Do I have to go to a dealer to get my oil changed? If I don't do I void warranty. Just need to know? All dealers sux after they get the deal done. BD

 

Definately not! Some would say that you need to keep receipts of the work or if it is a DIY job the oil and filter receipts... I don't! I figure if the engine blows and they try to claim neglect they will have a tough time convincing anyone that the pristine condition my Mobil1 treated engine is in is from neglect. If they can then, let 'em! Documenting is such a pain in the a$$ anyway!

See ya!

 

I have always changed my own oil, I personally don't trust anyone else to do it. Way too many stories of where a mechanic that was in a hurry to do 10 other waiting cars forgot a oil filter, didn't tighten it enough, didn't put in the right oil, etc.

The point is, they do have insurance when your oil filter falls off to repir the damage but I would rather not have that happen (especially if your out in the middle of nowhere offroading)

 

Change it yourself BD. That way you know it's done right. It only takes about 20-30 minutes if you take your time.

A couple things to watch out for:

A very sharp heat shield(?) right next to your filter. (will cut you!)

Turn your wheels all the way to the right. Makes removing the filter easier.

Use a funnel to put the oil back in. I made a mess the first time.

I used a strap-type filter wrench with a swivel handle. Worked great.

 

Right after I bought my Supercrew I talked to the service manager about oil changes. He said that if I were to do my own changes and the engine had problems 2-3 years down the road it would be hard for Ford to warranty it without receipts. How would they know the oil changes were ever made? Seems reasonable to me. The service manager said that if I kept a record of the oil changes with dates and mileage and threw all my oil and filter receipts (dated) in an envelope, then the dealer and Ford would have to accept that the changes were done. He also recommended that the receipt show only what was needed for 1 oil change - that buying 2 cases of oil didn't prove that you did a year worth of oil changes.
It is pretty easy to do and with all the hassle they gave me about the radiator size, I'll be durned if I will give them any excuses not to warranty my engine. I have always kept a little notebook in the glove box where I write down everything I do to the truck and now I also keep an envelope of receipts.

 

I will tell you that if you dont change your oil and the engine gets damaged you will be able to tell this because of the wear in the engine..Any decent tech will be able to detect if the engine has been neglected Vs taken care of...

 

Change it yourself, but keep this in mind.

- The seal on the oil filter has a tendancy to stick on the s/c, so check the old filter, and make sure the seal is there. If you put the new filter on and have both seal on there you'll have 6 quarts of oil on your driveway.

 

I want to confirm what supercrew3 said. I worked in a fast oil change shop when I was in school. The filters that end up with 2 gaskets on them will often seal for a few hours (or even a few days) and then let loose on the road when you don't expect it. It never happened on any of the cars I did, but the shop had to replace a few engines because of the doubled gaskets.

Now I always check that the gasket comes off with the old filter before I put the new filter on.

 

You guys bring up good points on the gaskets....

Dont forget to shake the filter also.....

 

That gasket thing will really kill you if you forget to check. I always put a light coat of oil on the new oil filter gasket to keep it sealed right and so it comes off easier next time.

As far as the recipts go for keeping track of the oil and filters you bought is a good idea and a cheap way of providing evidence in the *gasp* event that there is an engine problem. Also everyone should keep a log of there oil changes, etc.

You can keep you log book online at fordveicles.com, carpoint.msn.com, or even ownersite.com.

 

You guys are shaking your filters..Right?????


Keep a log helps....Excel or word will work as well...

 

i'm shakin' something, suppose i could shake my filter too!

 

Well boys changed the black gold today.10,000 miles and still smiling. Kept receipts. Takes a full 6-qts. Oil filter is a little tricky to get out from bottom if servicing on ramps. Filter will only come out and go in one way. Tight fit. Late-BD.

 

Yo,

Make sure you use MOBIL 1 oil.

Nordicbastard

 

Just out of curiosity, what does shaking the filter do?