Oil change step by step
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New User
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Oil change step by step
I will admit I know nothing about cars in general. I would like to start doing my own maint. what is the step by step (if anyone feels inclined to help) for changing my oil. I know the basics but I would like to know from start to finish. Just to ease the mind wondering if I screwed something up. I have a 97 F150 4.2L
Thanks everyone..
Mike
Thanks everyone..
Mike
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 452
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You’re kidding… Right?
Ok, here goes.
You will need the following items before starting.
1. Box-end 15 millimeter wench
2. New oil filter
3. New oil
4. Drain pan to catch and store used oil.
5. Paper towels or shop rags
6. Six pack of your favorite beer
7. I like to use ramps for more head room under the truck, but you can get by without them.
Changing the oil on these trucks is very easy
1. Drive truck up on ramps in your garage or driveway. If you have been driving the truck any distance before parking go have a couple of beers while the oil cools down. You know – Safety First, we don’t want any burned fingers.
2. Crawl under the truck and position drain pan to capture oil once the oil pan plug is removed
3. Remove the oil drain plug using box-end wrench. Drain Plug has right hand threads so with the wrench pointed down, move the handle toward the passenger side of the truck to loosen.
4. Wipe oil off your hand with paper towel and have another beer or two while you wait for the oil to empty into the pan.
5. Reinstall the drain plug. Snug it up with the wench but do not over tighten it or it will leak.
6. Reposition drain pan under the old oil filter
7. Remove the old oil filter (right handed threads again). The filter contains oil and will leak when you spin it loose.
8. Pour remaining oil in filter into drain pan.
9. Take some of the old oil and wipe it on the rubber gasket on the new filter.
10. Install new filter. Do not over tighten – Turn until snug then ¼ turn.
11. Pour new oil into engine fill spout.
12. Start motor, look for leaks, and drink remaining beer.
Put tools away, clean up any spills, and you are done....
Ok, here goes.
You will need the following items before starting.
1. Box-end 15 millimeter wench
2. New oil filter
3. New oil
4. Drain pan to catch and store used oil.
5. Paper towels or shop rags
6. Six pack of your favorite beer
7. I like to use ramps for more head room under the truck, but you can get by without them.
Changing the oil on these trucks is very easy
1. Drive truck up on ramps in your garage or driveway. If you have been driving the truck any distance before parking go have a couple of beers while the oil cools down. You know – Safety First, we don’t want any burned fingers.
2. Crawl under the truck and position drain pan to capture oil once the oil pan plug is removed
3. Remove the oil drain plug using box-end wrench. Drain Plug has right hand threads so with the wrench pointed down, move the handle toward the passenger side of the truck to loosen.
4. Wipe oil off your hand with paper towel and have another beer or two while you wait for the oil to empty into the pan.
5. Reinstall the drain plug. Snug it up with the wench but do not over tighten it or it will leak.
6. Reposition drain pan under the old oil filter
7. Remove the old oil filter (right handed threads again). The filter contains oil and will leak when you spin it loose.
8. Pour remaining oil in filter into drain pan.
9. Take some of the old oil and wipe it on the rubber gasket on the new filter.
10. Install new filter. Do not over tighten – Turn until snug then ¼ turn.
11. Pour new oil into engine fill spout.
12. Start motor, look for leaks, and drink remaining beer.
Put tools away, clean up any spills, and you are done....
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,310
Likes: 0
From: Lufkin
Originally Posted by sigma
You’re kidding… Right?
Ok, here goes.
You will need the following items before starting.
1. Box-end 15 millimeter wench
2. New oil filter
3. New oil
4. Drain pan to catch and store used oil.
5. Paper towels or shop rags
6. Six pack of your favorite beer
7. I like to use ramps for more head room under the truck, but you can get by without them.
Changing the oil on these trucks is very easy
1. Drive truck up on ramps in your garage or driveway. If you have been driving the truck any distance before parking go have a couple of beers while the oil cools down. You know – Safety First, we don’t want any burned fingers.
2. Crawl under the truck and position drain pan to capture oil once the oil pan plug is removed
3. Remove the oil drain plug using box-end wrench. Drain Plug has right hand threads so with the wrench pointed down, move the handle toward the passenger side of the truck to loosen.
4. Wipe oil off your hand with paper towel and have another beer or two while you wait for the oil to empty into the pan.
5. Reinstall the drain plug. Snug it up with the wench but do not over tighten it or it will leak.
6. Reposition drain pan under the old oil filter
7. Remove the old oil filter (right handed threads again). The filter contains oil and will leak when you spin it loose.
8. Pour remaining oil in filter into drain pan.
9. Take some of the old oil and wipe it on the rubber gasket on the new filter.
10. Install new filter. Do not over tighten – Turn until snug then ¼ turn.
11. Pour new oil into engine fill spout.
12. Start motor, look for leaks, and drink remaining beer.
Put tools away, clean up any spills, and you are done....
Ok, here goes.
You will need the following items before starting.
1. Box-end 15 millimeter wench
2. New oil filter
3. New oil
4. Drain pan to catch and store used oil.
5. Paper towels or shop rags
6. Six pack of your favorite beer
7. I like to use ramps for more head room under the truck, but you can get by without them.
Changing the oil on these trucks is very easy
1. Drive truck up on ramps in your garage or driveway. If you have been driving the truck any distance before parking go have a couple of beers while the oil cools down. You know – Safety First, we don’t want any burned fingers.
2. Crawl under the truck and position drain pan to capture oil once the oil pan plug is removed
3. Remove the oil drain plug using box-end wrench. Drain Plug has right hand threads so with the wrench pointed down, move the handle toward the passenger side of the truck to loosen.
4. Wipe oil off your hand with paper towel and have another beer or two while you wait for the oil to empty into the pan.
5. Reinstall the drain plug. Snug it up with the wench but do not over tighten it or it will leak.
6. Reposition drain pan under the old oil filter
7. Remove the old oil filter (right handed threads again). The filter contains oil and will leak when you spin it loose.
8. Pour remaining oil in filter into drain pan.
9. Take some of the old oil and wipe it on the rubber gasket on the new filter.
10. Install new filter. Do not over tighten – Turn until snug then ¼ turn.
11. Pour new oil into engine fill spout.
12. Start motor, look for leaks, and drink remaining beer.
Put tools away, clean up any spills, and you are done....
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I love the "you are kidding right" haha!!
Let us know if you dont understand anything, what oil to get, how much, filter type, anything...
Let us know if you dont understand anything, what oil to get, how much, filter type, anything...
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 5
From: Trussville, Alabama
Howdy 40!
Welcome to FTE!
Looks like you already have your oil change question answered.
to quote you:
"I know... I know...
Sounded like a dumb question but I never changed my own oil and decided It was finally time to fess up to my own ignorance."
Do NOT hesitate to ask any questions. We are glad to try and help.
Gald to have you here at FTE. Hope you stick around!
edit to add: 6 quarts of your chosen oil (I like Chevron or Havoline) and I suggest Motorcraft oil filter (FL400S).
And just to be on the safe side, always be sure the old gasket comes off with the old filter and doesn't stick to the block. And don't forget to put the cap back on the oil fill tube on the valve cover.
Welcome to FTE!
Looks like you already have your oil change question answered.
to quote you:
"I know... I know...
Sounded like a dumb question but I never changed my own oil and decided It was finally time to fess up to my own ignorance."
Do NOT hesitate to ask any questions. We are glad to try and help.
Gald to have you here at FTE. Hope you stick around!
edit to add: 6 quarts of your chosen oil (I like Chevron or Havoline) and I suggest Motorcraft oil filter (FL400S).
And just to be on the safe side, always be sure the old gasket comes off with the old filter and doesn't stick to the block. And don't forget to put the cap back on the oil fill tube on the valve cover.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7
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Thanks Homer & Brian...
I guess I am now in the market for a new truck, It would be nice to hold off until 07' when the Super Duties change to the new body style. Kinda nice not having the payment though. There will be alot more preventive maintenance. Thanks for the hel
I guess I am now in the market for a new truck, It would be nice to hold off until 07' when the Super Duties change to the new body style. Kinda nice not having the payment though. There will be alot more preventive maintenance. Thanks for the hel
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: petersburg
i just wanted to add that when changing oil i always do it with the engine warm (not hot) this way the oil will flow better and take any dirt that may stick inside the block when the oil is cold
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Originally Posted by 77monster
i just wanted to add that when changing oil i always do it with the engine warm (not hot) this way the oil will flow better and take any dirt that may stick inside the block when the oil is cold
Let us know how it went!
