The oil filter - hard to access

[Mosey]

I am editing this post as I have calmed down. I probably should not have posted it in the first place. I was just upset with not being able to get the darn filter off.

I’m going apologize right now for this rant.

…. put the oil filter AND all the crap in the way on these Powerboosts? And with only enough room to get one hand up to it.

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[scott011422]

The Lisle 61570 76mm 14-Flute End Cap Wrench fits like a glove. 9 bucks on Amazon.

 

[Kodiak]

Like scott says, it is best to get a end cap that matches the number of flutes exactly. It will have more grip surface if it is exact and not a many fluted "universal" one.

 

[Paul Neubauer]

Another reason I love the baby Powerstroke Diesel engine! The oil filter housing is right on top of the engine under the removable cover that pops off.

 

[KBKEITH]

Another reason I love the baby Powerstroke Diesel engine! The oil filter housing is right on top of the engine under the removable cover that pops off.

2.7 filter location is even easier than that.

 

[Mosey]

I ordered the recommended filter cap. I plan to stop by the dealer to get the filter off. I will have the filter tighter 1/2 turn from deal contact rather than 3/4 turn.

 

[Pedaldude]

I don’t feel like going through my filter sockets most of the time when I just need to change the oil, so I just grab my large Knipex pliers wrench when there’s access.

Filter on my V8 was on so tight that the metal started buckling and twisting when I did the first oil change.

I almost thought I would have to go old school and poke a hole through with one of my old screwdrivers:

One of the bonuses with the screwdriver method is that if the filter is in a stupid location and orientation, you can drain it into the used oil tray along the handle before removing the filter.

Good luck!

 

[KBKEITH]

I don’t feel like going through my filter sockets most of the time when I just need to change the oil, so I just grab my large Knipex pliers wrench when there’s access.

Filter on my V8 was on so tight that the metal started buckling and twisting when I did the first oil change.

I almost thought I would have to go old school and poke a hole through with one of my old screwdrivers:

One of the bonuses with the screwdriver method is that if the filter is in a stupid location and orientation, you can drain it into the used oil tray along the handle before removing the filter.

Good luck!

I’ve used this method many o times throughout my life. The screwdriver always worked as a last resort.

 

[Mosey]

I’ve used this method many o times throughout my life. The screwdriver always worked as a last resort.

Good luck finding enough room to swing it more than 1 inch.

 

[Pedaldude]

Good luck finding enough room to swing it more than 1 inch.

That’s all you need; if that, then it will come off by hand.

Just like bolts, it’s that first tiny imperceptibly small arc of swing to break it loose.

Also, forgot to mention that my old filter’s o-ring came off the filter and stuck to the engine casting. I always lovingly add a little oil to the new o-ring to prevent that as well as help it seal. Always make sure that the old o-ring comes off, doubling them up is bad news.

 

[Paul Neubauer]

I don’t feel like going through my filter sockets most of the time when I just need to change the oil, so I just grab my large Knipex pliers wrench when there’s access.

Filter on my V8 was on so tight that the metal started buckling and twisting when I did the first oil change.

I almost thought I would have to go old school and poke a hole through with one of my old screwdrivers:

One of the bonuses with the screwdriver method is that if the filter is in a stupid location and orientation, you can drain it into the used oil tray along the handle before removing the filter.

Good luck!

A screw driver and a hammer was always my preferred method for removing the filters from an old D8 Cat dozer.

 

[Snakebitten]

My first oil change I felt exactly like the OP. No room to maneuver with the oil wrenches I had in my arsenal. I mangled that filter getting it off.

Then I discovered that the same end-cap wrench that fits my old Porsche Flat6 was the exact fit to the Motorcraft filter.

I've done several oil changes since and now it couldn't be easier. A ratchet is so much better!

 

[thebigdu]

Good luck finding enough room to swing it more than 1 inch.

That's what she said....?

 

[RT21KRH]

I’m going apologize right now for this rant.

What evil &$&$&&$&&$ genius put the oil filter AND all the crap in the way on these Powerboosts? And with only enough room to get one hand up to it. Probably the same $#%*^%%^^^ that designed a filter with rounded flute edges. I have changing oil for 46 years and never had this happen before.

I’m screwed until I can get the filter off. My filter cap tool simply slides over the canister flutes. I put it on hand tight last oil change but it isn’t hand tight now.

looks like K&N filters going forward.

I use a mini Gearhead ratchet with a universal oil filter removal tool see picture. Already have done 9 changes on my 2021 and it’s a piece of cake, easier than my 2013 ecoboost (nothing to remove on mine).
With this tool you can lay cross ways across the front under the bumper support yourself with your right arm inside the air intake rectangular openings above bumper. Reach straight back with your left arm right on the oil filter. If this tool is on the oil filter you can wrap around it and turn CCW to loosen. Just loosen one turn or so and let the oil slowly drip onto the funnel shaped assembly below the oil filter and it will drain out into your pan. When it stops draining you can loosen fully with your right hand and flip up as you pull it out to avoid any spill. Last time I didn’t spill a drop. Wipe out the funnel shape piece with paper towel when done it’s a little tight but not bad. Install new one by hand and tighten by hand I use right hand and go 1 to 1.5 turns after contact.
BTW, if some oil change kid cranked your filter on it does take some effort. Also, the cap sockets do not always work on the filter because some motorcraft filters are fluted, others have splines, others round depending on when produced and where you buy them.

 

[64Wing]

Use a little Dow 4 on the seal during installation. Will make it a bit easier to break free next interval

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