Dumb question. I am a computer geek that bought my own truck... how do I change my own oil? ANy nebie guide on the net? Also how to I get rid of the old oil and what kind of oil/filtershould I use?

 

Most auto parts stores will take back the old oil. As for which oil and filter to use it is really personal preference. But you can't go wrong using Ford Motorcraft oil and filter. As for the procedure check your owners manual (the least read printed material in history).

-Jon

 

Direction to change oil for computer geeks:
First you need to make sure that the engine is at operating temp. This can be achieved by driving around town and eventually heading toward the Ford dealership. Pull up to the service door and honk your horn. When you finally get someones attention wave them over to your vehicle. While they are walking up to you and your new truck observe the expression on their face. If they look pissed you should probably just drive off! If not then when they get to you, ask them to change the oil for you. If they look pissed, DRive away!! While doing all this keep your engine running, for quicker getaway!!!
Hey no flaming intended
I just could not let this one get away!!!
If you are not comfortable to change your own oil, There is no shame in having someone else do it for you. My choose would be Ford service. I have been told that if you want to use you own oil,i.e. synthetic,and a mobil 1 filter that they would let you bring them in to have them install them for you. Usually you can watch from a distance to learn how to change your own oil.
Man I know I will get slammed for this one!!
Open mouth and insert foot!
Good luck, Mark.

 

I admit I don't change my own oil.
I know it costs a little bit more to have someone else change it.
I make up for it by cutting my own hair.
(It's actually easier than changing the oil)
and the spike/bald patch look is in now.

 

1971, pickup a Haynes or Chilton repair manual. there is a easy to follow section on doing basic maintenence. You will find that by reading the steps there are alot of tasks that are within your reach.

 

...all "REAL" men change their own oil. This is a great manly tradition passed down from father to son, and part of the "bonding" process between you and your ride and your kids.

You avoid all the potential problems associated with some personnel at the "quick change" places that put in the wrong oil or the improper amount or don't screw the drain plug in correctly or whatever.

You need a few tools, some wheel ramps (if you don't have clearance under the vehicle), a drain pan, and a couple cold brews. And, when you're doing it, show your kids how so they can carry on the tradition.

Also remember: oil is HOT and burns when it runs up your arm into your armpit, and block the wheels so the vehicle won't roll down the ramps (never trust and emergency brake!).

 

Why did I have to go and read that during lunch? It made me spill my quiche from my cardigan all the way down to my sandals.

 

My g/f always took her car to Jiffy Lube to get her oil changed. I always just did my, later on I started doing hers. Anyways the first time I did her oil after JL did it before that. I crawled under there with my wrench in hand. Put the wrench on the drain plug and the wrench just slipped off. Careful inspection reviled that JL stripped off every corner of the plug, completely round. Took a set of vise grips to get it off, then had to go buy a new drain plug. I wouldn't thrust my car to any oil place or mechanic for that matter. I do my own work on the cars and I come out 50-75% cheaper every time.

 

It's easy! It's cheaper! It's rewarding!

It's very simple if you follow a few rules.

You have a truck so no jack or ramps needed.

Get a drain pan with a lid so that you can transport the used oil with out having to pour it into another container

buy the same oil and filter every oil change and get one of those end cap wrenches that fit your size filter (Good for over the front pumpkin jobs)

get a ratcheting closed/boxed end wrench that fits your drain plug there fool proof and have arrows that say "off" and "on"

Now for the job;

warm the engine by driving to the store and getting your oil and filter) if the store is real far away let the truck cool 10-15 min)

crawl under the truck and place the pan under the drain plug put your new wrench on it with "off" facing out and turn counter clockwise unitl the plug comes loose, now use your fingers and slowly unscrew the plug until oil starts to drip out now unscrew it very fast and pull it away as sson as its free so that you don't get hot oil in your armpit.

now crawl out and open the filler cap in the engine compartment so that air can get in and let the oil flow out. let the truck drain until no more is coming out.

now crawl back under the truck remembering your wrench and bring your new filter wrench and 3/8 socket wrench put the plug back in and hand tighten put your wrench to it and pull a 1/4 turn (clockwise)

slide your drain pan under the filter and put your new wrench on it and turn it counter clockwise until the oil again starts to flow. once the flow subsides reach up there and unscrew it the rest of the way by hand

now get your hands on your new filter and put some new oil on the little rubber gasket (you can aslo put some fresh oil in the filter if you like) using only your hands be very careful and screw the filter back on making sure to not cross thread it. once it gets tight turn it 1/4 turn farther with your hand only! do not use a wrench here or you will never get it off!

now fill with the reccomended amount of oil and start the engine let idle for 60 seconds turn off wait 2 min then check oil level and adjust if needed. Be sure to not over fill!!! the midle of the hash marks on the dipstick is fine.

Sorry for such a long reply but these are the basics

Also remeber to only use what your truck calls for eith 5w-30 or 5w-20 and nothing else!

my long .02

peace

 

The bad thing about the quick lube places is that 90% of them use Fram oil filters that are badged differently. Jiffy Lube uses Pennzoil filters that are really Frams. For about $6 more I can change my own oil with synthetic and a quality filter.

 

Part of the trick is to always go to the same iol change place. I always do the Fast Lane quicky change at the dealer. If a drain plug ever gets stripped or cross-threaded, its obviously their fault (with paperwork to prove it).

 

very funny. HA

 

While you're at the auto parts store, make sure to ask the guy behind the counter for a drain plug gasket as well. It will look like a washer, and will either be copper or plastic (copper is better). When you have the drain plug out, remove the old gasket (it will probably require cutting it off the drain plug with a razor knife). make sure to put the new gasket on the drain plug before putting it back in the pan.

What year is your truck? Which engine?

Take care,
-Chris

 

Important. Make sure gasket from old filter comes off with the filter. If it sticks to the engine and you end up with two gaskets you will blow oil big time when engine is started. (At least that was what I was told) Just kidding did it on my truck and I have been changing oil in autos for 25 years.

 

Motorcraft oil filter box says...3/4 turns from contact with block....

Copper crush washers on 96 and olders...

Rubber o-rings on drain plugs of newer vehicles...