How in the heck do you get the oil filter off on a 2000 5.4L F-150? I've tried two different strap wrenches, but there's no room to turn them and I tried using sandpaper to grip it but it is on there too tight. I need to figure this out tonight because I need to drive to work in the morning. I tried searching the forums but couldn't find what I needed. Thanks.

 

vice grips or channel locks. you'll wreck the filter but you're replacing it anyway.

 

big long screwdriver thru it sideways..about 3 inches up from the bottom..

be sure to lube the new filter gasket before you tighten the new one to prevent this crap in the future...

its no fun at all is it?

...zap!

 

on the serious side does the strap wrench have a swivel handle...

if so then put the handle parallel to the filter and use some vice grips to turn it...

good luck..

...zap!

 

i lay on the floor across the front of the truck and with my right arm reach up to the filter. with all your strength grip and turn it. if its still too tight then use a strap wrench but there is little room to move it. Whatever you do Don't poke a screwdriver through it.

 

I had this problem doing an oil change on my moms Exped. I used my snap on channellocks and a lot of patience to get it off.
The channellocks have to be big though, dinky little ones wont do it. Its a treat getting the big pair in there and situated, but thats what I did when the strap wrenches didnt work.

 

try yelling at it..that sometimes works

but what is the big deal if you stick a screwdriver through it. I mean you arent reusing the filter.

 

Screwdrivers work, last resort but they work...

 

if the filter is really stuck on there then a screwdriver will just tear the thin sheet metal off. then what are you going to do? if you have tried to remove the filter and cant get it off you can at least refill the engine with oil and take it somewhere that can get it off.

 

True Dat

 

YOU DEFINITELY DONT STICK A SCREWDRIVER IN IT. Some oil filters have very fine peices of metal inside them, and when you break the middle it gets into the oil still left in the filter, and when you tilt the filter the oil goes into the reserve (if you've already drained the oil, which you should have, there is room in there to hold it). Then you're really screwed because you have pieces of metal in your oil. Never can be sure its out, then your in a fix when your engine needs to be re-lubed etc. on the inside, or worse, it overheats because metal is blocking a valve or tube.

NEVER DO THAT UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE!

Dan

 

ok


...zap!

 

I use one of the metal caps that fits over the end and a 3/8 ratchet. You have to use something to tap the cap onto the end of the filter or it will slip off(it usually will anyways), this isn't extremely easy, but it is the best way I have found. You can buy them at any parts store.

 

Thanks for all the help. I ended up using a sawzall to cut the handle of my Fram filter wrench in half. It gave me just enough clearance to turn that thing and get it off. I put the drain pain directly beneath the filter but the oil still ran out two feet over where my face was. Bill Ford can kiss my rear.

 

Puleeeeeze tell me you didn't use a Fram filter?