I installed FPA headers a little over a year ago and changed the oil for the first time today. I couldn’t see any easy way to get to the filter.  Finally removed the battery, battery shield, and battery tray and was able to get to it.  Anyone got a better idea?

No easy way. I’m using a short filter, and making sure I’ve got on of those end caps that will fit it. Sometimes I get it out, sometimes I end up removing the steady rest rod. I’m lucking enough to be on a 4 post hoist when I do it.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I thought about going to the short filter but I prefer to use a full size Ford filter. I only change oil once a year so once I low what to do it’s not so bad. I thoulght about removing the steady rest. Anyone else have another idea?

Like Miker said-"shorter filter"; just change it more often. 

I’m lucky. The cars are inside, and my garage rarely goes below 59 degrees. Never see any condensation on the tools or anything even on a big temperature and humidity swing. With a fresh and well maintained engine I don’t worry about plugging a filter between annual oil changes. I do know guys with low annual mileage that just change the filter and top off the oil annually, with a full change every other year. I do drive the car far enough to fully warm it up, even if I just take the long way home from wherever.

If you’re plugging a filter in under 3000 or so miles there’s bigger problems brewing.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Well, there are two options;

1) FORD released an adjustable filter mount for FYB-LYB trucks which allows the filter itself to be rotated, or

2) Install a remote filter system.

I would think one would want the filter as far away from the header as possible as the filter draws exhaust heat.

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Heat doesn’t seem to be a problem. But with 4 tubes, the collector, the steady rest bar, and the clutch linkage it’s pretty busy down there. You can look right at the filter, but just can’t get leverage to get it off. I ran a remote on the roadster (having 4 tubes inside the frame rails of a 32 is really tight), but then the question is where do you mount the filter.

I’ve never seen the truck angle mount, got a picture in your treasury trove of manuals?

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

"Heat doesn’t seem to be a problem"

What are your oil temp(s)?

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Don’t have a clue. No sign of heat on the filter paint, and the tubes probably aren’t any closer than factory down pipes. It’s probably been 3 years since I drove far enough to get the oil more than warm anyway. You just can’t reach thru them.

But a good question. If summer ever gets to Seattle, I’ll try going in with the infrared thermometer and see what it looks like. Could check the dip stick too.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I loosen it with a ban type filter wrench then reach under the steering column to unscrew it and then stand it up with the gasket side up, stick my finger in the threaded hole and wiggle it out under the steering column.

  Vic Correnti