Originally Posted By: globey
Originally Posted By: kkreit01
^ If that were the case on the Fusion/Mazda, it wouldn't be bad either. However, the cartridge filter is located underneath. You first have to get out your 10mm wrench to remove some bolts for the plastic shield.
My 2.3L Fusion doesn't have a shield to remove.
Originally Posted By: kkreit01
^ You then have to locate your special cap filter wrench to remove the plactic cap.
Yes, it's called getting the tools before you begin a job. I don't see how that's a difficult task. I suppose getting a funnel is difficult too?
Originally Posted By: kkreit01
Upon loosening, quickly grab your pan, because oil starts dripping/pouring all over -- and on the main bottom engine shield.
No shield.
Originally Posted By: kkreit01
Before you put everything back on, you now have dirty oil all over the filter cap -- which you must clean off. This also assumes you didn't actually remove the oil filter plug (another source of potential metal-->plastic thread failure). I had my Fusion for 1.5 years, and never removed the oil filter drain plug. Make sure to grab your torque wrench, and set it to 20 ft-lbs before tightening the plastic cap.
So, don't overtighten? Check...you still run the risk of overtightening a metal cannister. Then, if you can't get the spin on off because you tightened it too much, you have to "locate" an oil filter wrench. Too many needed steps.
Honestly, it's not as hard as people make it out...plus the cartridge is on the bottom, in this case, and none of my engine components get dirtied up from the oil. Remove cap/cartridge, replace cartridge/o-ring, remove drain plug. Put cap on, replace drain plug and fill. Does it take a few extra minutes? Maybe...but I've done about five of them and I have it down pretty good. In the end, the benefits outweigh the costs...at least to me.
You're right -- it's not that hard. It was actually easier than I expected after reading all the horror stories. For me, it was just a pain compared to spin-on. Yes, a pain for selfesh reasons. I never had any issues, and I used all the correct tools. What year is your Fusion? Did you buy it new? I thought they all had a shield on the bottom? It would be much better without it, but I assuming it helps for airflow -- gas mileage.