Anyone have as much trouble as me getting the oil filter off on their first oil change on the 5.4L. V-8 4x4? Anyone know of a special tool to get the filter off? Not that there is any place to work a wrench!

 

My 1st oil filter removal was a chore-no easy access. For the next change I am going to try a "filter socket" that fits over the end cap of the filter with a ratchet and see how that works.

 

I had one for my old Ranger, Motorcraft FL1A filter, WELL worth the money. Decide on what brand filter you'll be using before you buy one.

 

I have a variety of filter wrenches including those that fit non-OEM filters for the '97 5.4, but I was surprised to find that none would fit Motorcraft's unique pattern of facets on the FL820S filter (clever of Ford). So, for the first oil change I had to resort to the brutal 'pipe wrench' type of filter remover.

 

They do make a socket to fit the ford motorcraft filter. It sucks to get off, it is way too tight from the factory. I busted two knuckles and cussed a bit, but darn it I got it off.

Geez, Why can't they make changing the oil an easy non messy step. Something you have to do alot is change the oil.

I took a long funnel and cut a slant in it so it would lie underneath the filter and run the oil down the spout instead of the rack and crossmemeber. Well it kinda of worked, but wanted to move around alot. I am still working on the ideal setup. I wound up putting one of my wives old bath towells over the crossmember and rack unit to keep the excess oil off.

Can't wait til I get my lift, hope to have it by spring.

freddy

 

just don't let the wife know her towels are participating in oil changes. that could present some problems for your health.

 

I had trouble getting mine off. I removed the aircleaner input case between the filter and the intake in the left fender area. Once I got that off, I was able to attack the filter with a set of plier type filter removal tool that works pretty good on stuck-on filters, though it usually also destroys them in the process. Next time I may be able to get it off by hand from below.

 

i FOUND A END CAP WRENCH AT NAPA THAT FIT THE MOTORCRAFT FL820S , BUT WHEN I TRIED TO USE IT , FOUND IT DIDN'T WORK TOO GOOD, IT TRIED TO SLIP OFF OF FILTER END. I BELIEVE IT WAS A 89MM WITH 36 FLUTES , OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. I REMOVED THE AIR INTAKE HOUSING , AND WENT IN FROM THE ENGINE COMP. WITH A FILTER BAND WRENCH TO LOOSEN THE FILTER, THEN FINISHED REMOVING IT BY HAND.

 

I dumped the oil at 50 miles to check for Metallic discoloration and saw nothing... but removing the filter was a hassle with my metal strap wrench so I bought a nylon socket seat belt type strap wrench that worked well just make sure you clear the hydraulic line that is near the left side on my 4.6 when I installed the new one I made it slightly snug now removal is easy... also get a piece of trash bag or shopping plastic bag cut the length on one side drape it over the cross member and steering assembly and the oil won't touch it. good luck Greg

 

great idea....

trash bag sounds better than one of my wive's old towels...hehehehehe

seldom do I get nice towels for my garage so when I wasted one on the oil change I was heartbroken for the day. I had to restore my good feeling of changing my own oil, by drinking a beer.

The socket wrench from Autozone does work, but like said by 55ford it did slip off a couple of times. If I get the chance I will upload a picture of my busted knuckle...ouch....

freddy

 

Another tip: I punch a few holes in the filter with a nail and hammer to drain the oil out before removing it.

Sounds like I'd better loosen it a bit first to be sure I can get it off before punching holes in it

Also, if I have the time I let everything drain for an hour or more, those last few cc's from the pan have a lot of gunk in them.

 

Do you have to reset the service warning message. I know with some GMs you have to turn the key on and press the accelerator 5 times or something. Does this truck have this feature when you hit 6000 mi (10,000 km)?