I just purchased an Expedition EB 5.4, just turned over 3000 miles and started to change the oil & filter. I have always changed my own oil but this is the first filter that I have had trouble getting to. My fluted cap wrench doesn't fit, so I tried my band wrench and can't get a good grip on the filter after moving the air filter and reaching down through the top. Do I need to get a cap wrench to fit this type filter?

Thanks

 

Welcome to FTE!

I don't have the answer to your question, but after you read this thread you may decide to have a shop do your first oil and filter change.

Scott

 

Not sure what kind of tool you need to get the filter loose in the stock location. But, since it sounds like it is such a PITA that you might consider replacing it with a remote filter. Mine is located out in the WIDE open where I can acutally get two hands on it and if needed virtually any kind of filter wrench will fit. It is even mounted verticle vs horizontal, so there is minimal sippage when I unscrew it!!

Pbfoot

 

Sippage? Oops, meant "spillage".

PbFoot

 

PBfoot, where did you mount your remote oil filter adapter? Which filter do you use? I have a Perma-Kool relocation kit but the oil filter adapter did not fit the original type replacement filter so I abandoned the idea of installing it this time.

 

drdave, I have a 97 expy. The filter is now located up high behind the front bumper on the driver side. It was there when I purchased the vehicle. It is up out of the way and pretty safe from flying debris, etc. I can't remember off hand what filter it uses, but it is a very very common model. When you say the oil filter adapter did not fit the original type filter, are you talking about the adaptor piece that goes onto the engine block or the other adaptor, that goes to the new filter location? The end that goes on the block obviously must fit the same as the original type filter. But the other end does not have to be compatible with the original oem model filter, so long as you have a filter that fits and is a size that you are happy with.

Hope this helps,
PbFoot

 

I have found the same thing with my 2000 F150 4.6l. I consider myself to be a pretty handy guy, but getting to my oil filter seems impossible. I haven't tried it yet, but from looking down from the top and up from the bottom, I can't seem any way to get to the filter. Any advice? I would love to start changing my own oil, I perform most of the other basic maintenance but have stayed away from oil changes just bc I can't get to the filter.

 

Try turning your wheels to the left (or is it the right??). Doing so will give you extra clearance from below.