3.5L PowerBoost Do you bring engine up to operating temperature before changing oil?

[Mike_D]

Just curious.....when changing your motor oil, do you go for a drive first to bring the engine up to operating temperature, then drain the oil? Or do you drain it when the engine is cold? Does it matter either way?

I run Mobil 1 Extended Performance full synthetic 5W-30 with Motorcraft filter in my 2022 F-150 PowerBoost 3.5L, will be changing the oil tomorrow. I've always warmed up the engine first, but wondering if this extra step is really necessary? Thanks.

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[Rinn69]

I've done it both ways, but usually get the engine warm and drain, then pour in a 1/2 qt to (maybe) flush any "sediment" from the bottom of the pan out. And after I fill it back up, I let the engine turn over (hold the pedal to the floor and crank it over) for 4-5 seconds before I start it. I feel it gets the new oil distributed and pre-pressurized before running it.

 

[RcFlyer330]

I have always warmed my powerboost up to full temp before changing the oil. But I also have to drive 15miles to where I change my oil so not much help there. I do warm up any engine (small engines, tractor, and boat) to full temp before changing the oil.

Is warming up the oil nessassary well it does make it flow faster, it mixes the oil, and maybe is a more complete change. But is it truly necessary probally not. you will still be getting the majority of the oil out and if you find anything in the oil (water, metal, chunks of whatever) you have bigger issues that changing the oil hot or cold isn't going to fix it.

 

[HammaMan]

I wouldn't start a vehicle to put heat into it strictly for changing the oil. Doing it about an hour after it's last driven is my preference. Warm but not hot. Cold is fine as well. If you have a topper upper quart open and you're worried about residual in the pan, add 2oz of oil once it's stopped draining. It enters the pan on the opposite corner and give it another 5 minutes or so to drip out.

There's nothing bad about the oil in the pan, it's the same oil that's been run through the engine the last several thousand miles and the oil filter you just took off was doing a better job at filtering than the new one you're installing.

 

[UGADawg96]

I usually drive it around the block once. It gets warm but not hot.

 

[Goldeneye36]

I haven't don't my 1st oil change on my Powerboost yet. But in the past I've done it both ways. Probably more often doing it cold just because I usually forget, lol. I haven't had any oil-related issues with any vehicle I've owned.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Warm yes, hot no.

 

[Cobra129]

By the time I get it to the dealer its already warm...?

 

[johnmo61]

I believe if you're doing a oil sample during the oil change and just idle the engine to warm it up , you will show a higher fuel dilution.

 

[Mike_D]

I usually drive it around the block once. It gets warm but not hot.

Thanks to All for all of the replies! I got the oil and filter changed yesterday and did the drive around the block method which got the engine coolant temp up to about 190F (it's warm here in Florida!), worked great! Truck is happy!

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