I changed the oild in my 2002 CTD today and found out that it was a bear to remove the old flter. I admit that I am not a young wirey kid who can kneal on the bumper while reaching into the engine, however, it was still a pain. Could someone please help me with the following questions:

1. What is the best tool to change the oil filter on these engines? I tried using the typical metal band filter wrench and it was almost impossible. I moved to the cloth band wrench and still could not get a good grip on the filter and ended up crushing it while trying to get it out. I even tried one of those wrenches that fit the bottom of the filter that you attach your ratchet to and even that was a pain. I use Amsoil oil filters and they have no ribs at the bottom of the filter for the tool to latch on to. I finally got it off but when I installed the new filter I slightly dented the filter and so now I need to get a new one as I do not feel comfortable with that little dent in the side. So, best tool recommendations??

2. This really makes me want to move to a remotly mounted filter to make changing oil easier but I am afraid of the potential risks. What is the view of the members here concerning these systems? Does it impact oil pressure? Does it shorten the life of the oil pump? I know big rigs use them but they are usually designed with that in mind. I do not believe these trucks were.

3. If the above is safe then what about these dual bypass systems that I see people using. Amsoil makes a kit that I am interested in so I can also reduce the time between oil changes but I am concerned about the same issues as above.

Help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

 

I never use a wrench to tighten the new filter, so it only takes a little twist with the wrench to remove the old one.

On the new filter, I put a little oil on the rubber seal, turn it by hand until GNT(Good N Tight).

 

ShovelHead,

Thanks. I was worried about not getting the filter tight enough. By hand I got it about 1/2 turn and the manual says 3/4 turns. On the side of the Amsoil filter it says tighten 1 full turn then back of 1/8 turn. I am not able to do that by hand. How far do you turn it?

Thanks

 

I tighten it as tight as I can get it by hand while wearing surgical gloves.

 

Another question...

Since I dented the new filter that is now on I need to change it. Since it is full of new oil I would hate to have to lose that oil in the process. If I pull off the filter while the engine is still full of oil will it leak everywhere or is the fill line lower than the location of the oil filter?

Thanks

 

If you let the truck sit for an hour or so, you should be able to pull the filter without losing oil.(except for the quart in the filter of course )
The oil level is below the filter housing, but you need to let all the oil circulating in the engine drain back into the oilpan.

Ed

 

Ryker! Get you a box of quartsize freezerbags loosen oil filter
slide freezer bag over filter take the rest of the way off.
No mess this way plus you have a good way to discard
filter with no mess.

;D :P

 

Snapon and other companies make a strap wrench that uses either a 3/8 or 1/2 socket extention. It has a 2 inch web strap. It is a snap to remove the filter with it no matter how tight it is. Not to disagree with the handtight method, I have always put mine on hand tight but twice I found that I had some leakage at the filter so do tighten it some with the strap wrench. With this particular wrench if you keep it high on the filter it will go against the bead at the top of the filter not denting it. I have had this strap wrench for 20 or so years and between it and a pair of 2 foot long channel locks all filters are a snap

 

When using the strap wrench, its a good idea after tightening the filter to back it off (just a bit). This will really help when it comes to taking the filter off when its time to change oil again.

 

Lots of good suggestions. ;D

I guess the real answer is to find what works best for you.

 

I have been using the strap wrench for removal with no problems, make sure the ratchet is centered over the center axis of the filter when you start trying to remove it. I use a little wheel bearing grease on the gasket when I put the filter on hand tight, none have leaked so far.

 

[quote author=ryker link=board=4;threadid=21143;start=0#msg198487 date=1066530749]

2. This really makes me want to move to a remotly mounted filter to make changing oil easier but I am afraid of the potential risks. What is the view of the members here concerning these systems? Does it impact oil pressure? Does it shorten the life of the oil pump? I know big rigs use them but they are usually designed with that in mind. I do not believe these trucks were.

3. If the above is safe then what about these dual bypass systems that I see people using. Amsoil makes a kit that I am interested in so I can also reduce the time between oil changes but I am concerned about the same issues as above.
Help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks
[/quote]

Typically only 10% of your oil is going through the by-pass filter at 1 time, the fact that the flow of this filter is restricted should not affect your oil pressure. Since you are adding more capacity to the system you will have more oil to circulate around to cool, lubricate and carry contaminants to the filter.

Your oil pump is designed to provide more flow and pressure than needed so using some of that to flow the oil to the by-pass filter will not harm your oil pump. The fact that your oil will be cleaner should reduce wear and tear on the pump, the bearing and any other component subject to wear.

The only concerns that I see are hose damage caused either by incorrect installation, or old hoses. Since the Amsoil by-pass system uses high pressure hydraulic hoses they will withstand much more pressure than your running in your truck, the fittings are hydraulic fittings that can be reused over and over, all that you would have to replace is the actual hose which can be bought at any hydraulic shop.

There are thousands of cummins, powerstrokes and gasoline engines running the Amsoil dual remote setup. The only problem I see is where to mount the system. Sometimes it takes a little creative thinking to get a good spot.

If your running Amsoil and a by-pass filter, you should see longer engine life, extended service intervals and easier maintenance. (Filter changes and oil anlalysis only for a long time)