How the F do you guys remove the oil filter

[joegr]

You know, I always use the wrench to put the filter back on, and have never had a problem. I run it up by hand until the seal hits and it just starts to resist, then use the wrench to go another half to three quarters turn. And that's the trick to using a wrench, is to pay attention to what you are doing and not just crank on it until the wrench won't turn anymore.

That's what I do too. I've never had a problem, but I never turn it very far with the wrench, and I always put some oil on the filter seal. Really, the oil filter on the V8 LS is very easy to get to compared to some cars and trucks. The one on my Ranger is much more difficult.

 

[TooManyToys]

The spec is 3/4 of a turn after contact on all filters. The way I instructed the techs in my shop was to mark the filters 1...2...3...4 around the filters with a magic marker so it was easier to know when you achieved the spec. Also grease works better then oil on the gasket as the oil tends to get squeezed out.

 

[jmtiseo]

Really, the oil filter on the V8 LS is very easy to get to compared to some cars and trucks. The one on my Ranger is much more difficult.

Agreed, I think the last time I did it I didn't even have to crawl underneath it except to peak at the seal area.

 

[Shredicus]

First time I changed my oil filter I had to tear it to pieces because it was torqued on so hard. I've bought k&N replacement since then as they are easily manipulated in the confined space with a box wrench.

 

[LS4me]

First time I changed my oil filter I had to tear it to pieces because it was torqued on so hard. I've bought k&N replacement since then as they are easily manipulated in the confined space with a box wrench.

We bought my wife's '06 right off the showroom floor! Never done that before...... Anyway, when I went to change the oil at ~1000 miles I couldn't get the filter off. Apparently Ford had a gorilla install the filter. I ended up driving a screwdriver through the filter to try and remove it. The filter was soooooo tight that I came very, very close to separating the case from the flange. As I saw the case twist and the flange remain stationary I thought I was really screwed! I don't remember how (a chisel maybe?), but I eventually got the filter off the mount!

Yup, K&N filter is the way to go!

 

[Andrizzle]

For future viewers, if you don't have a filter strap and someone overtightened the filter, you can improvise with a rubber textured bungee cord [for traction].

But like LS4Me said, I use a K&N filter which has a textured octagonal shape to it, for easy gripping.

 

[LS4me]

For future viewers, if you don't have a filter strap and someone overtightened the filter, you can improvise with a rubber textured bungee cord [for traction].

But like LS4Me said, I use a K&N filter which has a textured octagonal shape to it, for easy gripping.

Actually, it has a 1" nut welded to the bottom.

 

[SoonerLS]

Apparently Ford had a gorilla install the filter.

The theory that makes the most sense to me is that the problem isn't the operator or tool used for installing the filter on the line; rather, it's that the filter is installed with a dry gasket.

FWIW, I normally use the wrench to install the filter on my LS; I always put oil in the filter before installing it, so there's usually a little bit of fresh oil on the filter, plus I can't really get my hands around the filter to tighten it even if it were absolutely clean and dry.

 

[msgtusmc]

Good idea to fill or patially fill the filter prior to installation were possible. I do it to the LS & my Volvo. My F150 goes on horizontally can't put oil in because it would pour out during installation. Greasing the filter ring & metal area around it has worked good for me the last 25 yrs. I had a Ranger that the rubber ring stayed after I changed oil/filter, now I always inspect old filter for rubber ring when I change it! Remote filter kits are real nice!

 

[joegr]

Good idea to fill or patially fill the filter prior to installation were possible. I do it to the LS & my Volvo. ...

You must have the V6. On the V8, the filter is horizontal.

 

[LS4me]

Good idea to fill or patially fill the filter prior to installation were possible.

You must have the V6. On the V8, the filter is horizontal.

It is much (DUH) easier to do on the V6, but I do that on both the V6 & V8s. When you spin the filter on the V8 you just have to be rather quick. I get about 1/3 quart in the filter before I install it.

 

[SoonerLS]

It is much (DUH) easier to do on the V6, but I do that on both the V6 & V8s. When you spin the filter on the V8 you just have to be rather quick.

Yup. I always put oil in the filter, regardless of how it mounts.