I bought a brand new 2006 F150 and have just rolled 3000 miles. This is the first new vehicle I've ever owned and wondered if there was anything special I needed to know about the first oil change on my new truck.

It's a 4.6L V8.

Should I use synthetic or regular?
Should I change the oil at 3000 miles?

Thanks in advance.

 

Yes change the oil at 3k. Get all the metal particles out from the breakin period. And the oil debate has been hashed around on here quite a bit. A few schools of thought on oil preferance are floating around here but I believe we can all agree get a good oil that is SAE cert and and change it regularly (every 3k). Synth is a better oil but is by no means required. Find what suits your budget best and use it. I work my truck hard and feel better knowing I have the added protection of synth.

 

oh, since the first oil change is a real pain since fomoco puts the filters on with a machine, search and you will see the horror stories

let the dealer do the first oil change and then you do the rest.

 

The "standard" 5w20 Motorcraft Semi-Syn is just fine. You can run what you want, but I figured if its in the truck from the factory then its good enough for me. The oil filter is a SOB to get off. Take it to the dealer, or do it yourself, you have been warned. Change it every 3k and the motor should last a long time.

 

Yeah I didn't know that was an issue. Thank goodness I got oil changes for Life from my dealer. They use the Semi-Syn Oil.

 

Hard to beat that deal.

 

If you turn the wheels to the right alittle it allows more room to pull the filter out of there too.

 

Thanks for the info guys.

 

Oil filter can be a bear to get off, especially if you're trying to be neat about it. I've been going to the dealer for the last few changes, they use MC 5w-20 and a MC filter so all is well. The value of synthetic oil depends on several factors. IMHO if you are going to run extended drains (7500K or more), tow heavy loads, live in the tundra, or have very short rides (1-5 miles) it may be worth it. Otherwise the MC blend changed at 5K intervals will be fine.

 

Has anyone ripped that piece of plastic shielding near the oil filter off?

Any reason I shouldn't. Major Pain in the *** to work around.

 

Since the factory installed oil filter is such a pain to get off, most dealers will do the first oil change for free. The dealers in my area suggest the first oil change at 3K, and subsequent changes at the regular 5K interval. Use whatever type of oil your manual recommends. My manuals all say to use a 5W20 synthetic blend. The oil in my 5.4L trucks looks pretty clean even at 5K. Can't say that for the 6 cyl in the Sport Trac.

 

Anybody???

 

WTF? I just did mine. Piece of cake. Area's a little tight to work in, but just take your time.

My factory filter came off no problem. I just used my usual filter removal tool (articulated "vise-grip" style).

What are you guys eating for breakfast??? Do-nuts? And, you need to work on your arm/forearm & wrist strength. I recommend wrist curls .

Your doing it on a warm engine, right?

Time to suck it up and do it yourselves, boys

Cheers
Bubba

 

 

Isn't that just a catch pan to direct the oil into your drain pan?