This had to be an engineer with a hangover some Monday... guess they were all sopped that day!! Why else.

 

[john tilson]

Is it possible that some of your vehicles do not have the front sway bar?

Perhaps that is why you have the space. Do you drop the filter down between the radiatorand the fron axle or do you push it back up under the alternator/power steering some way? Or overthe frame through the wheel well? Cant figure this one. Would appreciate your help whenever. Ive quit for the day.

 

[Turdle]

Can you post up a picture please? I wonder if something has shifted. I never have had trouble--

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I have never seen a short filter be difficult to remove like your describing. Is your truck a rebuilt wreck?

Pictures would be helpful.