The Ford Barn

Bob from Northport · 01-23-2024, 06:43 PM

Anyone have any tricks on removing and replacing the oil filter on a 256 engine?? The engine has been coverted to a spin on filter element

paul2748 · 01-23-2024, 08:15 PM

You should be able to spin it off. If you can't get it by hand, get a removal tool from your local parts store. Don't forget the pan underneath it.

Bob from Northport · 01-23-2024, 10:23 PM

I was looking for some hints on how to removed it once I had it loose. I spun it off, but had a hell of a time getting it off/out of the engine compartment area. The power steering and motor mount were in the way.

KULTULZ · 01-24-2024, 03:29 AM

Would a shorter canister length help removal? You're sayng the filter element itself is too long for easy removal/install?

Bob from Northport · 01-24-2024, 09:29 AM

It had a shorter filter on the car. Between the power steering hoses and unit, the motor mount, the oil pump, the wiring, it was very hard to snake the filter out of the engine area.

5851a · 01-24-2024, 10:54 AM

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What has worked for me on a newer car that I can't get to the filter is the large socket, that fits perfectly on the end of a Motorcraft filter. I use an extension on ratchet and can snake filter out. It doesn't solve the mess just makes it easier to get to.

paul2748 · 01-24-2024, 08:14 PM

It's kind of tight, but I haven't had a real problem with my 54 Ford. But I don't have power steering.

Alaska Jim · 01-24-2024, 09:05 PM

If you are using a Motorcraft FL1A, try using a Motorcraft FL-300. it is a couple inches shorter

miker98038 · 01-24-2024, 10:42 PM

A lot of Fords were that way. You turned the wheel here, put the wrench there, looked over your right shoulder and spit, and the filter came out. Unless the wind was blowing from the north, then it wouldn’t. The answer is the shorter filter

Might be why so many Y blocks didn’t get the oil and filter changes they should have. Combined with non detergent oil you get the upper oiling problems.

01-23-2024, 06:43 PM	#1
Bob from Northport Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: 215 E. 6th Street Northport, Michigan 49670 Posts: 941	54 mercury 256 question Anyone have any tricks on removing and replacing the oil filter on a 256 engine?? The engine has been coverted to a spin on filter element __________________ Bob from Northport Northport, Michigan

01-23-2024, 08:15 PM	#2
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 3,982	Re: 54 mercury 256 question You should be able to spin it off. If you can't get it by hand, get a removal tool from your local parts store. Don't forget the pan underneath it. __________________ 48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria

01-23-2024, 10:23 PM	#3
Bob from Northport Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: 215 E. 6th Street Northport, Michigan 49670 Posts: 941	Re: 54 mercury 256 question I was looking for some hints on how to removed it once I had it loose. I spun it off, but had a hell of a time getting it off/out of the engine compartment area. The power steering and motor mount were in the way. __________________ Bob from Northport Northport, Michigan

01-24-2024, 03:29 AM	#4
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,475	Re: 54 mercury 256 question Would a shorter canister length help removal? You're sayng the filter element itself is too long for easy removal/install?

01-24-2024, 09:29 AM	#5
Bob from Northport Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: 215 E. 6th Street Northport, Michigan 49670 Posts: 941	Re: 54 mercury 256 question It had a shorter filter on the car. Between the power steering hoses and unit, the motor mount, the oil pump, the wiring, it was very hard to snake the filter out of the engine area. __________________ Bob from Northport Northport, Michigan

01-24-2024, 10:54 AM	#6
5851a Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NE Iowa Posts: 1,664	Re: 54 mercury 256 question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) What has worked for me on a newer car that I can't get to the filter is the large socket, that fits perfectly on the end of a Motorcraft filter. I use an extension on ratchet and can snake filter out. It doesn't solve the mess just makes it easier to get to.

01-24-2024, 08:14 PM	#7
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 3,982	Re: 54 mercury 256 question It's kind of tight, but I haven't had a real problem with my 54 Ford. But I don't have power steering. __________________ 48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria

01-24-2024, 09:05 PM	#8
Alaska Jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 1,575	Re: 54 mercury 256 question If you are using a Motorcraft FL1A, try using a Motorcraft FL-300. it is a couple inches shorter

01-24-2024, 10:42 PM	#9
miker98038 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,398	Re: 54 mercury 256 question A lot of Fords were that way. You turned the wheel here, put the wrench there, looked over your right shoulder and spit, and the filter came out. Unless the wind was blowing from the north, then it wouldn’t. The answer is the shorter filter Might be why so many Y blocks didn’t get the oil and filter changes they should have. Combined with non detergent oil you get the upper oiling problems.