huh, an 02 must be differentbecause mine is right in front and easy to get to

 

My dealer only takes about one hour when they are busy and they have great free coffee. I also get to look around at all the new vehicles. And the TV is on CNN. Not bad for $17.95. Red

 

True dat... My wife's Jeep Liberty's filter is basically in such a blind spot, I have to feel for the filter's threaded mount with my hand, before putting the filter up to it, wondering if I have it at the correct angle, while spinning it. If they placed hair around it, it might make it a tad bit easier, or at least familiar to most guys........

Here's my take on this:

New College Engineering Grad: (NCEG) "Hey....where should we put the oil filter?"

Other Engineering Grad: (OEG) "I don't know....how about there?" (pointing to less then open, accessablespace on blue prints)

NCEG: "Yeah....by my calculations, it'll fit there. Of course, you probably won't be able to get to it to change it, let alone weasel it out of that tight spot, but it sure fits, according to this drawing...!!"

OEG: "Shouldn't we consult the guys in the shop that have real life experience with these vehicles and actually work on them?"

NCEG: "Naaaaaaa.....they don't have engineering degrees, so they wouldn't possibly know anything about designing a car!!"

OEG: "Uhm.................."

NCEG: "Besides......most vehicle owners have kids, so their tiny, 4 year old hands can easily get in to remove that filter....."

OEG: "Is it lunch time yet...........?"

 

I remove the filter prior to draining the oil. One, it's easier to get a grip on the filter body, and two, one is less prone to dropping the filter into the drain pan.

Like Doorider said, hand-tightening the filter is all that's required. Should you get any oil seepage afterwards, maybe a 1/8 turn should be enough to make a good seal. However, if you need a wrench, stop using a standard band-type filter wrench and get yourself a cap wrench. Use a 10" extension and a 3/8" drive ratchet and it will be a snap. If necessary, use a 3/8" swivel extension.

 

F*&% it!!!! Take the largest B.F.S. ( BigF*&^ing Screwdriver) you have and spear the frickin filter with the influence of a B.F.H.then simply turn the filter till its loose enough to finish with the hand.

 

I did this when conventional removal technique failed. The ****er was on there so tight that the screwdriver just tore the filter leaving 2 holes on either side about an inch long each.
As for dropping he filter, it is in such a location that if you did drop it, it has ZERO chance of hitting the ground.

 

Awesome....LOL!! Kid at Quick Lube put it on with an impact gun?!?!?

 

The sad part is that the filter was a Mopar. Likely done at the dealership.

 

I definitely have to admit to the issue with the 4.7/3.7 filter locations. The 5.7 is much better, but still makes a mess because its over the rack and pinion and front crossmember. Try changing the oil on a 1st gen durango with a 4.7 and full skid plate. The dumbass engineer that designed that one should have been taken out to pasture and shot. They put this little square hole to get to the drain plug, but when the oil is hot, is has so much pressure that it sprays past the hole, and on top of the skid plate. By the way, the skid plate has about 30-40 drain holes for rain and dirt to drain through. Before you know it, you have a "oil shower" on your hands. I feel your pain 4.7/3.7 guys. Even though the 5.7 is much better, I'm still considering installing a remote location adapter and maybe even a cooler while I'm at it. The bottom line is, engineers don't care how it comes apart, as long as it goes together fast on the assembly line. My modow has always been "The don't design it that way because they have to, but because they can!"

 

man thats gotta suck when i change the oil on my 5.7l all i have to do is open the hood then i can sit right behind my bumper and take it off with both hands. i dont even need my truck on ramps just sit straight up behind my bumper and i can easily get my hands in there to take it off or use a wrench. it is a little messy coming off but thats not bad.