Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Finding the oil filter for 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

oberon · 11-08-2005, 10:06 PM

I'll have to remember the curb trick.

I was able to complete my oil change. On Sunday I realized that the filter wrench I bought, which uses a chain to adjust the length, simply wouldn't work in the tight situation around the filter in the ZJ V8 engine. There just isn't enough room for 2 hands, and the chain falls apart before I can get any grip. So last night I bought a rim/ring/whatever style wrench and after about 10 minutes of shifting around under the Jeep, easily removed the filter. I had expected the filter to come off quickly, but it took several turns and it was then that I realized it's kind of like the opposite of a screw. So anyway, I took the old filter, removed the excess oil, etc. Then I coated the new filter with fresh oil and installed it by hand, no wrench at all. Poured 5 quarts of fresh oil in the engine and tested everything. Works like a charm. No leaks either. I've driven it 25 miles since then. She runs at about 195 degrees, 30-50 psi oil pressure.

I think my oil should last quite a while.

I plan to check the oil fairly often, and expect to change it again in about 5000-6000 miles or so. Hopefully the winter will be gone by then.

So.. any ideas what I can do with the old filter? I took the used oil to an auto parts shop nearby and they said they didn't take filters...

And, damn, that old oil was pretty black. I hope I didn't damage my engine too much with such contaminated oil.

11-08-2005, 10:06 PM	#17 (permalink)
oberon Quadrature Amplitude Modulator Location: Denver	I'll have to remember the curb trick. I was able to complete my oil change. On Sunday I realized that the filter wrench I bought, which uses a chain to adjust the length, simply wouldn't work in the tight situation around the filter in the ZJ V8 engine. There just isn't enough room for 2 hands, and the chain falls apart before I can get any grip. So last night I bought a rim/ring/whatever style wrench and after about 10 minutes of shifting around under the Jeep, easily removed the filter. I had expected the filter to come off quickly, but it took several turns and it was then that I realized it's kind of like the opposite of a screw. So anyway, I took the old filter, removed the excess oil, etc. Then I coated the new filter with fresh oil and installed it by hand, no wrench at all. Poured 5 quarts of fresh oil in the engine and tested everything. Works like a charm. No leaks either. I've driven it 25 miles since then. She runs at about 195 degrees, 30-50 psi oil pressure. I think my oil should last quite a while. I plan to check the oil fairly often, and expect to change it again in about 5000-6000 miles or so. Hopefully the winter will be gone by then. So.. any ideas what I can do with the old filter? I took the used oil to an auto parts shop nearby and they said they didn't take filters... And, damn, that old oil was pretty black. I hope I didn't damage my engine too much with such contaminated oil. __________________ "There are finer fish in the sea than have ever been caught." -- Irish proverb Last edited by oberon; 11-08-2005 at 10:14 PM..