After 5200 miles I finally found something I do not like about my 2011 Ecoboost (besides the 26 gallon tank).

I removed all the applicable skid plates before I started; don't mind adequate prep work to have a successful project. The oil drain plug on a horizontal surface is just wrong. The oil shoots to the side when released at a unanticipated distance; then you have to move the oil pan as pressure decreases. Also I can't imagine that it actually drains all the way.

Anyways, I made a decent mess and moved on to the conveniently located oil filter. This thing is so far out of the way Ford installed a oil filter drain spout which means you get to clean the collection pan too.

I have changed the oil on countless vehicles (cartridge and element filters) and this was by far the biggest PITA.

Don't mean to complain about a truck that is a truly great truck, but I would encourage all of you who can conveniently access an honest dealer to have them change the oil. Price has got to be relatively similar plus saves you a roll of shop towels.

Take this for what it is worth, JMHO.

Happy New Year,

Rob

 

Yes I found the same things you did. This is my fourth truck, had a 07 chevy, 07 F250 and 08 F250, this truck takes the cake for stupid oil changes. Having to take panel off is dumb as well as the plug is horizontal and not straight down. I would agree if you have the time and only pay a few more bucks have some else do it. Since 07 IVe had 4-5 new or newer cars and this one takes the cake.


https://www.f150online.com/forums/v6...-ecoboost.html

 

It takes me about 1-2 extra minutes to remove the skid plate with my air ratchet. But other than that it's no worse changing the oil on my EB than any other vehicle I've owned.

 

Sounds like the perfect candidate for a remote oil filter!

 

Thing is you really dont have to remove the skid plate just take that drivers side rubber plate off. Either way the second time around will be easy. But its still stupid to have the oil pan plug going horizontal and the oil filter is located in a dumb spot IMVHO

 

Next time follow this write up, it will be easier.

Ecoboost Oil Change

Outside of the horizontal drain plug it's not that bad. Everything that needs to be removed uses a quick release fastener.

 

There are a few things I always check before purchasing a vehicle.
1. Can I easily reach the eng oil dipstick?
2. Where is the oil filter located?
3. Where is the oil plug in relation to chassis components?
4. How big of a hassle is it going to be if I change the oil?
5. Can I access the air filter easily?

Sorry for the troubles. Maybe it will be a more pleasureable experience the next time you change the oil.

 

you could get one of those oil change helpers. Hard to describe but I'll make an attempt. You put a replacement plug in the drain pan that comes with an attachment with a four or five inch hose and whenever you attach it to the replacement plug the oil starts draining and you aim it where you need it to go. Maybe that would help you.

 

thats another thing the dip stick you either have to crawl up the front of the engine or reach hard from the side and risk putting scratches into your front quarter. I am average height, somebody shorter would really suck.

 

All the new F-150 motors I looked at are this way. It was hard to reach on a 2wd 5.0. For some reason they buried the dipstick on these trucks.

 

Yep, the dealer will be the only one to worry about that on my truck . Plus it's all logged in their computer and they can't deny warranty issues on somebody else installing non warranteed parts (oil, filter,etc.)

 

The manual tells you how to do your oil changes and states nothing about having to keep your receipts, etc in order for you to remain in warranty.

Also with the Magnesson-Moss Act they legally can not deny your warranty unless they can prove that your oil change messed it up. Which be honest ford has more money than you and if you get in a fight they will win. To negate this you only have to save your receipts for the oil and material and keep track of mileage on those.

Dont be foolish and think Fords computer is going to save all of your records, and if it came to a battle those records might magically disappear, I would still save the receipts. My chevy dealer lost records on a chevy I had once only 3 years ago, so it happens.

 

O/P - get one of these: http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/

No more mess - just stick a hose on the end when you're ready to drain into a pan.

 

My truck has a horizontal drain bolt. I have one of those round oil containers and I place the lip directly underneath the drain and the rest sticking out where its going to shoot. So when the bolt is out, the fluid shoots to the other side of the container and as pressure drops, the distance drops to a near vertical. I never have to move mine.

 

Yeah if you got a big enough one like the 16qt one you could do that. Just be warned if you never have done it. It shoots out about 18-24in and then comes back in so if you have a small one you cant just leave it and walk away