My tiny little Tracker 2.0 costs about the same. I like the K&N filter, even though it is 8 bucks more expensive, because I sold filters for about 15 years, all brands that you might know about. Took a few back... Went to 'oil school' quite a few times, sponsored by Pennzoil, Quaker State, Castrol, and four times to Valvoline. I have sawed apart enough filters to fill a small pickup bed. I have also done enough ludicrous tests to make you sick of oil filters for life. The good thing was I was always paid for my time, and got enough freebies that I still have some laying around ten years later...

Any way 46 bucks is 8 dollars less than the dealership charges to put a 2.00 filter and 15 bucks worth of oil in, then dry start my engine, or perhaps leave the oil plug out...

So I get fresh oil twice as often, I prefill my filters (so no dry starts), and I am pretty good at putting the plug back in.

I also never get oil on my carpet, seats, etc. something you can not say for my closest two Cadillac dealers, or the closest Ford dealership.
Chris

 

i drained some oil out, and it look like approx 3-4oz of oil.

now its right at max line level on dip stick.

Thanks!
YOMAN!

 

YOMAN, I have a feeling you will feel better about it and will not have to worry.Good Luck!

 

I've been using 7 and have had the same question someone out there has to know someone who works at a dealer and can ask them that question. I'm going to keep using 7 cause thats what the book says till i hear something diff. When i bought my truck they did tell me not using a motorcraft filter voids may void the warranty but that it was ok for me to do my own oil changes

 

Use any good quality filter, but be sure it has a anti-drainback valve. That's the S in some of the Motorcraft filters. I use the K&N but that is a bit on the pricey side.

Do NOT just dump in 7 quarts of oil. Filters vary, a lot. Do it right. Top up your filter with oil, filling it slowly. After you get about a third of a quart in it, let it settle, then pour the tiny bit of excess back into a bottle, or just toss it. about an ounce or two will come out, but most will stay in the filter for startup.
This will stop the engine from running dry on startup. The anti-drainback valve in the filter will keep the third of a quart from pouring out as you slip it on the engine.
This can add years of life to a motor. Dozens of studies back that up, and also Ford's demand that you use an anti-drainback filter, or no warranty. They don't want it dry starting, so why do it even once?

Anyway, after you put on the filter, and toss in five quarts and what's left from filling the filter, let it sit for awhile, you usually have to clean up anyway.

Then check the oil. Top it up but don't over top it. Book says it's supposed to hold an approximate amount of oil. They vary as much as a half quart. Heck, ding in the oil pan can change that amount, as will parking angle.

Also, filters can vary by 50% and still list for your truck. Much worse on a Chevy big block, where it takes a PH30-13-373 (fram numbers) that's half a quart, one quart, two quarts, all could be on the same truck at different times.
Oh, yeah, and a 16 ounce quart of oil can legally hold 15-17 ounces of oil. Most hold 15.7-16.3, and some stays in the bottle. I was involved in a court case some years ago, my company sued a major oil vendor. Too many bottles had 15 or less ounces. Another always put in 16.5. Heck, even a 12 ounce bottle of beer can legally only hold 10.8 ounces. That's a rip...

Then, after you run it, check the oil, and top if needed. This can be the next day, or next week. After all, it can't be more than a half quart low at this point, as you topped it. Running it a tenth or half quart low will not make any difference. Running it a quarter to a half quart over full can ruin your whole day.
Chris

 

Chris Adams, Excellent lesson on oil filters.I was hanging onto every word. Thanks!

 

Isn't a quart 32 ounces????




Holy crap....I just resurrected a 13 month old thread.....must be real bored!!!

 

YOOOO Chris THANKS for the info ,I like the info on the part of the filter.Thanks again

 

Just changed the oil in my 5.4 on Sunday (Have done it myself for years). When I started it up I heard a horrible knocking sound and immediately shut it off. Double checked everything and started it up again - no knock. Is this from not putting oil in the filter before installation. I never do and have never had a knock until Sunday.

 

From the book...

 

You can also prime the motor's oiling system by holding the gas pedal to the floor and cranking the engine 15 to 30 seconds(with oil in the filter), let go of the pedal and the engine will start right up. No knocking.