Change oil
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,772
Likes: 5
From: torrington, ct
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Western NY
I have 2WD and it still isn't easy to get in there, I can't imagine the 4WD is any easier. I know I my 2WD I should be able to use my monster channel locks (one of the first tools I was advised to get when I started wrenching) to reach in by the base of the filter to break it loose; but the best way to go would be as someone already suggested, get a filter socket and use whatever length extension works best for you.
Extreme DIY Homeowner
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 878
Likes: 80
From: South of Boston, MA
Only thing I would add
Make SURE you can get the filter off BEFORE draining the oil
My old filter wrench would not work (leverage & strap)
I picked up the filter wrench for the Motorcraft 820
Works with a 3/8" ratchet driver
I loosened the filter 1st, then drained the oil
I had enough room, even with 4wd
It appears you have to pull the filter out from below
I was above the engine & could not pull the filter up thru the compartment
And of course I dropped the oil pan bolt in the oil
Make SURE you can get the filter off BEFORE draining the oil
My old filter wrench would not work (leverage & strap)
I picked up the filter wrench for the Motorcraft 820
Works with a 3/8" ratchet driver
I loosened the filter 1st, then drained the oil
I had enough room, even with 4wd
It appears you have to pull the filter out from below
I was above the engine & could not pull the filter up thru the compartment
And of course I dropped the oil pan bolt in the oil
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Thought I would jump in on 2 points here.
First, and this one is critical, when you remove your old oil filter, make absolutely sure the gasket came off with it. I have a friend who works at a major oil change shop and he says he sees them stick to the block all the time. If you put the new filter on with the old gasket still in place, it will likely blow the gasket out and you are in big trouble.
Second, my brother has connections with Mobil, and he worked with them and GM (I know) to do a 100K test using Mobil 1. They tore down a brand new motor and recorded all of the specs on bearing races and clearances. They then put 100K miles on the motor in NYC Taxi service giving it 5K mile oil changes with Mobil 1. They tore the motor down again at 100K miles and the amount of wear was virtually unmeasurable.
In my books that says a ton about the impact synthetic oil can have, and especially Mobil 1. I use it in all my vehicles including my boat and my motorcycle. My ex has my old 98 5.4 Expedition with over 150K miles on it and it runs and sounds like new. Of course her new husband isn't using Mobile 1 in it any more so who knows what happens now. Maybe it will only make it to 200K
Terry
07 F150 Lariat 5.4
First, and this one is critical, when you remove your old oil filter, make absolutely sure the gasket came off with it. I have a friend who works at a major oil change shop and he says he sees them stick to the block all the time. If you put the new filter on with the old gasket still in place, it will likely blow the gasket out and you are in big trouble.
Second, my brother has connections with Mobil, and he worked with them and GM (I know) to do a 100K test using Mobil 1. They tore down a brand new motor and recorded all of the specs on bearing races and clearances. They then put 100K miles on the motor in NYC Taxi service giving it 5K mile oil changes with Mobil 1. They tore the motor down again at 100K miles and the amount of wear was virtually unmeasurable.
In my books that says a ton about the impact synthetic oil can have, and especially Mobil 1. I use it in all my vehicles including my boat and my motorcycle. My ex has my old 98 5.4 Expedition with over 150K miles on it and it runs and sounds like new. Of course her new husband isn't using Mobile 1 in it any more so who knows what happens now. Maybe it will only make it to 200K
Terry
07 F150 Lariat 5.4
very good point often overlooked the old gasket sticking happens all the time
Platinum
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Saudi Arabia
Hi every one.
I am new to this fantastic Forum so i hope i will be accepted.
Thanks for posting this thread. I encourage doing things by yourself, or at least learning "how to" .
I also recommend using Mobil 1. I have been using it for all my cars and for years. It does make a difference.
I am new to this fantastic Forum so i hope i will be accepted.
Thanks for posting this thread. I encourage doing things by yourself, or at least learning "how to" .
I also recommend using Mobil 1. I have been using it for all my cars and for years. It does make a difference.
Just drivin' Marleiya
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 3
I have done this several times, but one quick tip is that you should get one of the oil drain pans that has two holes that let the oil drin down inside. I scalded the hell out of my hand getting the drain plug out once and still got hot oil all over the place. No bueno.
