Any tips for a clean oil change on the V8?

[bflan2001]

30 years working on cars. This V8 is the worst oil change I've ever done. There's a drain tray below the filter that, you would think, would direct oil flow forward. Instead, oil flows to the back of the tray, down onto the steering rack, etc. And the drain plug for the oil pan causes pooling on the subframe & belly pan bracket. Honestly in the 100+ vehicles I've changed oil on, this F150 is easily the dumbest design. I guess I can get one of those Fumoto valves to avoid getting oil all over the subframe but I don't see an easy to solution to deal with that stupid oil filter drain tray.

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[Je1279]

I have the fumoto drain valve on mine along with the hose kit and I would highly recommend that combo (especially if you have added the Raptor skid plate). As for the filter, remove it very slowly and the oil flow is controlled and goes directly into a properly placed drain pan. I usually have my truck on ramps and I've never had an issue with oil from the rear filter drain outlet hitting the steering rack.

 

[HammaMan]

Odd, on the 3.5s the tray has a inverted V shape that directs the oil either back to the hole in the skid plate or forward. My most recent oil change all oil was directed to the back drain location. I have the tremor/raptor style skid plate and everything is accessed through a small access plate. It was simple. For final clean up I carefully sprayed the tray w/ brake parts (not full on spray, lightly as possible) and ran a paper towel around by feel. Was simple and didn't make any sort of mess.

 

[bflan2001]

I have the fumoto drain valve on mine along with the hose kit and I would highly recommend that combo (especially if you have added the Raptor skid plate). As for the filter, remove it very slowly and the oil flow is controlled and goes directly into a properly placed drain pan. I usually have my truck on ramps and I've never had an issue with oil from the rear filter drain outlet hitting the steering rack.

One of the issues with that stupid filter drain tray is that it’s designed to let oil flow in both directions (forward and back) and standard oil pans aren’t big enough for both so you need two pans. My truck is stock 4x4 height and after slowly removing the filter I got oil dripping at the front and back end of that tray.

 

[HammaMan]

One of the issues with that stupid filter drain tray is that it’s designed to let oil flow in both directions (forward and back) and standard oil pans aren’t big enough for both so you need two pans. My truck is stock 4x4 height and after slowly removing the filter I got oil dripping at the front and back end of that tray.

On ramps it should only flow through the back one. I keep a little 12oz plastic cup ready on the front JIC.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

On ramps it should only flow through the back one. I keep a little 12oz plastic cup ready on the front JIC.

This is the ticket…….a set of ramps persuades the oil to flow rearward, with the 3.5 or 5.0

I order 90% isopropyl alcohol and use it as a rinse agent in a spray bottle. Any, with is usually zero, spilled or splashed oil is easily rinsed. No residue left behind.

 

[mmdpg]

I tape an empty paper towel role center cardboard tube over the rear tray drain to get all the oil to flow past the suspension and frame parts and into the catch pan. I also put a "form a funnel" under the front tray drain and into a second drain pan and pack paper towels around the back of the tray in case of splashing.

I hate to see oil drips after a change and not knowing if the filter is leaking or if its just oil that ended up on the frame or was left in the tray.

 

[jeffrt]

I always use ramps, and the oil always flows to the rear, and right through the small hole Ford put into the skid plate. The only issue I find is that it's hard to wipe that tray after, so it drips for while after a change.

 

[bflan2001]

I appreciate all the tips posted, and for confirming that this is indeed a very poorly engineered oil change setup. Thanks Ford!

 

[Jmitchelltfo]

On ramps it should only flow through the back one. I keep a little 12oz plastic cup ready on the front JIC.

As soon as I break the filter loose, I wedge one of these under the filter adapter to catch as much as possible. Spin the filter off and leave it in the sammich tub.

My last oil change didn't have one drop even hit the OEM "Two-Way Oil Diverter Tray".

I need to trademark that term for Ford by the way.

To be fair, I do use a four-post lift when I'm not doing oil changes on ramps in my driveway.

Valvomax makes the drain plug a breeze to work around my RCI skids for zero mess or hassle.

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