Last week I posted how difficult it is to remove FACTORY installed oil filters. Most post repliers, except for Jim Warman, didn't seem to understand my post and tried to help me install a new filter (oil gasket, hand tighten, etc.).
Well today I had to remove another FACTORY installed oil filter on my wife's Explorer. What we are dealing with here is a 2005 4.6 Explorer. The filter is a Ford FL 820S. I have a socket that I got from AutoZone that fits the FL 820S perfectly...but it doesn't fit the factory filter...it slips while turning, and this is the 4th time I have experienced this problem.
I finally got the filter off since I have quite a bit of experience with these factory installed filters...but not without some blood being shed.
My conclusion is that the factory filters ARE NOT FL 820S filters. They are a RCH smaller in diameter of the FL 820S, have NO markings as to what they really are, and to paraphrase Jim Warman...they were put on by Popeye.
Anyhow, I now have both factory filters replaced (I have 2 Explorers) and subsequent removals will be a snap since I can remove the filters that I install and the removal socket now fits.
I am curious if any other folks had this experience.
Sorry for the rant.
Al in Poughkeepsie, NY