[Guest]

I'm the sort of guy who believes all REAL men do their own oil changes, but my initial attempt with my wife's new Cougar has got me stumped. She has the V6 and those of you who actually work on your cars know how tight the location of the oil filter is. So, what methods seem to work for you? I have a "band" type filter wrench, but I can't get the clearance/leverage to make that work. Figure it's gonna take one of those wrenches that go over the end of the filter and then attaches to a socket wrench. Any tips, guys?

Almost as fun as changing the pplugs on the Lightning...well, not quite that bad.

 

[EllenD]

I use the Fram filters that just twist off, so I can get my hand in there and just twist it off...but if you can't untwist the filter by hand, try not using a filter wrench, but rather just a large wrench like a pipe wrench. You should have enough clearance to do that. It will ruin the filter but you're getting rid of it anyway so it doesn't matter. If you just lay under the car and reach your arm up underneath you should have enough leverage to twist it off by hand though. Takes a couple of tries, but the first time I changed mine the Motorcraft filter did eventually come out by hand.

 

[BrantlyJ]

yea, that's pretty messed up how they didn't leave you much room. I bought one of those things that slip over the butt of the filter. however I bought one to fit the wix filter I bought and the diameter was slightly larger on the motorcraft. I ended up using the strap wrench. it worked fine.....

 

[01blkcat]

Go and get an A10 filter remover (I'm pretty sure that's the size), and use a socket wrench or something like it to unscrew the filter - the original, stock filter is a PITA to remove because they must torque the hell outta it at the factory. Good luck!

 

[caenus]

First you should do a search on Fram filters, apparently a lot of people on here and CEG don't like them because they are basically paper or something. I use K&N filters and it has a hex nut on the top so its really easy to remove and reinstall.

As for removing one, you'd need that piece that fits on a socket wrench and fits over the oil filter. You may need to try different extensions to get the right angle.

 

[Cat88Extreme]

Moving to How To forum.

 

[B3NN3TT]

K&N filters have a 1" "NUT" on the end of them, which rules.

However, I usually don't even need a filter wrench to remove my filter. As long as it's nice and clean, I can usually get it off by twisting real hard with my bare hands.

You could always jam a screwdriver through it and turn it that way. I had to do that once on my old chevy...:flushed:

 

[01blkcat]

Originally posted by: Bennett9000
K&N filters have a 1" "NUT" on the end of them, which rules.

However, I usually don't even need a filter wrench to remove my filter. As long as it's nice and clean, I can usually get it off by twisting real hard with my bare hands.

You could always jam a screwdriver through it and turn it that way. I had to do that once on my old chevy...:flushed:

What happens if you hit the center coil? :evil:

 

[Zalec]

i use MotorCraft. and as long as its not hot, i can just take it off without a problem

 

[Gary]

grab a piece of sandpaper. Just grab the filter with the sandpaper in your hand and you should have no problem changing the oil. Also, do it about 10 mins after you shut the car off...this will also make it a lot easier, but make sure you dont burn yourself from any exhaust pipes

 

[caenus]

...and watch for dripping hot oil. Our filter likes to leak a lot down the side and bottom of the engine so be careful and have a bucket ready.

 

[Zalec]

i do my own oil too! i have found to let the car sit for a few hours so its not hot under there. but i do have a filter wrench that fits up there. i think my dad got it at Murray's or something. but i have before just used my hand.

 

[caenus]

I used to let the car cool down, but I've read that its good to have the car warmed up then wait 30min or less so the oil is still warm. Supposedly it makes the oil trap more particles so they don't collect on the bottom. I'm sure you'll be fine letting it cool, I used to do that all the time on my old car.

 

[BrantlyJ]

Originally posted by: caenus
I used to let the car cool down, but I've read that its good to have the car warmed up then wait 30min or less so the oil is still warm. Supposedly it makes the oil trap more particles so they don't collect on the bottom. I'm sure you'll be fine letting it cool, I used to do that all the time on my old car.

yup, best to do it when warm. More dirt and ick are suspended and haven't had time to settle.... I drive around for a bit, then drain it. I just keep a rag in my hand to shield from the hot oil...

 

[seedogg]

I usually pull to a place where a steeo downward hill begins (in my yard) and it gives you much more room in the front.