I recently discovered that our Tech article on oil filter removal has been lost to the ages. Given that new Mark VIII owners probably still want this information, I thought that the procedure deserved a fresh set of instructions. Everyone's tips and ideas are welcome. I'll integrate them to this article as best I can as they are presented.
But first, a story. I've been changing oil since before I was a teenager. I'm 37 now. When helping Dad work on all of the family cars, he always stressed..
"Make sure you check the surface when you remove the filter."
"Make sure the gasket comes off with the filter."
"Don't double-gasket the filter."
-Dad
Clearly, this was important to him. Yesterday, I encountered this phenomenon for the very fist time.
Exhibit A)
So First of all.. Thanks Dad.
Moving on.
So you want to change your Oil. Obtain the following:
- 6 quarts of an oil of your choice. The factory suggests 5w30
- Oil filter - Motorcraft FL-820S or equivalent
- 2 drain pans
- 16 mm socket or wrench. To remove oil plug.
- 8 mm socket or wrench. To remove power steering lines from K Member (optional, but recommended.)
- Oil filter wrench. I discovered that modifying mine thusly allowed for far greater flexibility in accessing the filter.
The first part goes about as you'd expect. I don't even have photos. Put your car on some ramps, toss the pan under there, and pop the main drain plug. Try not to drop it..
Remove the two 8 mm bolts that secure the lines from the K member to provide a good path for all of the oil that you're about to pour here. Many people use aluminum foil, or a moldable funnel for this part. You'll see why in a moment.
Next, the tricky part. Looking up from underneath the front bumper, toward the driver's side of the engine, you'll spot the oil filter.
Once you get it loose, you'll pretty much have no choice but to tip it toward you, letting most of the oil flow out onto the K Member or the aforementioned "funnel." Let it drain. Here's where you'll need that second catch pan, also.
Now is a good time to remove that filter gasket from the mount, if it stuck there.
To get the filter out of that place, swing the closed end up a bit, and to the right. You may need to rotate the clamp on the power steering line if it's in the way.
Push the filter through, with the closed end eventually facing toward you.
Once you get it past that thick rubber hose, it'll come out pretty easily.
But first, a story. I've been changing oil since before I was a teenager. I'm 37 now. When helping Dad work on all of the family cars, he always stressed..
"Make sure you check the surface when you remove the filter."
"Make sure the gasket comes off with the filter."
"Don't double-gasket the filter."
-Dad
Clearly, this was important to him. Yesterday, I encountered this phenomenon for the very fist time.
Exhibit A)
So First of all.. Thanks Dad.
Moving on.
So you want to change your Oil. Obtain the following:
- 6 quarts of an oil of your choice. The factory suggests 5w30
- Oil filter - Motorcraft FL-820S or equivalent
- 2 drain pans
- 16 mm socket or wrench. To remove oil plug.
- 8 mm socket or wrench. To remove power steering lines from K Member (optional, but recommended.)
- Oil filter wrench. I discovered that modifying mine thusly allowed for far greater flexibility in accessing the filter.
The first part goes about as you'd expect. I don't even have photos. Put your car on some ramps, toss the pan under there, and pop the main drain plug. Try not to drop it..
Remove the two 8 mm bolts that secure the lines from the K member to provide a good path for all of the oil that you're about to pour here. Many people use aluminum foil, or a moldable funnel for this part. You'll see why in a moment.
Next, the tricky part. Looking up from underneath the front bumper, toward the driver's side of the engine, you'll spot the oil filter.
Once you get it loose, you'll pretty much have no choice but to tip it toward you, letting most of the oil flow out onto the K Member or the aforementioned "funnel." Let it drain. Here's where you'll need that second catch pan, also.
Now is a good time to remove that filter gasket from the mount, if it stuck there.
To get the filter out of that place, swing the closed end up a bit, and to the right. You may need to rotate the clamp on the power steering line if it's in the way.
Push the filter through, with the closed end eventually facing toward you.
Once you get it past that thick rubber hose, it'll come out pretty easily.