2011 to 2019 Explorer Discuss the 2011 to 2019 Explorer

2012 Explorer 3.5L First Oil Change

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 12-12-2012, 10:01 PM
Lil Wink's Avatar
Lil Wink
Lil Wink is offline
Freshman User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Exclamation 2012 Explorer 3.5L First Oil Change

Wife has a 2012 Explorer with the 3.5L, 8494.2 miles and time for the first oil change. Someone had posted awhile back about an oil change thread so I figured I'd give it a try.

1. I drove the Truck (I call it a truck) on ramps, lifted the hood and removed the filler cap.
2. Got under the truck and removed the air deflector by loosening the three thumb screws.
Name:  VehiclePics014.jpg
Views: 7942
Size:  102.7 KB
3. Removed the old oil filter, it unscrewed by hand, let it drain into a small pan.
Name:  VehiclePics008.jpg
Views: 20242
Size:  72.5 KB
4. Removed the drain plug with a 15mm wrench and let it drain into a pan for app. 30 min. I was busy doing other things so I just let it drain.
Name:  VehiclePics009.jpg
Views: 5820
Size:  76.1 KB
5. Reinstalled drain plug, filled new Motorcraft FL-500-S oil filter with Motorcraft 5W20 Synthetic Blend oil and installed filter.
Name:  VehiclePics012.jpg
Views: 3832
Size:  74.5 KB
Name:  VehiclePics011.jpg
Views: 5186
Size:  93.5 KB
6. Filled engine with oil, ran for a few sec. and shut it off, started it twice like this and then ran it about 30 sec, shut it off.
7. Reinstalled air deflector by tightening the three thumb screws.
8. After sitting about 30 min. checked oil level to make sure everything was O.K.
Hope this helps, it is actually one of the easier vehicles to change the oil in.
 
  #2  
Old 12-13-2012, 04:55 AM
tdappleman's Avatar
tdappleman
tdappleman is offline
Fleet Mechanic
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
That is a lot of miles on factory oil! It is an easy one to do though. Why start it multiple times? If checking for leaks then let it run for a minute and check under it while it is running. The oil level can then be checked after about 30 seconds. I changed mine at 400 miles and switched to Mobil 1 and the 500s filter.
 
  #3  
Old 12-13-2012, 05:26 AM
sammy77's Avatar
sammy77
sammy77 is offline
Postmaster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Illinois
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Gonna change ours @ 1k miles and go with Mobil 1 as well.
 
  #4  
Old 12-13-2012, 09:07 PM
Lil Wink's Avatar
Lil Wink
Lil Wink is offline
Freshman User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by tdappleman
That is a lot of miles on factory oil!***

I really debated on the first oil change, I've never let it go that long but everyone at our Dealership said to let it go because of the synthetic blend oil and the larger factory oil filter. They said the factory engine assembly rooms are clean rooms and you don't have a problem with contamination. I guess we will find out in the long run.***

It is an easy one to do though. Why start it multiple times?***

My dad always taught me to never start the engine after an oil change until after priming the oil system to remove all the air. He used to pull the coil wire and crank the engine until he saw pressure on the gauge, it usually only took 5-10 sec. So that's kinda what I do by not starting it up all at once.***

If checking for leaks then let it run for a minute and check under it while it is running. The oil level can then be checked after about 30 seconds.

Your right, but I was rotating the tires and it took about 30 min. so I checked the level after that.***

I changed mine at 400 miles and switched to Mobil 1 and the 500s filter.

I plan on running the Motorcraft blend until the warranty runs out and then switch to Citgo full synthetic, I run that in almost everything else I own..
***
Sorry if the reply is confusing still learning the site.
 
  #5  
Old 12-14-2012, 09:34 AM
tdappleman's Avatar
tdappleman
tdappleman is offline
Fleet Mechanic
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I understand what you are trying to do - that really makes a difference on older engines where you could spin the oil pump manually via the distributor access. Especially important after an engine rebuild not really needed on just oil changes. On newer engines the oil flows so quickly that you are really ok by just starting it and letting it run for a minute to check for leaks.
 
  #6  
Old 12-14-2012, 09:02 PM
Lil Wink's Avatar
Lil Wink
Lil Wink is offline
Freshman User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by tdappleman
I understand what you are trying to do - that really makes a difference on older engines where you could spin the oil pump manually via the distributor access. Especially important after an engine rebuild not really needed on just oil changes. On newer engines the oil flows so quickly that you are really ok by just starting it and letting it run for a minute to check for leaks.
Just old habits!
 
  #7  
Old 12-15-2012, 05:04 AM
tseekins's Avatar
tseekins
tseekins is offline
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Maine, Virginia
Posts: 38,156
Received 1,221 Likes on 803 Posts
Originally Posted by Lil Wink
Just old habits!

Nice write up, reps sent.
 
  #8  
Old 12-18-2012, 09:44 PM
jimmyb08SD's Avatar
jimmyb08SD
jimmyb08SD is offline
Posting Guru
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Fort Pierce, Fl
Posts: 1,449
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Nice job and great pics, thanks!
 
  #9  
Old 01-11-2013, 10:01 PM
bdpotts's Avatar
bdpotts
bdpotts is offline
More Turbo
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: santa rosa, ca
Posts: 533
Received 9 Likes on 4 Posts
hey Tim, i recall meeting you on another thread here somewhere.... i thought i would see whats being talked about with these new explorers. sounds like the Sync is causing some headaches and the 2.0 Ecoboost doesn't have all the kinks worked out (according to another user who's buddy works at a dealership and they had a convo behind closed doors)... anyway, i was just thinking of buying a new car and having it for years to come. i like the way the new explorers look and the options seem much like everything else out on the market... jeep may have a bit more...
just curious to know your thoughts on yours. if you like it, pros/cons, and with just under ten years left wth a steady paycheck.. is this something i should really get into? a new car payment? don't mean to hijack the thread with this...
anybody else is welcome to respond. thanks in advance guys!
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tom
2009 - 2014 F150
38
10-08-2013 09:35 AM
GreenballsFX4
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
14
07-12-2011 09:45 PM
Great Danes
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
37
01-01-2011 09:31 AM
DoneDunIt
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
6
05-10-2010 08:44 PM
wyoguy
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
2
01-02-2007 09:19 AM



Quick Reply: 2012 Explorer 3.5L First Oil Change



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:17 PM.