Oil Filter Help

tallman

New member
Gents - I have apparently gotten myself in a bind by the simple act of removing the oil filter from our 1994 Mark 8. I took out the oil drain plug and while the oil was draining, I removed the oil filter which happened to be a Carquest 85372 as the last oil change had been done by a shop. I had read the threads here first so I expected difficulty in getting the filter out after detaching it from the stud, however, I did manage (after a while), to get the filter completely out of the vehicle. I then wrestled a Motorcraft FL-1A filter into place and tried for the next three plus hours (being careful not to cross-thread), to start it on the stud, but no luck. Wifey went and got us a Fram PH8A with the rubber-type material its base but it also would not start on the stud. Noting that the old filter was considerably shorter than either the FL-1A or the PH8A, I went this morning and got a Motorcraft FL820S, a Wix 51372, and (as a last resort), a Carquest R85372. I am presently waiting on the rain to subside (have to work outside), then will make another attempt at installing one of the shorter filters. Though I have previously lubricated only the gasket with a film of oil when installing a new filter, I am wondering if lubricating the filter threads would be useful. Any helpful suggestions are welcome and much appreciated.
 
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driller

El Presidente
The FL-1A has a 3/4"-16 thread and the 820S has a 22mm x 1.5 metric thread. :eek:

The CarQuest filter was also 22mm x 1.5.
 
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tallman

New member
You are both correct. Tried the Wix 51372 which is the same size as the 820S and has the metric threads like the Carquest R85372 and was successful on my first attempt. Just went for a ride and things seem fine. Thank you.
 

beerdog

New member
So if some knuckle head forces a FL1A onto to the stud would the threads get messed up? I would think the filter would be damaged before the stud.
 

germansheperd

New member
Every year I cuss at my Mark VIII when I give it its yearly oil change. I don’t know if its the stupidity of how the filter is located or the mess it makes. I’m such an anal nut that I have to wash the underneath of the car/k member with brake clean that gets me aggravated.
 

tallman

New member
I was unable to get any of my filter wrenches on the oil filter but was able to get the filter off by hand. Is there a filter wrench that works on the Mark 8?
 

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
I use a band wrench that has a "flexible" handle. I've also notched the band to about half its width more-or-less directly across from the handle. That always let me slip right over the end of it.
 

Jamesvinar

New member
I used the craftsman wrench with the 3 arms. I held it on the filter while i stuck extensions and a ratchet in through the wheel well. To me this was easier than thr band wrench but it seems like if you have a good grip you can get it on good by hand.
 

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
As long as you tighten by hand you almost never need a wrench to loosen and oil filter.
I usually stick with the "1.5 turns once the gasket touches the base" instructions that are printed on most oil filters. For me, at least, this usually means a final "snug" with the wrench. And about the same to remove it.
 

94badbird

New member
Lol..i had a hell of a time on my 32v swapped bird years ago, since I had my mark8 I just buy the oil and filter and pay 20$ for a shop to do it..and I always turn my airride off before I ever take the car in.
 
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