How do I get this oil filter off?

[LNYTUNS]

I am going to be doing my first oil change on the Marauder this weekend. It looks like none of the 3 different filter removal tools I have are going to be able to get at the filter on this car. How does everyone else get this thing off? Are there any kits for relocating the filter for easier access?

Chris



And to think I complain about the two oil drain plugs on my 88 Marquis. Two? Why?

[CRUZTAKER]

Wow, I thought I was the only one that drained the oil for the first time and soon discoverd NONE of my conventional tools fit around that fat SOB.:baaa:

I'm sure there is an appropriate wrap or head tool to fit, but I found something that works for me, and I didn't have to buy anything. I have a huge oversized set of adjustable pliers that fit in that little space that will turn that sucker just enough to break it loose, and then I use my hands.

[LNYTUNS]

Wow, I thought I was the only one that drained the oil for the first time and soon discoverd NONE of my conventional tools fit around that fat SOB.:baaa:

I'm sure there is an appropriate wrap or head tool to fit, but I found something that works for me, and I didn't have to buy anything. I have a huge oversized set of adjustable pliers that fit in that little space that will turn that sucker just enough to break it loose, and then I use my hands.

Cool, thanks, I will now be tool shopping to see if I can find something like that. The filter appears to be similar to the one on my Grand Marquis but in a much tougher location.

Thanks CRUZTAKER

[Sactown]

Cool, thanks, I will now be tool shopping to see if I can find something like that. The filter appears to be similar to the one on my Grand Marquis but in a much tougher location.

Thanks CRUZTAKER
Just did mine for the first time this Sat. Major pain. I happened to have a tool that slipped onto the end of the filter and is turned by either a socket wrench or an open end wrench. This was the only way I could get the overly tightened factory filter off.

There is a filter relocating kit discussed in another thread I started just a few days ago. Check it out.

[Sactown]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8233

Check here for more info.

[gilby04]

Chris,
I changed my MM filter for the first time at 2000 miles.
What a tussle that was ! I enjoy a challenge, but it was close to the edge.
I used my trusty 30 year old short handled strap wrench.
It was very tight quarters, indeed...broke it loose just enough to spin off by hand...took 15 minutes and a lot of $wear words, but it was worth the hassle to confirm I could do it myself.
By the way, my '89 Mark VII had (2) oil drain plugs...they were at right angles to each other because of an oil baffle in the pan. Maybe your Marquis was the same way.
Jim

[teamrope]

I bought this wrench a few years ago, I wish I could remember where.
Works like a champ. I havn't run into a filter yet that I can't get off with it.

http://www.yelmtel.com/~teamrope/pics/wrench.jpg

[Marauderjack]

teamrope....

Wal-Mart carries those things and I used it the first time I changed the MM oil....Works GREAT!! :burnout:

I also have one that fits over the end of the filter I can turn with a 3/8 ratchet....The dang filter is in a bad place causing undue cursing and a BIG MESS!!! :(

Marauderjack :burnout:

[martyo]

I bought this wrench a few years ago, I wish I could remember where.
Works like a champ. I havn't run into a filter yet that I can't get off with it.

http://www.yelmtel.com/~teamrope/pics/wrench.jpg
I got one of those as a gift. Works great. I also use it to tighten the packing nuts on the stuffing box on my boat.

By the way, you can get one here: http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=11912

[Petrograde]

I also have one that fits over the end of the filter I can turn with a 3/8 ratchet....The dang filter is in a bad place causing undue cursing and a BIG MESS!!! :(

That's the first thing I noticed when I first opened the hood. hmmm,.. that filter's gonna be a PITA!

So,.. I've never changed it! Well,.. not me personally anyway. I let the dealership handle it.

As a mechanic,.. the last thing I wanna do is turn more wrenches when I get home. :rasta:

Tom

[gilby04]

teamrope,
Thanks for posting the picture...just the ticket for our MMs...

martyo,
Thanks for the Griot's Garage link...

Am almost 59 years old, and learn something new everyday on this site !

[Go Mifuni]

I just did my second oil and filter change this weekend (mobil 1 0w20). I've always put my filters on hand tight so that I can take them off by hand. And no, I've never had one leak and I don't have Popeye forearms. It's how my dad tought me.

[RF Overlord]

I also have one that fits over the end of the filter I can turn with a 3/8 ratchet....

I have one of those, too...got it at AutoZone for $3... makes life MUCH easier...

[LincMercLover]

I'd say if you got one of those Fram Gripper filers you could just put it on by hand and be ok, but we all know how wonderful of a filter Fram is... :rolleyes:

I also use the oil filter "socket" for a 3/8" drive socket wrench. Works well. I would NOT recommend using those pliers for putting a filter on. You can easily damage and puncture the filter when trying to install it.

[Sactown]

I just did my second oil and filter change this weekend (mobil 1 0w20). I've always put my filters on hand tight so that I can take them off by hand. And no, I've never had one leak and I don't have Popeye forearms. It's how my dad tought me.
I've been doing this for 15 years and never a leaky filter seal. Still need some mechanical advantage to get it off sometimes though. I'm still going to relocate the MM filter though, just such a pain to get to.

[LNYTUNS]

Thanks to everyone that has thrown a suggestion out for me on this one. The wrench looks like great tool to have. I do have one of those strap wrenches for 3/8" drive, use that on my Marquis. I do only need to get this factory filter off, that is the problem, very tight. I always have put my filters on hand tight and have never had problem on any of my cars with leaks. Most cars I was able to also get off by hand but some cars seemed to get tight no matter what I did (mainly Mazda engines in a B2200 and Mercury Tracer). Hoping the MM is one of the "take off by hand" cars.

Thanks for all of the help everyone. This site is the best. And very addictive also.

[jfclancy]

Thanks to everyone that has thrown a suggestion out for me on this one. The wrench looks like great tool to have. I do have one of those strap wrenches for 3/8" drive, use that on my Marquis. I do only need to get this factory filter off, that is the problem, very tight. I always have put my filters on hand tight and have never had problem on any of my cars with leaks. Most cars I was able to also get off by hand but some cars seemed to get tight no matter what I did (mainly Mazda engines in a B2200 and Mercury Tracer). Hoping the MM is one of the "take off by hand" cars.

Thanks for all of the help everyone. This site is the best. And very addictive also.
My response already been covered, I go to Speedy Lube and say its time.
Seriously looking into a remote filter Amsoil has a good setup.

Joe Clancy

[Zack]

I take the filter off by hand from the TOP.
Since I never overtighten the filter, it is never a problem getting it off.

[jgc61sr2002]

The filter installed by the factory is always the most difficult to remove. I think they overtighten them. I also use a strap type wrench that fits on a 3/8 drive extension. Remember to coat the rubber gasket with a film of clean oil. This will aid in removal. The filter on the my 2000 GM and my Marauder are the same.

[blkgrape]

I found the same problem and decided to switch to the KN filter it comes with a welded nut on the end so u can use a socket or a wrench much much easier to deal with. I think it is like a 3/4 or 1 inch nut can't remember, plus u gain the advantage of the anti-drain back feature.

[LNYTUNS]

OK, so the winner of the filter removal tool was the strap wrench. It only took 30min and pint of blood to get the filter off. :argue: Had to remove the intake between the MAF and throttle body to make it easier to get at. The original factory filter is a crumpled up ball of metal after loosing the battle to the strap wrench. I like the Mobil 1, 0-W20, I can use it in the MM and my Honda. Used a Puralator filter like on my other cars. Anyone ever have a problem with Purolator filters?

Thanks to all for helping me on this one.

[gilby04]

lnytuns,
Have used Purolator "Pure One" oil filters for several years with no problems.
I too use 0W-20 Mobil 1 in all my vehicles. The engines tend to run quieter at idle with the synthetic oil.

[RF Overlord]

Used a Puralator filter like on my other cars. Anyone ever have a problem with Purolator filters?


Have used Purolator "Pure One" oil filters for several years with no problems.

FYI, the Motorcraft aftermarket filter (FL-820S) is made by Purolator and is a Pure One element inside...$2.97 at Wally World...


plus u gain the advantage of the anti-drain back feature.

The ADBV is not exclusive to K&N...all good FL-820S equivalents have one...

[gilby04]

RF,
Thanks for the Motorcraft FL-820S, Purolator Pure One equivalency tip.
I didn't know Motorcraft was of identical quality.

[Pantherman]

There is nothing like having the right tool for the job. For a couple of bucks you should be able to get the right size socket tool at your local auto parts store. With that and a short, flex handle 3/8 inch ratchet you can easily loosen or tighten the filter from above.