oil change
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: So.Cent.Indiana
oil change
I have a '03 Ranger with 2.3 engine and 7300 miles on it.The oil has been changed at the dealers at other times,but this time I thought I would change it myself.My question is:Is there a washer that must be replaced at the drain plug?I thought I read somewhere that there was.I don't want to get under there and then realize I have to go to town to get something else.
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 35
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From: So.Cent.Indiana
oil change
I just changed the oil today.The washer was fine.I read the owners manual concerning oil capacity which said 4qts with filter change.I bought and put that amount in and that only brought it past minimum on dip stick.Is the dipstick markings off,short quarts,or the manual wrong? Thanks!
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
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If the manual states that 4qt are its capacities, then I'd go and reread it or check the dipstick again.
Also, did you put a half or full quart in the filter before you screwed it on? Since that oil is in the filter and not the pan, the dipstick may read a bit low.
Also, did you put a half or full quart in the filter before you screwed it on? Since that oil is in the filter and not the pan, the dipstick may read a bit low.
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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If you ever replace that washer use the rubber type that is inside a metal case. Metal on one side and around the edge with rubber inside. Do NOT use the cheap plastic types, they crack and leak.
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Posting Guru
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I think what you are seeing is a "confusing" dip stick. The first time I checked my oil I thought I was low, according to the manual, half way between the marks is full. You can probably find an illustration in the manual that shows what I'm talking about. That being said, use the oil capacity that the manual recommends.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Cypress, CA
Experience with a whole bunch of 4-cyl Rangers has told me that it takes quite a while for all of the oil to drain back into the pan after the engine has been running. My own Ranger needs about 15 minutes or so after shutting down the engine to get a good reading on the dipstick.
We put 5 quarts of oil and new filter every time and the dipstick reads over-full before starting the engine. After running the engine to check for pressure and leaks, the dipstick will read low until all of the oil has drained back into the pan.
Try it.
Russ
We put 5 quarts of oil and new filter every time and the dipstick reads over-full before starting the engine. After running the engine to check for pressure and leaks, the dipstick will read low until all of the oil has drained back into the pan.
Try it.
Russ
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Nashville, TN
I change the drain plug washer everytime I change the oil in my 96 Ranger. They are dirt cheap and if you know the folks at the parts store well enough they lots of times give them to you. hey are made of some type of composite and you can get five for less than a buck. I say, go ahead and replace it. Why chance an oil leak or, worse yet, a spill when a twenty cent washer would have prevented it. 
Posting Guru
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From: Coastal North Carolina
In my manual it says 4 qts plus one for the Filter. I dont know why it is like that since every time you change the oil you should change the filter. A little tip... pour as much oil as you can into the filter before you reinstall it. It will take a few minutes for it to seep into the filter, but then you get a better dipstick reading, and less pinging on startup.
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: So.Cent.Indiana
0il change
The farther I go the more confusing it gets.Good thing I'm not performing brain surgery.To begin with the dealership changed the oil previous.It always showed over full on the dipstick.I got to reading the manual saying it held 4quarts with filter change.I just thought I'd check the brand of oil they used and noticed they charged 5 quarts on the invoice.I'm now convinced they overfilled it and the manual is right.With 4quarts I let it set overnight and it was right on the money on the dipstick.You would think a Ford dealership would know more about an oilchange than I would.