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RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
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12/08/2003
06:57:59
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 Subject: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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Message:
I have a 02 4X4 with the 4.7. As owners of the
same know, replacing the oil filter isn't much
fun because of the removable access opening is
not large enough and most times you end up with
used oil all over the place.
My question is, any REAL reason that cheap plastic
cover is there is the first place? If you're gonna
do any real off roading, plastic isn't gonna do
you much good anyway for protection. Are there any
overheating problems if it's removed? Is there a
after market cover that is better, ie: better
access hole?
Thanks....
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ScottE
Dodge Dakota
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12/08/2003
09:40:15
|  RE: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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Message:
I was told that shield is there for two reasons - one: to minimize crud splashing up the front of the engine compartment; two: reduces turbulence and vortex effect under the front of the truck(aerodynamic benefit, I guess??).
I can attest that it does keep the crud factor down - ran mine without it through a rainy spell, and at my next oil change found a lot of splashed on, caked on mud/dirt.
The main pain with removing the shield is those body molding plugs, so get rid of them - the plug holes are right at 3/8", so get a tap, WD40, and some bolts with fender washers. Takes about an hour to tap all the holes, but afterwards you can remove the entire shield in about a minute.
To make filter removal less messy,some use a 2 liter plastic bottle (bottom cut out) to cover the filter once loosened enough to turn by hand. This works, but I find the bottle to be a pain to manuever up and through the access hole. A plastic shopping bag works just as well, and is easier to work with. This works well enough that I still use it even with the entire shield removed.
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RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
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12/08/2003
11:17:20
|  RE: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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Message:
Thanks for the reply, ScottE. I'm also thinking
of cutting a much larger square out of it and
hinging it somehow.. I'll wait untill next spring
to do anything. Meanwhile, your shopping bag over
it idea will do for now...
Again, Thanks!
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jaggy
GenIII
12/08/2003
15:58:54
| RE: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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Message:
I tossed my splash guard over a year ago.
I don't mind the crud that much but can see where others might want it intacked.
I use a newspaper, lay it on the frame behind the filter and loosen until it starts to spill. I let that drain for a few and start the pan draining.
Then come back to the filter. I have managed to perfect the process over the last two years to only get a drop or two on my hand and none on the frame. Shopping bag seems good too.
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Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
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12/08/2003
16:32:08
| RE: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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Message:
I've never changed the filter that way since I have a plow frame in the way, but if its a hassle just pull your left front tire and you can get to it through the wheel well.
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Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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12/09/2003
11:17:45
| RE: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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I've always used a big ziplock bag for the filter, as I've had problems with the shopping bags having holes in 'em.
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Mr.Sleepy
Dodge Dakota
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12/09/2003
12:42:28
| RE: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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Message:
I would suggest removing it. Without the shield the 4.7 is by far the easiest oil change in the world on any automobile. I simply us a funnel and a hose to channel the drippings down to the oil pan while unscrewing it, being careful not to tip the filter and carefully place it in the oil pan. Always use rubber gloves it keeps the oil from burning your hands, although it is still quite hot. Oil changes are meant to be messy... let it be messy, and put a few towels down on the floor. Besides if you're a true off roader you would go out and have a metalsmith fabricate custom skid plates for you, and get a lift kit while your at it.
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Curtis Dreese
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2003
01:21:07
| RE: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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ScottE,
Can you clarify about the bolts and fender washers you were talking about? I had to pry those damn push-in plastic dealies last time and it was a pain. So appreciate you figuring it out to make it easier. Thanks in advance
Curtis
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ScottE
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2003
10:22:57
| RE: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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Curtis Dreese - Very simple. Once the shield is removed, just use a tap that will fit the holes - seems like I used a 7/16 14 (sorry I can't remember exact tap size, and I'm away from home/truck for a couple weeks). Use a hand chuck, take your time, and keep the tap lubed with WD40. Once all holes that held the plastic plugs are tapped, use short bolts (matched to tap size) with fender washers to hold the shield in place.
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Curtis Dreese
Dodge Dakota
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12/12/2003
01:42:17
| RE: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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OK, I follow you now. I think its a good idea and would make things just a whole lot easier! Thanks again!
Curtis
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mikey
Dodge Dakota
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12/13/2003
09:23:21
| RE: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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Message:
anybody know of a qwik release type fastener that could be used instead of bolts for ScottE's idea? Maybe locking pins or somthing?
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the_wh33z3
Dodge Dakota
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12/13/2003
12:21:36
| RE: Changing oil filter on 4.7
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Message:
dzus fasteners
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