Basic Oil Change
Recomended oil is 6 quarts of Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 premium synthetic blend meeting (Ford WSS-M2C930-A) and a Motorcraft oil filter part number FL-820S.
As you can see from the above picture, changing your oil is a very simple task as
long as you have the proper tools.
Absolute requirements are:
16mm boxed in wrench, (socket and ratchet will work)
A large oil filter wrench (VERY important for first change)
A medium sized funnel
Don't throw away the filter box. It can be used later on to help keep things clean.
First run the car for a few minutes to get the oil warm and mixed up so that more of
the contaminants will be carried away with the old oil.
Then, if you're lucky, place the car on a lift, or car ramps (I have found that the cheep
rhino plastic ramps that can be found at the local parts store work quite well.)
Take off the oil cap
This is what the bottom of the oil pan looks like and the drain plug is circled.
Have your drain pan ready and loosen the drain plug with the 16mm wrench or socket.
Be ready for the oil! Depending on how long you ran the car it could be HOT. Also,
if your draining into a plain bucket, be sure not to drop the plug as it will be a pain
to fish out.
Make sure you wipe off your drain plug and inspect the o-ring gasket for tears,
rips or dry rot. If you find any issues, be sure and replace it now! When you do your
first oil change go ahead and buy a new one and keep it in your glove box until it is needed.
Re-install the drain plug and torque it to 19ft/lbs (I won't lie I use my calibrated elbow)
Now for the oil filter which is located on the drivers side front of the engine right over the rack and pinion.
Now you can see how the filter box comes in handy. If you position it right it will keep the
old oil from getting all over the rack and pinion and splashing all over making a mess.
!!!!MAKE SURE YOU USE A FILTER WRENCH FOR THE FIRST OIL CHANGE!!!!
Just like every other bolt lefty loosy for the filter also! NOTE: Ford held a strongman
competition to decide who would put on the oil filters at the factory! DO NOT tighten
your new filter that tight! There is NO NEED for it. Make sure your drain pan is ready!
After the filter is loose and oozing oil into the drain pan, reach up with your hand and
spin it the rest of the way off. Be ready for it to drop off because it will spill a lot of
oil if you don't keep it upright. Once you have it out, turn it upside down in the drain
pan to let it drain.
