Oil Filter Clearance

Mark Brye · #1 (**permalink**) 06-25-2006, 08:43 AM

I was looking at the clearance between my oil filter and the frame rail. There is about a 1/3rd inch clearance between them. Will I have to jack the engine up in order to get the filter off? The way it looks now, after I get about 4 or 5 turns on the filter, it will be butted up against the frame. Is there a shorter version of the Ford filter that will be easier to get on and off?

Speedysnake · #2 (**permalink**) 06-25-2006, 08:54 AM

Mark,

You can replace the original filter with a Motorcraft FL 300. It is short enough to fit between block & frame rail. How to remove the old one is another story; I elected to cut in half with a hacksaw blade, kinda crude & messy, but I didn't need to move the engine. Then again, you can go for the remote filter mount and oil cooler. I don't think I need it with my 351.

Have fun!

Rick Parker · #3 (**permalink**) 06-25-2006, 09:06 AM

You may also remove a short length of the threaded tube that the filter screws onto, maybe 1/4" - 3/8". All that is required is enough length to fully engage all the threads in the filter body when it is tightened down, any additional length is unnecessary. This small amount helped my installation.
There are several various lengths of filters available. Use the longest one that can be made to fit.
There is also a filter adapter used on 460 engines in some truck applications that screws on in place of the filter and allows the filter to screw on at an angle of about 30 degrees, I used it at one time with success.
Like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...spagenameZWDVW

Snakester · #4 (**permalink**) 06-25-2006, 01:12 PM

Mark,
I had the same problem, but I could remove the original filter without having to jack the engine.I installed a remote filter and an oil cooler. Makes changing the oil and filter easier/ engine temp. dropped @10 degrees/adds @11/2 quarts of oil/cooler looks great up front. I purchased everything from Summit for @$350.00.
Snakester