Questions about oil change

[dtillsstang]

Hey everyone, I’m at 1300 miles and been waiting for my race ramps to be sent out to me. Just needed some advice. I haven’t done an oil change in a very long time, and I’ve always done it with my dad. I was going to do my own oil changes using the motor craft filter, and Amsoil 5w30 synthetic. I’ve been getting told that I should let the dealer do it, but the dealers around here dont have the greatest reviews for their service. I’m just wondering if it’s a bad idea for me to do it myself as it’s been a long time. Will me doing my own oil change using the oil I listed mess up the warranty? I will log the changes into FordPass and carfax, and keep all my reciepts. Just wanted your guys opinion if I’m doing something dumb before I go through with it lol. Just not a fan of trusting people with my car as Ive had bad experiences with my Camaros at the dealer. Thank you!

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[Skye]

No, doing your own maintenance will not affect the warranty.

Ford has a reasonable expectation the owner can provide supporting documentation showing:

1. The maintenance schedule was followed

2. Replacement parts met or exceeded the Ford requirement

Photos, receipts, log book entries, etc. Someone who has been good with maintenance, whether DIY or favored shop, will be able to speak to the history of the car, without hesitation.

Edit,

Being the first time you're changing the oil in this car, take your time. Block plenty of time so you can pace yourself. Being unfamiliar with things like the belly pan or filter, clean-up and all that, you'll need some additional moments. Future oil changes will be more straightforward.

 

[downtheroad]

I think watch a few YouTube’s and you’ll be good.

 

[dtillsstang]

Thank you, I checked the amsoil and it met the specifications in the manual. I have watched a couple videos on it and it doesn’t seem like something I couldn’t handle. I read the torque specs for the filter, is there a tool I can buy to torque the oil filter, or will be hand tightening and then the extra 1/2 turn or so it requires be sufficient? I noticed people in the videos just did it by hand. I appreciate the response.

 

[downtheroad]

Thank you, I checked the amsoil and it met the specifications in the manual. I have watched a couple videos on it and it doesn’t seem like something I couldn’t handle. I read the torque specs for the filter, is there a tool I can buy to torque the oil filter, or will be hand tightening and then the extra 1/2 turn or so it requires be sufficient? I noticed people in the videos just did it by hand. I appreciate the response.

Tighten with hand turning with bare hand until you can’t turn it. Always works for me.

 

[Skye]

After putting some fresh oil on the O-ring, I tighten mine by hand only. Each filter I've used, there are turn instructions available. I've never had one come undone. If anything, all the heat cycles make it a PITA to remove it later. LOL.

Things like this, if there are not specific hand-tightening instructions, I tighten it as best I can with one hand only. Snug and secure, but not wailing on it. The springiness of the O-ring works like a lock washer, keeping tension on the filter while at rest.

 

[roadpilot]

Tighten with hand turning with bare hand until you can’t turn it. Always works for me.

I go hand tight until I can't turn it any more, then 1/8 turn with the wrench.

 

[dtillsstang]

Thanks everyone, just got the email my race ramps are on the way, gonna order the oil and filter tonight and hopefully have it changed this weekend! Will let you guys know how it went.

 

[Gr8ful]

Removing the underbody panel makes the job much easier. Maybe you must. I do all my cars changes and some have small panels to access the drain plug and filter. Plus you get see the engine compartment from the underside. It's held on by a couple screws and many plastic push clips.
You will feel closer to your machine when doing it yourself and knowing it was done right. Remember the least experienced tech does the oil changes at the dealership.

 

[MAT1955]

@dtillsstang .... yes, you can do it. IMO forget the Amsoil and any of that other over hyped crap. That crap is more expensive and often not nearly as good as Ford Motorcraft oil.....so, IMO use Ford Motorcraft FULL synthetic oil and the Ford oil filter. Change your oil as hot as you can stand it. Use a protective glove and avoid the hot oil. Pre-fill your oil filter and wipe some new oil on the oil filter's gasket. You would be helped if you had a tool to remove the push pins in the fiberboard belly pan. You could purchase the tool cheap on Amazon or any local part store.

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