So I went through my first oil change on my 07 4.6L Screw and getting that filter off was a bear. There is little to no room to get that thing on and off. That plastic oil catching piece sure gets in the darn way.

Any tips on how to get the old and new filter threw such a tight space?


What type of filter wrench do you use and does that help?

 

The best filter wrench you can get, is go down to the dealer, spend a little bit more money, or maybe the same in time/agrivation/mess......I always drive away with a smile on my face & clean hands..........

 

I get more frustrated in a waiting room, but thanks. I also don't trust someone making 10 bucks an hour with the lifeblood of my motor, kinda like I don't trust the guy making minimum wage assembling buritos at the taco bell. I will admit that I am parinoid though.

 

I don't sit in the waiting room, most time if it's not raining, I can watch my truck being worked on through the garage door, or the window in the waiting room......I guess I'm paranoid also, however so far so good......

 

These are what we use.. And yes, the first change is the hardest..

 

I didn't have any issues with space on my 5.4

just issues wanting to kick that robotic arm's butt for about 1 hour until I got the filter off. The old screwdrive and hammer method works wonders, but I don't recommend it to most people.

Wally World sells a filter wrench that fits the 820s filter for a few bucks.

 

I use a heavy duty filter wrench with an elbo (similar to the picture in TXF150's post). No problem getting the filter out.

I buy a new truck almost every year. The dealers have always given me the first oil change free (at least). Getting the factory installed filter off can be a pain in butt, so I always let them do the first oil change.

 

I went through my first oil change just a couple weeks ago, I used the kind that TX150 used and the kind that fits on the top and turn with a ratchet. Nothing worked.

Finally I purchased a oil filter wrench at Sears that literally "bites" into the oil filter as you turn it with a socket wrench. It's the only thing that worked.

Hope this helps,
-Shannon

 

I remember the first oil change on my Ranger years ago, I used this:



Not sure why Ford puts them damn things on so tight anyway.

 

Yup, that's what I have. I didn't have that hard time getting it off, but yes it was on there tight. I guess my biggest problem was the tight space. Getting the filter in and out of that space is tough and it's even harded to squeeze that wrench through. I previously read one poster with the old body style say that he turns his wheels far left and the accesses the filter through the wheel well. I might try that. Going through the top is not an option for me - vertically challeged.

I guess I'm wondering for those who go through the bottom, if you have any tricks.

 

this is absolutely the best tool to use with a rachet and a extension
The filter is not that hard to get out once you get it loose.

 

Couldn't have said it better. All it takes is one time for some knuckle dragging tech to over-torque a filter causing a blown out gasket. The next thing you know your engine is locked up from having no oil. No thanks

 

its pretty hard to make a gasket to mess up

 

First few oil changes were done at the dealer. Since then, I just put on some mechanix gloves and use some muscle.

 

I used that wrench and reached it from the top. It was a bear, but was a WHOLE lot easier from the top of the engine compartment.