First time oil change on my new-to-me '03 E250 w/5.4, a bit surprised how the water lines are routed, different from my '00 and '97. This is probably very typical of year and engine:



Has anyone changed the hose fittings to make it easier getting to the filter? That's just one clumsy location and positioning IMHO!

Would appreciate anyone's experience or fix for this.

TIA

 

C'mon----someone's dealt with this too I'm sure?!?!

 

IMO, it would be easier to buy a strap wrench. It usues a ratchet either a 3/8" or 1/2" drive, if it's up there a socket extension.

 

Yeah I'm sure there are a few work arounds I can employ---thanks for the suggestion '79Ford.

I have an idea using a funnel held by a hoop attached via magnet somewhere near the filter allowing me to completely drain it without handling it. I do my oil changes in the driveway so not making a mess with spilled oil is a concern.

Any other ideas are still appreciated----of course I might be worried about nothing.

 

When I change my oil I pull the plug first, if the filter can't be reached by the drain pain I let it all drain from the oil pan, replace the plug reposition and change the filter.

The filter should hold with the filter wrench. If not a take your free hand and spin the filter off and hold it upright until you can put it in the drain pan.

That is what I do. On mine I can get in and change it without any issue.

 

Recently swapped a 4.6 into an 04 f350 that came with a 5.4. Not a van, but had similar issues with the water/oil cooler lines in the way. Ended up removing the water cooler and plugging the lines about an inch after they come off the main hose. It has been towed with and the temp gauge never gets above half. Just an extra part to fail IMO.

 

Thanks WP1-----somewhat my thoughts too.

I've considered swapping out the '03 filter/block adapter for an '00 or earlier--have both those vans, the water hoses routed quite differently, more convenient for filter removal.

Since this is a driveway job every time I want to make a funnel holder allowing me to punch a hole in the bottom of the filter and it draining into a catch can overnight in most cases. I'd almost eliminate any spillage.

I appreciate all the suggestions here----some good ideas!