Oil change is a pain in the posterior!

[a_d_a_m]

So, I haven't had the Marauder that long...and yesterday was my first oil change. Holy crap.

That oil filter is a PAIN to put back on. The metal-band wrench worked well to remove to filter, but I was only able to barely hand-tighten it going back on. Luckily, the K&N filter had a hex on it so I was able to tighten it the rest of the way using that.

However, I do not plan on running K&N filters for the rest of the car's life. Too expensive and I only bought them because I got a good deal.

So...has anyone had any luck using the rubber-band wrenches to put the filters on? I will have to buy one if they work decent.

[BAD MERC]

I use the SAME filter and wind up pouring it all over the steering rack when I take it off. Get a oil filter relocation kit from Trans-Dapt. I have not installed mine yet but it will save serious messes.

[a_d_a_m]

Might consider it...but a filter wrench is cheaper and I can deal with some spilled oil.

[a_d_a_m]

The warning, in bold print, on TransDapt's site says their relocation kits are "NOT FOR RACE USE".

It's gonna see several passes this year. I'd rather not chance it.

[RF Overlord]

Get one of the "cup" type wrenches from AutoZone or whatever you have near you. Also get you one of the oil drain deflectors from Ray "The Dealer"...I think Wes sells them, too...5W1Z-6N634-AA. Saves spilling oil all over the steering rack.

For filters, as far as value-for-money, you can't beat the good ol' Motorcraft FL820S...under 4 bucks at Wally's and factory-recommended.

Also, you should never tighten an oil filter with a wrench...hand-tighten only.

[ImpalaSlayer]

yes it is quite stupid where they put the damn filter. i want a relocation kit as well. why does it say not for racing? is that per nhra rules or somehting?

[GetMeMyStogie]

Also, you should never tighten an oil filter with a wrench...hand-tighten only.

Good advice, right there. No tools needed, nor should they be used. Problem solved.

I've done 2 oil changes on my MM so far, and I didn't find it really that hard to spin it on 7/8 of a turn. Getting a full turn is pretty hard to do, but I've always only been able to do 7/8's, and I've always needed a wrench to get it off after 5K.

But, it is messy getting it off, and snaking a new, prefilled one into place.

[RR|Suki]

I've done 5 or so (once a year). All I do is reach my hand down from above and turn it off, and then reach down and twist the other one on, are you trying to go from under the car?

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

I never found it too tedious to get at the oil filter, only the fact that it makes a mess on the steering rack assy.

At least we don't have to turn our wheels to get to it!

[jonroe]

I've changed the oil more than 10 times. You really should use the cup type wrench for both off and on. I get it mostly tight by hand and then just touch it up a little (to 3/4 or 7/8 turn) with the cup wrench. The cup wrench is also easy to get it started coming off. I have the drip shield but still make some mess most times taking it off. It's easier to be less messy if the oil is not too hot because you can handle the filter longer without burning your hands and limit the spillage. One time I tried to do it with the oil too hot and made a heck of a mess!

[a_d_a_m]

I will try the cup-style wrench, but they won't work on those K&N's. I picked up several K&N filters and quarts of synthetic for a good deal at Auto Zone. So I wanna run them out before switching back to the FL820s.

For oil filter spillage, I found just a rag stuffed up there takes care of most of it while removing the filter. Putting it on, I have never gone, on any of my cars, more than 1/3 full of oil in the filter because any more of that is just going to spill out.

I will try getting at it from up top, but yes, I usually try to get at the filters from down low.

[bigmerc'03]

this is what i use and it has a sand paper like grip
http://www.purolatorautofilters.net/products/oil_filters/Pages/pureoneoilfilters.aspx

[jonroe]

I've done them all from underneath - none from top. I've found that if I pull the 3 bolts from the air dam and twist it out of the way I have more room for my arms underneath to handle the filter.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Putting it on, I have never gone, on any of my cars, more than 1/3 full of oil in the filter because any more of that is just going to spill out.

Wow the other day I filled the thing more than half way on accident and installed it without spilling it.:cool:

[RR|Suki]

I've done them all from underneath - none from top. I've found that if I pull the 3 bolts from the air dam and twist it out of the way I have more room for my arms underneath to handle the filter.

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I forgot you guys have your intake over there in the way, N/M :lol:

[fastblackmerc]

A spray of brake cleaner will clean up the spilled oil. Do use the cup type "wrench" works just like the K&N. I use one of these to drain the oil.

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Oil%20Pan%20Plug/DSCN0245.jpg

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Oil%20Pan%20Plug/DSCN0246.jpg

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Oil%20Pan%20Plug/DSCN0247.jpg

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Oil%20Pan%20Plug/DSCN0249.jpg

And no it's not leaking, just didn't clean the drip before taking the pictures.

[ctrlraven]

I never found it too tedious to get at the oil filter, only the fact that it makes a mess on the steering rack assy.

At least we don't have to turn our wheels to get to it!

Yeah I do filter exchange from underneath so some oil gets on the steering rack but I just take some electric parts cleaner and spray it down after wiping most of it up.

[bigmerc'03]

so no one uses the purolator pure one with grip control?

[ctrlraven]

I use Motorcraft or PureOne filters, it's really whichever one is in stock since they are both exactly the same inside.

[RoyLPita]

Something to keep in mind when it comes to the future of 820S filters: they will be reduced in height by 1/4". Sorry that I could not get a link posted since it is from FMCDealer.

[ctrlraven]

Something to keep in mind when it comes to 820S filters:
http://cms2.fmcdealer.dealerconnectio n.com/NR/rdonlyres/es625mkifygshyy62pve42a5cddaly bgcsabjyuvv7hpko6r5gmkpwq3ylwt yeqvqbei3jq75afsyh/09034Attachment.pdf
What? That you need a secured log-in?

[CKMustangCobra]

I only hand tighten oil filters. Easy on... easy off.... no pains.

[ctrlraven]

If you can't get a filter off with a good strong grip then it was put on too tight.

[RoyLPita]

What? That you need a secured log-in?

Link deleted and an explanation added. Sorry.

[babbage]

I use my hands only. If you need a wrench to get it off you have tiny girlie hands or it's on Godzilla tight. :) I didn't have any trouble doing my first oil change on the Marauder.

I filled up the new FL-820S about 1/2 to 3/4 - then got under car and pushed it up in the the general area - then stood up - reached down and turned it on side and threaded it on. I didn't spill any of the the oil in the new filter.

[hot-rauder]

Never had a problem changing the oil on the MM... If you turn your wheel to the left a bit beofer starting, the knuckle will be farther out of the way making it easier in and out. It is a tight fit trying to get your hand in there. And gettting the right angle to screw the darn filter back on fillled with oil is bad too, but practice makes perfect.

Could be worse. My Fusion uses Cartridge filters. You haev to disassemble and change the O rings in the darn thing, reassemble and put it back on....

[Jake Steel]

I dont do my own oil changes......i have a friend who owns a shop and he does it for cheeeeeeeeeep,gooooooo cavsssssssss.wooooo hooooo PLUS ITS GOOD FOR HIS SHOP FOR HIS CUSTOMERS TO SEE SUCH A BAD ASS CAR THERE...........!

[RF Overlord]

Something to keep in mind when it comes to the future of 820S filters: they will be reduced in height by 1/4". Brian, the future is already here...my local Walmart has nothing but the new ones. The have a yellow/gold symbol on the box that says "New Size- Same Performance".

[fastblackmerc]

Brian, the future is already here...my local Walmart has nothing but the new ones. The have a yellow/gold symbol on the box that says "New Size- Same Performance".

Same price I assume?

[Blackened300a]

That oil filter is a PAIN to put back on. The metal-band wrench worked well to remove to filter, but I was only able to barely hand-tighten it going back on. Luckily, the K&N filter had a hex on it so I was able to tighten it the rest of the way using that.
It says on the filter, turn til contact then turn another 3/4 of the way. This makes for easy on and easy off for the future. Also make sure you put oil on the rubber gasket. That also makes life easier each and everytime.


I use my hands only. If you need a wrench to get it off you have tiny girlie hands or it's on Godzilla tight. :) I didn't have any trouble doing my first oil change on the Marauder.

Same here, Just reach up and turn. Its been easier since Im the only one who works on the car.


I filled up the new FL-820S about 1/2 to 3/4 - then got under car and pushed it up in the the general area - then stood up - reached down and turned it on side and threaded it on. I didn't spill any of the the oil in the new filter.

I do it all from underneth. I even have the oil deflector installed and it makes cleanup simple.

[bigmerc2003]

get youself some nice leather work gloves (the smooth kind that grip well) to take off the filter and use starting fluid!!! Dont use brake cleaner, it takes off paint! never over tighten the filter, hand tight only and the engine vibrations spin it tighter. Good luck, its a bear but I have 40k miles of changes under my belt and that is the best way i have found

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Most modern cars are this bad, I don't find it tuff at all, it is what it is and you have enough room to get it out. Changing filters on certain cars w/ headers is much much worse. Pontiac V8 w/ long tubes captures the filter and is really fun to get out

[a_d_a_m]

I'm used to old-school stuff like my old Chrysler, I could do an oil change without jacking it up.

[Marauderjack]

My blower tubes are in the way so I had to remote my filter!!!:argue:

[RoyLPita]

Brian, the future is already here...my local Walmart has nothing but the new ones. The have a yellow/gold symbol on the box that says "New Size- Same Performance".

Yup, They showed up here last week. I did a comparison. There is not much difference at all.

[sweetair]

Get one of the "cup" type wrenches from AutoZone or whatever you have near you. Also get you one of the oil drain deflectors from Ray "The Dealer"...I think Wes sells them, too...5W1Z-6N634-AA. Saves spilling oil all over the steering rack.

For filters, as far as value-for-money, you can't beat the good ol' Motorcraft FL820S...under 4 bucks at Wally's and factory-recommended.

Also, you should never tighten an oil filter with a wrench...hand-tighten only.This is great advice here. Get that part, well worth the $$. Buy some latex/nytrile gloves and put a clean one on for the tightening process, your grip will be much improved and tightening will not be a problem.