Oil filter is stuck

[JohnnyO]

how long of an extension do you think? maybe like 12 inch?

I use two 6", so yeah.
I've used a rubber strap wrench as a last resort on other vehicles, be hard to get in the Ranger but it might work.
Tips:
Put some oil on the gasket before you install the filter, if you didn't already.
Don't overtighten it. Just as tight as a greasy hand will make it. They tighten themselves.
A Motorcraft FL-400S or equivalent will fit and is longer and easier to reach. I use that or preferably a Mobil 1 M1-209A.
Also K&N oil filters have a 1" nut on the end so they're easy to remove. DO NOT use the nut to tighten it.

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[JohnnyO]

Compared to others the Ranger's location is one of the easiest to get to. As was said in other posts get a 3 prong and use a 3/8 drive ratchet.

I also recommend getting a Trim and molding tool set to get the clips out. It's cheap and comes in handy other things you might work on.

https://www.harborfreight.com/trim-and-molding-tool-set-5-piece-64126.html

I got the trim tool at first but ended up using magnets attached to the flap with a little dab of Gorilla Glue. Use them in pairs with the flap sandwiched between. Peels right off and stick it back on. Cut my oil change time in half.

https://www.amazon.com/DIYMAG-Power...8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[21rangerCactus]

I got the trim tool at first but ended up using magnets attached to the flap with a little dab of Gorilla Glue. Use them in pairs with the flap sandwiched between. Peels right off and stick it back on. Cut my oil change time in half.

https://www.amazon.com/DIYMAG-Powerful-Neodymium-Permanent-Scientific/dp/B06XD2X45M/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2IMSXWCA4N4QE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qavIZa4SbmgMZpZ5_x_6TjjvsKQjTsb3skITgEWRthPuhUnMhv-KseJWIDXSE4p_FliQPSpJQ2t4Qgagq1m2oWk-MlYF-uCooriP9m04oPhNDNXeF58RTTZCIs07hdI7kUufB56D2vyMF37n_UEQ0DYvTzCP2OxzzUUVIDN1bUkpTX1dIVzxm51AkQ5axNA_3dWG1h52L7VY4GdqUcyg2wHE4moPJNq8DUDTvcJRLyw.2WLSwyKc8_95GoE2HJEKIMjFf2Q2yoEcl6xIENPeM68&dib_tag=se&keywords=neodymium+magnets&qid=1743727149&sprefix=neodym,aps,264&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

I remember reading about that a year or so ago.. Not sure if it was you. I remember it every single time I go to do my oil change. Lol

 

[Langwilliams]

I did the magnet trick as well but I didn't hammer mine off road. They held fine for highway use.

 

[JohnnyO]

I remember reading about that a year or so ago.. Not sure if it was you. I remember it every single time I go to do my oil change. Lol

Probably.

I did the magnet trick as well but I didn't hammer mine off road. They held fine for highway use.

Same. I don't go off-roading any more. I just have 4wd for snow and wet boat ramps with my jet ski.

 

[k1w1t1m]

The OP hasn't been back since yesterday morning. Hope he went to HF and got one like above. With a long extension. Those pliers he's waiting won't be much help. Just crush the filer so nothing fits it.

I doubt a screwdriver through the filter will help either. There's no real way to get to or at the filter except through the wheel well.

 

[brroberts]

I just use cheap white zip ties On the flap covering the oil filter. Cheap and fast. Never took the time or money for magnets. Maybe some day.

https://www.kjmagnetics.com

 

[Cmar]

Now to really stir things up - do you prefill your filter with oil before fitting?

Yes I know it goes on sideways, but I've found filling it first, and letting the oil soak into the media, means minimal spill when fitting, even sideways, but helps oil pressure to come back up faster.

 

[Grumpaw]

Now to really stir things up - do you prefill your filter with oil before fitting?

Yes I know it goes on sideways, but I've found filling it first, and letting the oil soak into the media, means minimal spill when fitting, even sideways, but helps oil pressure to come back up faster.

Always.....fill it up while oil drains and filter will soak it all up, refill and ready to go by time ready to install.....

 

[Cmar]

I doubt a screwdriver through the filter will help either. There's no real way to get to or at the filter except through the wheel well.

Well I've seen posts on you tube where some reckon you can reach our diesel ones (which are in the same position) from the top, well I've tried, and I'm fairly tall with long arms but I don't see how you could do it unless you have some Simian ancestor.

 

[Msfitoy]

Now to really stir things up - do you prefill your filter with oil before fitting?

Yes I know it goes on sideways, but I've found filling it first, and letting the oil soak into the media, means minimal spill when fitting, even sideways, but helps oil pressure to come back up faster.

I fill it half way...

 

[Cmar]

I fill it half way...

Would that be half full or half empty? Seriously though I find that even if you fill it to the top, almost all of it disappears into the media in a couple of minutes.

And sadly it's something I can't do with my diesel, because the 3.2 diesel was designed in UK/Europe it has one of those accursed plastic cartridge filter things beloved of European makers where you unscrew it and make a big mess just replacing the paper center bit.

 

[21rangerCactus]

Now to really stir things up - do you prefill your filter with oil before fitting?

Yes I know it goes on sideways, but I've found filling it first, and letting the oil soak into the media, means minimal spill when fitting, even sideways, but helps oil pressure to come back up faster.

I used to do it with all my vehicles. Not anymore. Your engine isn't bone dry and the oil moves pretty fast at start up.
If your engine is going to let loose it isn't because you didn't put oil in the filter.

 

[JohnnyO]

And sadly it's something I can't do with my diesel, because the 3.2 diesel was designed in UK/Europe it has one of those accursed plastic cartridge filter things beloved of European makers where you unscrew it and make a big mess just replacing the paper center bit.

My wife's Chrysler Pacifica has a filter like that. It's easy to change but the thing is not to overtighten it and crack the housing. The trick to being neat with it, and I don't know if the diesel Ranger is the same, is loosen the cap that holds the filter cartridge, pull it out of the housing slightly, and let it drain while you drain the oil. Then it doesn't drip much when you remove it.

 

[mtsoxfan]

Admittedly, I didn't read all 5 pages. Not to be a smart ass, but are you sure, righty/tighty lefty/loosey?

A lifetime ago, I remember doing an oil change at the dealership I worked for back in the 80's, there was one I couldn't get off. I asked everyone for an opinion, and yes, we were an educated, well trained, experienced group. IIRC, I ended up using an air chisel, very gently, low and slow, on the thick gasket end of filter to get off. Gasket, dry as a bone. Don't remember the story on who did last filter change.

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