Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) First oil & filter change

[jeepit]

Well it wasn't easy but I did it with a little help of a friend. Drain plug came loose no problem but filter was a b***h. After ruining a strap wrench and putting a hole in filter a friend of mine came over with an oil filter wrench that clamps on the bottom of the filter and grips tighter as you turn it. It took all he had to break it loose. When I heard the rubber gasket squeaking I knew I finally had it off. 1 stratopore &11 quarts of rosmella later I was back on the road. Hope the next change goes easier!! My arns are sore

 

[Motorhead]

Use a 1 gallon zip lock bag over the filter next time to catch it and any oil when removing the filter. Works great. Chris

 

[Big Dawg]

Yeah the first oil change takes a long time but the next one will be a breeze... You'll see. One thing I would look into getting is a Fumoto oil drain valve to really simplify things. See thisFumoto valve thread

 

[slo-ryde]

I had the same problem, oil filter was a bear to get off. It's not easy to get leverage on it from the side, I had to stand on the front bumper and lean in over the motor.



I'm just hoping the filters are put on too tight when the engines are built. I made sure to only tighten the new filter 3/4 of a turn after gasket contact. The next oil change should tell.



One of my first engine upgrades is going to be a new oil drain plug. The original looks kind of cheesy to me. I like the super plug with the magnetic tip on it, a nice way to monitor for metal in the oil.



I thought about the drain kits but don't like the idea of anything hanging down off the oil pan. On the 2 wheel drive trucks the oil pan is the lowest spot on the underside. It would be a real drag to hit something while off-roading (as much as a 2wd can) and rip it right out of the pan.

 

[RobbyRam]

A tip I was told to do on our Turbo Diesels is to paint a mark on the filter and the bracket to make sure that it is not vibrating loose after hand tightening.

 

[GOTSOOT]

first oil change!

The reason that the ol filter won`t come off easy is because at the engine plant the oil filter is installed first and then the engine is sprayed with a clear coat paint --seals it on!