Oil Change

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May 9, 2004 | 07:07 PM

skip #7

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 74

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From: Cleveland Oklahoma

Oil Change

I have a Ford F150 04 STX extended cab 4.6 I change my oil today for the second time,I am a diesel mechanic and past ford mechanic so I'm not a novice tinkerer,well anyway a heads up to you who do your on changes,There is a sensor wire that sets in behind the oil filter adapter ,the piece which the oil filter screws on too.the filter is a long way into the front of the engine .I use a 10" extention and filter base socket.the sensor wire some how got in front of the filter mount and needless to say the filter didn't mate up .When I fired it up to get oil pumped up for level check it pumped it out on the ground,I removed the filter and found the wire in it. It didn't mess up the wire but one would think ford would have attached it up out of the way.I will definatly be looking in the future for this wire dropping down and getting in the way. so beware when you change the oil the filter placement is one of fords better Ideas.

May 9, 2004 | 07:55 PM

b2_tim

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 385

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Good advice

Yes, that is good advice. Sorry you found out the hard way. I did that once when removing an old filter and didn't check to see it the gasket came off with the old filter. It didn't and what a mess.

I must have spent two nights checking every wire and harnes in my new 2003 for interference, and loose tie downs. I have to say the truck was pretty well put together, found only two that were not up to my specs.

May 29, 2004 | 06:21 PM

Crawler

Junior User

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 63

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From: Maumelle, AR

I just changed the oil in my 2004 scab stx 4x4 for the first time last week. I must say that it was tricky getting the oil filter off because there just ain't much room to work. This is my 3rd ford truck. I had 94 and 00 F-150's as well. The 94 was the easiest by far to change the oil. The filter was situated in a very easy place to work and drain the excess fluid from. The 00 made the job messier as the filter would leak oil all over the frame when removed. Now the 04 is even worse than the 00. If this gets too much worse I'm just gonna have to take the darn thing in to have the work done.

May 29, 2004 | 07:52 PM

asinatra

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 238

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Oil Filter Relocation Kits

4.6 & 5.4 Relocator (uses the same kit)

May 30, 2004 | 10:14 PM

Neil

Tuned

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 495

Likes: 2

From: Spearfish SD

asinatra, can you point us in a little clearer direction for this "relocation" kit.

May 31, 2004 | 04:08 AM

MiamiE

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 84

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From: Miami, FL

very nice!

May 31, 2004 | 09:20 AM

Hondo1965

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 65

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From: Houston

should I change my oil at 3k or wait till 5k? I have read conflicting reports about when to change it. I am approaching 3k now. Either way, I think I will take it to a Ford dealer, sounds too much like a hassle to change it myself....guess I am becoming lazy!

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May 31, 2004 | 10:27 AM

txfx4x4

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 192

Likes: 0

From: Austin, Texas

I personally don't see what all the fuss is about. From my experience, it's about as straightforward as an oil change can be. Put the drain pan down, loosen the oil filter with an end wrench, let the oil drain out of the filter, remove and replace the filter, drain the oil, and refill. Takes all of 30 minutes if you're not in a hurry. I have changed the oil on lots of different vehicles. This one is as about as easy as they come once you have the right filter wrench (see archives - this topic has been covered extensively). In my opinion, it makes absolutely no sense to relocate the oil filter. This creates more potential problems than it's worth. It's not like the the thing is hidden back in the recesses of the motor and completely inaccessible.

As far as the mileage question goes - what does it say in the owner's maintenance schedule? I personally try to change at 3k or so. It's unnecessary but for the $19 it costs, why not? Certainly won't hurt anything.