Oil filter removal tool...HELP

[BrooklynBay]

There is also a vice grip (might not be from the company, but a copy) which has the same jaw design. The one I have is made by a company called Tool Cache WWW.Alcomfg.Com. Model # 51602. I have a Vice Grip which looks like a curve without any fancy grooves. This could also be used. Another Vice Grip which I have is a locking chain wrench.

 

[dlo]

I after some time of not reading this thread need to take pics with the "oil wrench" attached so people can see there is NO clearence to turn it once on. People keep treating this like there is NO other engine block out there like mine that needs the socket style over the grapple style wrench. I must have a super duper rare JDM GT Type R Explorer 4.0.

As for -4 and changing the oil, that is a typical day in maine where there is snow on the ground. Not like life stops cause it's chilly.

 

[01 Black Sport]

I used to be diehard to change my oil myself on all my cars since i was a kid, but realized its a hell of alot easier (especially in the snow) and alot cheaper in the end just to take the damn thing somewhere to get it changed. Most places here in canada are like 25 bucks?

 

[Nocturnall]

unless your gonna put synth in, or want a quality oil filter, OR you want to know for sure it's done and done correctly.

 

[Tilt168]

yeah a lot of places dont do what they say they'll do, like the power flush of your oil system...never done...just do it urself!

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

I am all for doing it yourself...my filter was on there really tight last time i changed mine but it came off with a few curse words and a good turn...for me to change my oil it costs...15 bucks...maybe cheaper depending on if i can get a deal on the oil(i dont run synthetic).

 

[Vinniety]

I think you have alot of reponses on how to take off the filter but my question is why do people hate the fram filters. I have been using them for years and think they do what they are suppose to. I do see some others on the market that just feel and look like crap compared to FRAM.

So why do people hate FRAM filters?

 

[TheVarmit]

dlo - you are right, on the 96XLT there is no clearence, I know cause I have one. I have the orange plastic one that fits that size oil filter only, not an adjustable one. It has a place for a socket extension made into it. Using a long extension you can find enough clearence to loosen the filter. If you'd like, I'll post the part number here once I get home from work later.

 

[dlo]

dlo - you are right, on the 96XLT there is no clearence, I know cause I have one.

Thank you, cause after reading through this and the 7 people jus going on about how dumb or stupid or worse unable I was because I ran into something I didn't get or understand, someone finally understands what I was trying to get at.

Now, it only took me listing to 7 jackholes as example to get someone who stopped flaming and answered the damn question. But hey, it's the internet. What should I expect. I mean anyone with 19.95 a month or living at there mom's house can get on here jus to take jabs at someone.

 

[dlo]

dlo - you are right, on the 96XLT there is no clearence, I know cause I have one.

Now what makes the difference from the 96 and the 96XLT to cause it? It must be something cause everyone else has tons of room by the way the laugh and post?

If you'd like, I'll post the part number here once I get home from work later.

Yes, this would be perfect TheVarmit. Thanks.

 

[Raminator157]

hmmm, lets not name call. We'll have to close the lock on this thread.

 

[gijoecam]

Thank you, cause after reading through this and the 7 people jus going on about how dumb or stupid or worse unable I was because I ran into something I didn't get or understand, someone finally understands what I was trying to get at.

Now, it only took me listing to 7 jackholes as example to get someone who stopped flaming and answered the damn question. But hey, it's the internet. What should I expect. I mean anyone with 19.95 a month or living at there mom's house can get on here jus to take jabs at someone.

That type of response is unnecessary.

Many of us have or once had that vehicle, and have not experienced the same difficulty in removing the filter. That's where the confusion lies. We have suggested alternative wrenches and assorted tools for removing the filter, and stand on the fact that literally thousands of oil change shops manage to remove it on a daily basis without too much difficulty. If you're having other problems that have not been addressed here, please, take some pictures that accurately portray the difficulty you're experiencing, and we may be able to suggest some more applicable techniques, tools, or tips for removing it.

That being said, the filter should be mounted to an adapter which is bolted to the side of the block. (Maybe the previous owner removed the adapter for some odd reason???) The filter itself hangs essentially upright off the adapter, and there *should* be plenty of clearance directly below it. Yes, there is no clearance around the filter to swing a strap wrench once it's chokes down on the filter. That's why many of us have suggested a cap style wrench that can be turned with an extension and a ratchet. Is there a reason why a cap wrench, 12" extension, and a ratchet won't clear some part of your engine?

-Joe

 

[410Fortune]

well said Joe

its all in the approach

 

[dlo]

You are correct. The internet frustration got to me and I lowered myself to name calling. I am sorry. I was reacting through frustration and not intelligence to posts that were unneeded.

Now, with me ending my ***** and moan rant you are correct Joe, a lot have advised me and only two outta the ones I saw would work for my case. I will take your advice and snaps some pics tomorrow to have all see what I am seeing. The filter hand straight down in with about 1.5 inches of clearance all round and that sums it up. Not much turning clearance. As for the adapter, I am gonna have to look into that. The single owner that had the Ex before us was an older gal from Upstate NY who drove it to and from the markets. Bout all she did with it other then the snowy dredge here and there. I take the forum oath to let it go and even if posted back with nastiness, jus to keep on reading the good and skip over the bad.
PoppaDLo Punchin out.

 

[410Fortune]

Smart appraoch, skip over the bad

its the internets and thems are just words, I may say something in here with a light hearted tone or after a few beers, thinking I am trying to help and go back and read it later and find out it sounded like I was being a stuck up #####, so with text and opinions flying it can sometimes be a good idea to have real thick skin and let stupid stuff just linger until it dies...

 

[dlo]

.......say something in here with a light hearted tone or after a few beers...

Drinking and internet access.....Yep....evil times.
Hey, with the net being so popular, I think drunk typing is the new drunk dialing. Wave of the future right there boys.

Oh yea, and back to it thanks for all the help. Got my info, got my idea's and got some work to do.

 

[Ray Lobato]

OK friends and neighbors, if you don't have anything constructive to say, don't say anything.
This guy came here for some help. If you don't want to help him, then go about your own way.
I had a 95 that was the same way, a real pain to get the oil filter off and no room either. I had to drill a hole in the filter and use a rod to get the darn thing off. Leverage is your friend.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

now that i think about it mine was a bit of a pain to find room...but the wrench i used allowed me to move it inward a little and i broke it free then from there i stuck my hand up there and loosened it all the way.

 

[410Fortune]

I just got done replacing the oil filter on a 97 SOHC Explorer, I changed oil for a friend of mine tonight


I was able to use the strap style oil filter tool by pointing the handle towards the rear of the truck near the exhaust down pipe.
The transmission cooler lines on automatic models are held close to the oil pan with a metal drop down bracket, this bracket is right up against the oil filter and may keep you from getting around the oil filter, it can also make it difficult to thread the new filter in place. By pressing the lines closer to the oil pan you can get the strap around the filter.

\

My point is I have now used this same tool to remove the filter on all 3 gen II model Explorer engines

I was not happy with the Bosch filter she purchased at Checker either, it only has 2 or 3 full threads, most filters will have 6 or 8 at least.

 

[BrooklynBay]

One thing you might want to do when you eventually get it off is get an oil filter relocation kit. Transdapt makes them, but I would recommend using hoses with adapters instead of their custom made hoses. I had leaks from them two times. Maybe they improved on them since then (I had them in 89)? Either way, good luck with getting the filter out.