The geneuos that designed the location of the oil filter deserves to shot several times in the back. Removing the motorcraft oil filter, that luckily does not have the big "bolt" feature where i can put a big socket on it, was a huge PITA!!! It must have took me at least 10 minutes to takes off the filter from my dad's 04 5.4. But is all good now since the filters i use have the "bolt" feature and that makes a world of difference. Also whos the nuckle head that designed that plastic troph under the filter so it wont run oil all over the rack and pinion stearing mechanism? I mean that troph will drain from both sides even thought it looks like they tried to make is come out at one spot. Talk about a mess. The space they even give you to put your hands and to get the filter through are tight as hell

 

We now know why your dad let you do the oil change instead of doing it himself.

 

I feel for ya. Yea, when will the factory lube the o-ring gaskets? They must put them on dry. I wore my mechanics gloves just so I wouldn't bang up my knuckles.

 

Hey sk8inrj1,

I had the exact same problems with my oil change this weekend! With the somewhat close quarters, I also wasn't able to get any of my strap wrenches in there to twist it off. I would up doing it the old fashioned way -- hammer a screwdriver threw the filter and torque it off!

What filter are you using that has the "bolt" feature? I put another Motorcraft filter on this time, but at least I oiled the o-ring. Hopefully, the next change shouldn't be such a pain.

 

The filters that I use that have the "bolt" feature are Purolater Pure One filters. And heres the set up that I use to only remove the filters because I hand tighten them my best when I install them.

 

I did mine this weekend too. I used the FLOTOOL (Item No. 10606) that I got at Shucks Auto. It was recommended by someone here on the forum. It's a neat tool and is designed to remove the FL-820 filter. It worked very well and although the filter was very tight it still came off without much trouble. Without the Flotool, it would have been much more difficult.

Here is a quote of the post: "This info has posted before, but here 'tis.
If you're having problems changing the '04 5.4 3V filter, try to find: Super Graphite No. 6, 36 flute oil filter wrench by FLOTOOL (Item No. 10606) at your local auto supply. The wrench is made specifically for Motorcraft's unique flute pattern. While it has a 3/8" drive if you prefer to use it, the flute rim has several cast protrusions for hand installation/removal and doesn't slip in your hand when covered with oil."

Type 'Flotool' in Google, etc. for links to retailers if you can't find the wrench in your local area. This item is a winner for do-it-your-se


I think the filter location is much better than on my 99 4WD F-150. Additionally, for me the tray did it's job perfectly and was easy to wipe out. As I recall the 99 F-150 had no tray at all.

 

I've never had any trouble at all with tight spots and super tight filters using this tool (see photo below). I originally got it for a tight spot on my motorcycle, but it works great on cars/trucks too. That tool that sk8inrj1 has a picture of is fine if you always use the same filter, but it can strip if the filter is extremely tight (happened to me before). The one I show below grips like hell and you shouldn't have any problem removing tight filters. It's adjustable and opens up (spring loaded) to fit almost any standard filter.

 

I actually removed the AirBox (1 screw) and came in from the top to loosen that factory tight filter with a strap wrench. I crushed that sucker. And I agree on that built-in funnel. Didn't work for me either.

-ii

 

I didn't think the oil change was any problem at all! Drove it into the dealership and $23.69 laster drove out and I had no oil on me at all.

 

Well 23.99 Dollars is all it costs me for 6 quarts Modlie 1 5W30. I had the extra bottle from changing my mom's car's oild that only took 4 quarts. And that filter costs 4 bucks, so for full synthetic for only 5 dollars more is a cool deal