Remove oil filter on a Ford Windstar

Tiny
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  • FORD WINDSTAR
I have a Ford Windstar 98 GL with V6 3.8L and I want to remove my oil filter to replace it. I already have the oil wrenche but I'm not able to remove it. Because it's too close. I don't have space to move. When I put the wrenche on the filter, I don't have enough room to move the wrenche. Of course, I should turn counterclockwise, but I'm wedged. What is the technic to remove it?
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 AT 5:55 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
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Welcome to our world Serge. There are times where you need a different type of filter wrench, There are times where you get a 1/16th of an inch movement and find it is a major victory. Then there are times that you get so pissed off, your able to move it by hand after not being successful by trying different styles of filter removing tools.
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Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
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Thank you very much for this answer, it's very nice. About the filter wrenche, I have the band type swivel head model. I think that I need the cap type wrenche. It will be more practical. I will try to find that on an auto store. If not found, I will call a mechanic.
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Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
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I have found the plier type to be pretty good and generally gets 90% of them. But you know your situation better. In the future, 3 things that will help. Keep the oil change intervals 3000 or 3-4 months at the most, the filters don't wat to come off too easy when left on for an extened period. Use a fram sure-grip filter, you shouldn't need a wrench ever again. And lastly, don't overtighten. Tighten by hand until it is firm, no need to overtighten.

Make sure the gasket comes off with the old one and lube the new gasket surface with oil first.
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Thursday, October 4th, 2007 AT 4:48 AM
Tiny
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Because you are a pro car technician, I thought that you have already changed an oil filter on a Windstar. Because Windstar are so popular in USA, there's a lot of Windstar. So I send you the picture of my oil filter under the engine. And you will judge if it is possible to remove it with the plier. Personnally, I think that it's impossible to remove it with the plier.

[center]


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/104484_000_1624_1.jpg

[/center]
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Thursday, October 4th, 2007 AT 7:23 AM
Tiny
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I've changed my share, but my photographic memory can't hold every vehicle. Spend a little time and look around you. Quite a few huh? Not to mention each model will vary with different engine sizes and options that change the access. Great way to show appreciation.

With the pliers, you can get in there. Instead of grabbing perpendicular to the filter body you can get a good bite with the teeth at just a slight angle to get it loosened enough to turn it off by hand. But like you say the socket style would better serve you.
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Thursday, October 4th, 2007 AT 7:45 AM
Tiny
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Yes, I have thought about grabing in direction of the filter, but I will have less torque. It will require a lot of force. Definitively, using a socket with an extended ratched wrenche will be the best.
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Thursday, October 4th, 2007 AT 7:53 AM
Tiny
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Finally, I succeeded in removing my Ford Windstar's oil filter by using the End Cap Oil Filter Wrench. There is it:


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/104484_KDT2790_1.jpg


The brand is KD. Part number is CAN2790. The size is 3".

I have used also a 3/8" ratchet wrench and its extension:


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/104484_000_1632_1.jpg



With this Cap Wrench, it was so easy to remove the oil filter. It was impossible with my old band wench. Now my car can run with new oil. Thanks to Paul for its advice.
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Thursday, October 4th, 2007 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
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ITS??


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_confused_seem_4.jpg



I think I know whatcha mean!

Glad you got across your bridge anyways.
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Thursday, October 4th, 2007 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
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I don't understand, why did you say that I'm confuse. I am not confuse. Today I have buy an cap oil filter wrenche and its work. But yesterday, I have used the band filter wrenche:


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/104484_22768812_1.jpg



And it doesn't work. What is unclear?

I post this reply also to help peoples who was in my situation. Peoples who own a Windstar and don't know how to remove their filter.
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Thursday, October 4th, 2007 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
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I'm just having a little fun Serge, offense meant AT ALL, I just found it humourous that you called me an "it". It's a confusing part of the goofy lanuage we have here. And I like the pic. :Wink:

Your follow up is very appreciated!
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Thursday, October 4th, 2007 AT 6:46 PM
Tiny
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Ok! Because I don't talked to you in this reply. I talked to other peoples who read the discussion. I know that you know how to remove an oil filter, but some car owner don't.
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Thursday, October 4th, 2007 AT 6:54 PM

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