I checked my oil today and boy was it dirty. I have not changed it yet since I got it and I currently have 2000 miles on it. Everybody talks about using Mobal 1 Synthetic but which do I use. Today when I was looking, there was a choice for normal engines, performance engines, and something in between. What I need to know is what do I need to get? Or do I just stick with 5W-20? Also, do certain auto parts stores have the Motorcraft oil filters or do any of them have it.

This will be my first time changing the oil myself on a vehicle so I also need to know how do you people safely get under your trucks to do it.

I know this is talked about all the time and I was trying to search this up but I had a problem with it.

Thanks for any help!

 

Most here, including me, run Mobil 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic. You are going to need 6 quarts of it. The easiest way to change it is to buy Rhino Ramps and a drain pan from Discount Auto Parts or Autozone (others may have this stuff as well but these are the two in my area). Drive the front of the truck up onto the ramps and engage the parking brake. Drain the oil and remove the filter. Give it a while to completely drain, then replace the drain plug and attach the new filter. The filter is Motorcraft FL820S and it is available at mostly every auto store. You are also going to need a filter removal tool. After that just put in the new oil and you should be done.

 

WHat he said and if you are a skinny guy like me you can get under the truck to drain the oil and change the filter without ramps. Dont forget to put the plug back in before you put the new oil in.

 

LOL? Learn that the hard way?

 

You should pour about 1/2 a quart of oil(full synthetic--I use Royal Purples' #11(5W20) Racing oil but Mobil 1's Synthetic 5W30 or 0W20 is ok.) into the oil filter before you screw it on. Also, take your forefinger and smear some new oil on the filter's rubber gasket before screwing it on. Don't overtighten either the filter or the drain plug. The plug can strip the treads of the pan and an over-tightened filter may be almost impossible to remove the next time. Using 6 qts is correct even though it will only show about 1/2 full on the dipstick after refilling.

Do not get under your L with just a jack holding it up. Put jack stands under the front end if you don't get ramps.

Dan

 

Go to Wal-Mart and buy your oil and filter. I use 0W-20 Mobil 1 and Motorcraft filter only. You can get the FL820S filter from Wal-Mart for under $3.00 ($2.97 here).

I also get the 0W-20 Mobil 1 at Wal-Mart, however I beleive your '03 requires 5W-20 which you can also get at Wal-Mart. 0W-20 Mobil 1 replaces 5W-20 at least that's what it says on the bottle.

I run 0W-20 all year round here in HOT A$$ Texas with no problems.

Enjoy your Lightning.....

 

Some people switch to synthetic from the get go, others wait till about 8K mi.. I personally stick with what came from the factory which is Motorcraft 5w-20 Synthetic Blend. If you change your oil ever 3K mi. then you're going to be fine no matter which way you go.

 

I'd suggest going with some motorcraft 5-20 til about the 5,000 mile mark. Then switching to full synthetic.

Oh and I absolutely second LIGHTNINRODs suggestion of prefilling the filter. There is nothing like running those main bearing dry for a few seconds.

Rich B

 

I'm fortunate to have a remote filter on my truck, which is upright so i pretty much fill the filter to the brim, but I've also heard you can wot the throttle and crank the engine a couple time to get the oil flowing before you start the truck up for real. Also don't over tighten the thing, i've never used a filter wrench before and i dont think you should have to.

Also looking at the oil and saying it looks dirty means nothing really. You need proper analysis to see if its ok or not. Id bet you could put fresh oil in, run it for 2 days, and itll come out similar.

 

i have an 03 and use motorcraft 5w20 (5200 miles on it), i've changed the oil twice so far, tranny fluid once (new trans pan/line mod valve). I know people are going to get on me, but i haven't changed the filter yet.....it's on really tight for some reason and i actually bent the filter trying to get it out, so i am going to take it to the dealer to have them change it tomorrow....i've tried everything, strap wrench and all....nothing works....and yes, i'm trying in the right direction!! I'm just going to stick with the factor oil, although i may go to total syn in a few thousand if i really up the HP....not really sure.... I didn't have to use a jack or anything for my truck, just squeezed under there and make sure not to overtighten the plug back in!!

 

YEp. left the plug out of the oil tank on my race car. Poured 11 qts in the drain pan and didnt even relize it untill i went to mone the pan and the plug was not on. That was two years ago when i was 15 so you have to learn somewhere.

 

Thanks guys, this is really beinging helpfull! Seems like some of you think I need to wait a few more thousand miles before I put
synthetic in. Whats the reason, does it help break in the engine more? Kinda need to know because Im going to Wal-Mart tommarrow to get the oil and filter.

 

hehehe......I am by no means skinny. At last check I was 260lb, so I am alittle round. I am also 6ft but still it seems like sometimes I need to special order my clothes.

Even that, I don't think I need ramps or jacks. Half my driveway is flat and the other half is slanted upwards. My truck is till stock so it is a little high up. So, if I park the truck just right, it will give me room to get under it. Look in my gallery of my L on the driveway, that sould help you get a idea of how it is.

 

That's the theory ("seating the rings"), but that is outdated thinking. From Mobil 1:

"You can start using Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ in new vehicles at any time, even in brand-new vehicles. In fact, Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ is original equipment (it is installed at the factory) in:

Chevrolet Corvette
All Porsche vehicles
Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles
Dodge Viper
Ford Mustang Cobra R
All Aston Martin cars

One of the myths that persists about Mobil 1 is that new engines require a break-in period with conventional oil. Current engine manufacturing technology does not require this break-in period. As indicated by the decisions of the engineers who design these high-performance cars, Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ can be used in an engine from the day you drive the car off the showroom floor."

But waiting 5K anyway is not going to hurt anything and will save you a few bucks. I used dino oil up to a few thousand miles, but only because I changed the oil several times in the first few months.

 

It is true the Mobil 1 has taken that stance with thier newer SuperSyn™ oils.

However.... We (tier 1 supplier) impregnate the operating surfaces of the vital parts to protect against the infrequient startups, thermocycles, and just general hard use before break in (1st few thousand miles). Adding a full synthetic environment before those impregnated oils have a chance to wear off just is not recommended from this Motown engineer.

Rich