3.5L EcoBoost Looking for some guidance on oil changing

[Los150]

Hey all,

I need to change the oil and filter on my 2023 3.5L EB. I have done a lot of stuff to the truck that I'm comfortable with, such as rip out the interior, do electrical, etc but I've never had to change my own oil until now. Prior to purchasing this truck, all my vehicles were leases that included maintenance.

Any tools I should I purchase/use to make this process simpler (hand tools, stands, etc) and is there anything I should do before starting, to prevent any issues afterward?

I'm planning to purchase the Fumoto valve to make future changes easier as well.

Thank you in advance. Looking forward to learning something new and saving money instead of giving it away to the stealership.

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[Gros Ventre]

You need a 15mm socket to remove the oil pan plug. If you have the undercarriage screen by Ford, you'll need an 8 MM socket to take it off. As to the filter, I got one of those socket wrench "Claws" that grabs the filter and tightens as you turn to remove the filter. My OEM filter came off with a bit of muscle, but wasn't really bad (some quote magilla gorilla as the Ford tech who installs the OEM filter). You'll need some socket wrench/ratchet wrench extensions, say 3" maybe to have the needed swing on the ratchet wrench. Hand tighten the new filter but be sure you've put some ooomph behind the new filter as the system sees as much as 100# pressure.

 

[Larrymoe]

 

[INADAZE]

Hand tools are fine, but no one ever discusses the collection of the oil. What do they use, how do they dispose of it, etc? The collecting, storing, and disposing (fairly trial at the local dump) has always been my hindrance on my previous vehicles. I have a maintenance plan for the first 3Y/36K miles so I'm not concerned about it just yet, but plan to perform my routine maintenance after that.

I also have a slopped driveway and my garage is for workshop and storage so the entire logistics around it is something I need to figure out.

I may actually have the dealer install the ValvoMax valve or the Fumoto at my 5K oil change.

 

[Larrymoe]

I store the oil in the old oil containers from previous oil changes and then take them back to O'Reilly. They recycle it for free. Same with the filters.

In fact, that reminds me. I have some to take back next time.

 

[INADAZE]

I store the oil in the old oil containers from previous oil changes and then take them back to O'Reilly. They recycle it for free. Same with the filters.

In fact, that reminds me. I have some to take back next time.

Do you typically catch it in a pan and then pour it back into the empty containers?

 

[Fox146]

The oil changes on these are actually fairly easy. Theis a nuisance but comes off easy. Sizes are mentioned above. I use an oil filter socket wrench. There’s a hole in the plate for the oil to come out. 6 qts of oil is easy to dispense as well (1 big jug, 1 small if you want). Take your time the first one and yes the factory filter will be tight most likely

 

[Larrymoe]

Do you typically catch it in a pan and then pour it back into the empty containers?

Yes. I have a catch pan somebody gave me like 25 years ago for Christmas. It's very similar to this one-

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-95-1371-Drain-Pan-15/dp/B0024G1T9O

 

[HammaMan]

For captured oil, best to locate a farm or contractor with heavy machinery and get their 5g buckets with pour lids. We had dozens of them on the farm, eventually switched to 55g drums on pallets. Go to the auto parts store and unload them. They've started to lock their oil collection containers because they used to have to pay for disposal now they're paid for their used oil stock. Given NG's waste pricing, a lot of base oil stock is now natural gas derived. Just mix coolant / motor oil / gear oil / trans fluid into the same bucket and the processor will do the separating/disposing.

 

[Calson]

I pay my local independent garage $75 to do the oil change and replace the filter. No need to go to the dealer to have warranty protection. The garage recycles the oil and my money is recycled in the local community as well, unlike going to a chain store like Wal-Mart.

 

[HammaMan]

I pay my local independent garage $75 to do the oil change and replace the filter. No need to go to the dealer to have warranty protection. The garage recycles the oil and my money is recycled in the local community as well, unlike going to a chain store like Wal-Mart.

Given walmart's profit (or lack thereof), the number of employees they hire in the town, and even the ability to get local goods stocked into walmart -- well they change oil too. They also donate to local causes around the store. Walmart is just as local as any other store that gets the same supplies selling them for higher costs. Now if they'd only fix their hours.

People vote with their wallets if they realize it or not, and in a tight economy, walmart is an easy choice for most of the populace.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I haven’t paid anybody to change my oil in the last 42 years, I’m not gonna start now.

Call me crazy, but I like changing my own own oil. Getting under the truck gives me a chance to take a look at things. Corrosion hose deterioration you know whatever.

 

[Parthery]

My local dealer has a $29 works package happy hour special. I can't buy the oil and filter at Walmart or anywhere else for that price, let alone have to then dispose of the used oil. I'll let them do it.

 

[Gros Ventre]

You do realize that, at that price, the oil they put in is the cheapest they can find...

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

My local dealer has a $29 works package happy hour special. I can't buy the oil and filter at Walmart or anywhere else for that price, let alone have to then dispose of the used oil. I'll let them do it.

Nothing wrong with that at all.

For me, it’s not about the money. It’s about the quality of work, the quality of the oil and filters and being able to get underneath and see what’s going on with the truck.

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