ST - getting access to oil filter and spark plugs

[cs02rm0]

Right. So in between the engine and the air filter box (you can just seen the orange edge of the air filter) is a long box with vertical risen edges all along it - "the mystery box" to me.

It restricts access to the oil filter housing (nestled down in the gap between the left edge of the air filter box and the mystery box) and also to where I believe the spark plugs are located - where you can see along the lower edge of the engine are green wires (HT leads)?



So, I want to get this box off at some point, I think. Preferably sooner rather than later as the oil filter housing has been leaking a bit, probably because I didn't tighten it up properly as I was struggling with the angle.

Question is, where and how do I disconnect the mystery box? Bonus points if you know what it's actually called!

Thanks.

[reckless st]

the part with the ridges on i beleive is the intake manifold but the plugs are located under the ST duratec cover on top of engine.
to get to the oil filter better fit a cold air induction system (CAIS)

[roscozs]

Yup the ridged box is the inlet manifold. The airbox contains the ECU and so its a pig to get out. You can get to the oilfilter and tighten it properly with the throttle body pipe removed. If you have a 27mm or 32mm socket on a long extention you can get on the oil filter housing. Its tight but it can be done. Been a while since ive serviced an ST so I cant remember exactly how its done if Ive missed anything.

[cs02rm0]

roscozs said:

You can get to the oilfilter and tighten it properly with the throttle body pipe removed.

Is that the black pipe below the filter housing? That's how I got the filter out, it was really tight though and because of the inlet manifold the extension was at an angle so the grip isn't the best and it started to round off the plastic nut shape on the filter housing.

Trying to avoid going down the modding route for the moment!

[roscozs]

Yeah thats the pipe. Now you saying the socket doesnt go on properly rings a bell and your right it can round off but Its the only way we have figured out to get onto it. Unless you have a large ring spanner. I will check Fords procedure.




No procedure shown for oil filter removal.

Edited by roscozs on Sunday 2nd May 21:32

[blueST]

I did an oil filter change on mine in March. You can do it without removing the inlet manifold. You do need to remove the cold air inlet pipe to the air box though. It's easy enough to do, once you've unscrewed the plastic cover from the front panel it just twists off.

You'll need a large socket, can't remember the size, to open the oil filter housing.

Spark plugs are under the "Duratec ST" logod rocker cover. You'll need to remove the big black turbo pipe first though. It's quite fiddly and time consuming but not difficult.