changing oil filter on 2008 f-150
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changing oil filter on 2008 f-150
I like to change the oil on my 2008 f-150 4.6 engine myself but I have a really hard time getting in a position to get my oil filter off. Is there some way that I could get it off without chewing up my hand like I do?
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It's not the filter wrench, but I just don't have any room to work it out from where It's at. everything is just in the way. I thought about taking the fan shroud of & take it off from above. I would like to get it from underneath if I can.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Langley, BC
If it's like my 5.4L, loosen it with a wrench from above and then crawl underneath and reach your arm in and start loosening it. Once it is off, oil will drop straight down. There are no parts interfering with the falling oil. It is a straight fall. Once the oil draining has slowed, bring your oil pan forward a few inches and start to pull the filter out. You may very well spill some but that is what the plastic oil runner is for. Have your pan ready for this. It is good design within bad design. It's more cramped than necessary but it is hard to make a big mess.
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I have been taking it off from underneath, but everything is just in the road. That's where I have been chewing up my hand. Maybe I'll just take it someplace to change my oil. Oh well. I use Mobile 1 & I don't know of anyplace that will put it in for me. thanks for all your help. I really appreciate the help. 
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Lethbridge, Ab
I have been taking it off from underneath, but everything is just in the road. That's where I have been chewing up my hand. Maybe I'll just take it someplace to change my oil. Oh well. I use Mobile 1 & I don't know of anyplace that will put it in for me. thanks for all your help. I really appreciate the help.
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You want to make sure that Motocraft or equal filter is used. Backflow valve is only available in a few brands of filter. Most shops will only install their filter and oil now due to liability.
I do not need a wrench to loosen my filter as I only hand tighten and after 230,000 miles have never had a problem. I also installed a Fumoto drain plug so I don't need a wrench to pull plug either. I got tired of busting my knuckles trying to loosen filter and drain plug after a dealer oil change. I think they use a 4' pipe on wrench handle to tighten plug and filter due to liability.
I do not need a wrench to loosen my filter as I only hand tighten and after 230,000 miles have never had a problem. I also installed a Fumoto drain plug so I don't need a wrench to pull plug either. I got tired of busting my knuckles trying to loosen filter and drain plug after a dealer oil change. I think they use a 4' pipe on wrench handle to tighten plug and filter due to liability.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,268
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From: Utica, Nebraska
I would stay the H.E double from Jiffy Lube and Valvoline instant oil change shops. Valvoline likes to over tighten the holy crap out of the filters. I have used oil filter claws that are adjustable and they give about 10" for length and my God even then I can't get some of their filters off without really working at it. They are also notorious for stripping out oil pans and plugs.
If the 4.6L is setup like the 5.4L 3 valve is with the filter just below the belt and pulleys then get an adjustable filter wrench that you can add a 3/8" ratchet and if need be a 3" extension like one of these Super price on Lisle 63600 at ToolTopia.com
it'll save you much hassle. It works pretty well if you have like a 10+ inch ratchet. Just put the new filter on hand tight. There is a reason they have a gasket on there, don't over tighten it...it makes the next oil change either easier if you just do it hand tight.
If the 4.6L is setup like the 5.4L 3 valve is with the filter just below the belt and pulleys then get an adjustable filter wrench that you can add a 3/8" ratchet and if need be a 3" extension like one of these Super price on Lisle 63600 at ToolTopia.com
it'll save you much hassle. It works pretty well if you have like a 10+ inch ratchet. Just put the new filter on hand tight. There is a reason they have a gasket on there, don't over tighten it...it makes the next oil change either easier if you just do it hand tight.
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I have always hand tightened filters on all my vehicles. My problem wasn't getting the filter loose. The problem was getting it out of where It's located at. Everything is in the way. I cut the heck out of my hand trying to get it out of where it's located at. I have big hands & I just tear them up trying to get the filter out. I took my wife's car to a oil change place one time & when I tried to change it by myself the next time, I had a real hard time getting the oil plug off. It was like they used a air hammer to put the plug back on. That is the reason that I like to change the oil by my self.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Detroit
I take my van to the local Ford dealer; they have a quick change lane and can do the change in less than a half hour for about 35 bucks. In the past, I have also brought in full syn oil and they had no problem pouring that in for me and reducing the price of the oil change. They might give you a hard time if you brought in oil in a different weight than specced.
That said, I have put my van back on Motorcraft syn blend oil and that works just fine; I never saw a gas mileage improvement with full syn, and don't push my change intervals beyond maybe 6000 miles.
George
That said, I have put my van back on Motorcraft syn blend oil and that works just fine; I never saw a gas mileage improvement with full syn, and don't push my change intervals beyond maybe 6000 miles.
George
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Utica, Nebraska
I have always hand tightened filters on all my vehicles. My problem wasn't getting the filter loose. The problem was getting it out of where It's located at. Everything is in the way. I cut the heck out of my hand trying to get it out of where it's located at. I have big hands & I just tear them up trying to get the filter out. I took my wife's car to a oil change place one time & when I tried to change it by myself the next time, I had a real hard time getting the oil plug off. It was like they used a air hammer to put the plug back on. That is the reason that I like to change the oil by my self.
All joking aside, it might help having vehicle ramps so you can maybe get more room under there to get to it. I do know what you mean though, the filter isn't really in a good spot unless you have a lift or maybe ramps to help out. But that claw might come in handy to save your hands from being torn up.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: East L.A.
It really is too easy to pay some shop for. Plus you can get the exact oil & filter you want if you are doing the job.
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