Hello all, new member here. Bought me a cat last year for hunt'n ducks. Gonna take it trail riding soon and I changed the oil for the first time. The oil filter is in a bad spot IMO. The directions say to screw on until gasket touches case.....then turn two more full turns. As far as tools go, all the dealer could recommend is a pair of channel locks. I could only get about one turn and I beat up the filter pretty good in the process. There has to be a better way. Anyone got one of these 03 400's. How do you do it?? Gracias....

 

Wooderson; Run down to the tool store, the cheaper the better and buy a plastic strap wrench. I picked up a pair (a large and small onw) at Harbor Freight for $9.99 a couple of weeks ago. Sears has them but they are about twice as expensive. I have used the very expensive ones for years as a marine mechanic.

 

Thanks Bear

 

K&N makes oil filters with a nut welded on the end so you can take it off with a wrench or socket driver. That makes it real easy.

 

Two turns after gasket touches base ? Might want to double check that. If correct, it would be a first. Usual amount is 3/4 to 1 turn. Also, make sure to apply oil to rubber ring before installing filter.

 

And make sure the one you take off has one on it.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

 

Lol, heyyou. I've been there and done that. Ran the engine for about 30 seconds and lost a full quart of oil. I cussed my whole 60 mile one way trip back to pick up another quart of oil.

 

I had to use a screwdriver and a hammer to remove the factory oil filter. The sucker was on tight! I use the fram motorcycle filters now and have one of those large plastic "socket" that fits on the end of the oil filter and works great, but still get burn alittle on the header pipe. I install the new filters alittle past hand tight and no leaks so far.
Roger

 

Oil up the Oring on the filter that will help when it's time to change it later,when the filter makes contact tighten it up 1/4 to 1/2 turn .
I've been doing it this way for 20 years and never had a problem .