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Oil changes while traveling

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Old May 22, 2012 | 08:39 AM
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Oil changes while traveling

I am preparing to go on a 6,000 mi. road trip this fall and I don't trust anyone else to do my oil changes,especially some Jiffy Lube type place on the side of the interstate somewhere that would probably not use OEM filters. I usually change my oil somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 miles. I thought about just making the trip and then changing the oil when I get back but I'm not really fond of going that far between changes. I know Ford recommends a 7,000 mi. oil change interval for normal service but I think it is well documented that this is too long to wait. I use Motorcraft 15-40 dino. oil. What would ya'll do ? Make the trip and change it when I get home ? Find some type of container to drain my oil into that I don't have to worry about leaking and haul it around until I can find a place to safely dispose of it,and hope I can find a place to stop where I can do the oil change without somebody going off the deep end about me changing oil on the property. (will probably be hard to find) What do ya'll think ? Any suggestions and input is greatly appreciated.Thanks in advance!!
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 08:48 AM
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A one time 6,000 mile trip won't hurt anything in my op. You'll be mostly highway and the engine will be working at high speeds. I'd go for it. That or have it changed at a Ford dealer for peace of mind. One time shouldn't break the bank.
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 08:57 AM
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Normal driving can be stretched a lil further. I wouldn't sweat it at all.
Mike
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 09:21 AM
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I just changed my oil in a parking spot on the street last week.

I do have the Fumoto drain plug. Which is why I can. When I got my oil, I also picked up 4 gallons of water. Dumped water on my mom's potted flowers, and filled them with the draining oil. (I have the fumoto with the Nipple and carry the clear hose)

Since she lives in a neighborhood that does not allow any kind of automobile work, including oil changes. I just drove over to the city's street and changed it there.

There is a member here that changes his oil at 5000 miles. Doesn't matter where he is. Rest areas, Wal*Mart parking lot, truck stop. Not sure what he does with his oil.

I brought mine home to put in the recycling.
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by amdriven2liv
I just changed my oil in a parking spot on the street last week.

I do have the Fumoto drain plug. Which is why I can. When I got my oil, I also picked up 4 gallons of water. Dumped water on my mom's potted flowers, and filled them with the draining oil. (I have the fumoto with the Nipple and carry the clear hose)

Since she lives in a neighborhood that does not allow any kind of automobile work, including oil changes. I just drove over to the city's street and changed it there.

There is a member here that changes his oil at 5000 miles. Doesn't matter where he is. Rest areas, Wal*Mart parking lot, truck stop. Not sure what he does with his oil.

I brought mine home to put in the recycling.
That is one REALLY NICE feature of the Fumoto drain valve. I have thought about getting one but I just can't get past the possibility of something hitting/breaking or opening the valve while driving and dumping the oil. I know it's a remote chance but that's the way my luck works. Maybe I'll reconsider? Thanks for the help!!
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 09:38 AM
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If it makes you feel better, change your oil with a synthetic before you go on your trip. Either way you'll be fine.
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by WH 6.0
That is one REALLY NICE feature of the Fumoto drain valve. I have thought about getting one but I just can't get past the possibility of something hitting/breaking or opening the valve while driving and dumping the oil. I know it's a remote chance but that's the way my luck works. Maybe I'll reconsider? Thanks for the help!!
I don't do much that could break it off. I guess there could be that time it could.

Fumoto # F-111 (non-nipple) To shorten it up for this concern

If worried about the valve opening, get a small hose clamp, and put it under the valve switch.

Fumoto # F-111N (nipple)
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by WH 6.0
I just can't get past the possibility of something hitting/breaking or opening the valve while driving and dumping the oil.
The fumoto on my car has been 6 inches north of pavement for 50,000 miles without anything touching it, and it doesn't have the benefit of a D60 blocking anything from coming straight at it, just hangs under the car like a little dong. The valve without the nipple hangs an extra 3/4inch lower than the stock drain plug on these trucks, if a fraction of an inch is what's making the different between gutting the oil pan or not, you've done something severely wrong. I'd reconsider the Fumoto, I've had mine for over 100k between the car and trucks with zero issues, zero impacts on the valves, zero leaks, zero corrosion, and zero hassle. Two more are in the mail for my block plugs
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 10:53 AM
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WH 6.0,
I've got a 4x4 f350 drw with Fumoto drains. (oil and coolant). I see that yours is a 4x4 also. Notice that the front axle sticks down a lot more than the valve. I don't worry about mine. Sammy 77 has the right idea. Use syn for the trip and change it when you get home. Just for my info, why do you change it every 3-4K miles? Severe service is 5K miles. I use "My Rig" for hunting and camping mostly. 5K on all oil changes. I'll be pulling 8K up from 200" to 6500' in AZ in June 110*+. I would call that severe service.
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by phantomphixer
WH 6.0,
I've got a 4x4 f350 drw with Fumoto drains. (oil and coolant). I see that yours is a 4x4 also. Notice that the front axle sticks down a lot more than the valve. I don't worry about mine. Sammy 77 has the right idea. Use syn for the trip and change it when you get home. Just for my info, why do you change it every 3-4K miles? Severe service is 5K miles. I use "My Rig" for hunting and camping mostly. 5K on all oil changes. I'll be pulling 8K up from 200" to 6500' in AZ in June 110*+. I would call that severe service.
I change my oil at 3 to 4k because I do not drive the truck daily. I only drive the truck on the weekends because I drive a company truck to and from work and 3 to 4k is usually about every 6 mos. unless I go on a trip of some sort. It may be overkill but better safe than sorry. I've only got one more payment left with 27,000 on the odometer and I'm keepin' the ol' girl for a looooong time!! Thanks for the help!!
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 06:53 PM
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Pull into Auto Zone

take a five gallon bucket with you, they will take it right there for reclycling. ford for filters, easy chore take no more than twenty min imo.
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by droffan
take a five gallon bucket with you.
Test fit that the 5 gal bucket will fit under your truck. A typical 5 gallon one doesn't fit under mine.
 
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Old May 22, 2012 | 06:59 PM
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Too much analysis over a simple oil change. Either have it done, peace of mind, or do it when you get home. won't destroy the motor either way.
 
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