OIL CHANGE QUESTION

[Sandman]

I've been thinking about changing the oil by myself. After looking under the car, I can't locate the drain plug. Do I have to jack the car up or is it possible to do an oil change as it sits on all four wheels in the garage?

Can someone take me thru the steps? Thanks.

Ron

[justjon]

Re: OIL CHANGE QUESTION

Drive to your local Ford dealer. Find the service manager, say " would you change my oil?" At My Dealer (South Bay Ford) they install a new Motorcraft filter and fill it with Motorcraft 5-30 semi synthetic Give me a $5.00 chit for breakfast at thier cafeteria and charge me $24.95 ... works for me

[prbre]

Re: OIL CHANGE QUESTION

I change my own oil it very easy but I do have some ramps and the plug was easy to get to. but my car uses full synthtic and 5w-20 which is posted on the oil cap.

[bottomtime]

Re: OIL CHANGE QUESTION

I've been thinking about changing the oil by myself. After looking under the car, I can't locate the drain plug. Do I have to jack the car up or is it possible to do an oil change as it sits on all four wheels in the garage?

Can someone take me thru the steps? Thanks.

Ron

The drain plug is at the rear of the pan, takes a 16mm box end wrench, however, the underneath of the car is so low to the ground that you can't hardly see it, much less get to it. I'm 5'9" inches, and only 145 pounds, and even I can't get to it, from underneath, without driving it on ramps. Driving it up on ramps, is much safer than jacking the car up, 'cause the T-Bird's weigh very close to 4000 lbs, if it should ever slip off a jack, which mine did one day, but I wasn't under it, thank god. The oil filter is very easy to remove, as it's at the front of the pan, and is mounted at a 90o angle (cross-ways) in relation to the front-back center line, and very accessible. The drain plug is tightened to 17 ft.lbs. torque. Very easy job to do, only if you drive the front up on ramps, and again, I wouldn't trust to jacking it up..............

[joe166]

Re: OIL CHANGE QUESTION

I have changed my oil a couple of times, but frankly, it isn't worth it to me. The discounted price from the dealers is a loss leader that I will happily take advantage of. I concur that ramps are far safer and easier than jacking up the bird.

[Ediron]

Re: OIL CHANGE QUESTION

I changed the oil in my cars for years to save money and always used ramps.Today I don't do it for two reasons;

#1 I live in a condo and working on cars is not allowed(flat tire and battery jump only)
#2 I can afford to have it done at the dealer

[04birdman]

Re: OIL CHANGE QUESTION

had the oil changed in the bird last weekat a ford dealer....retail@ $45...discounted to $22.80 including tax...dont think you can buy the oil and filter for that....also got the free 50 point inspection

[theflash]

Re: OIL CHANGE QUESTION

The Ford dealer is too far away 1/2 hour each way. The oil change stores here charge $60 for Syn. plus both times they did it they did not tighten the oil filter enough and it leaked.

So I do it myself. I do all the mechanical work on my BMW motorcycle so I have all the tools.

The Ford price is cheaper than it cost me to do it myself.

[My T]

Re: OIL CHANGE QUESTION

Ron - -

I go to Greenway Ford (I did NOT purchase the Bird there) and they are great to deal with. They always discount the oil change for me and I know that they use the correct synthetic oil. I stay clean & cool, and it is well worth the price.

Why are you considering a "Do it yourself project" for this? Did you get burned once? Did someone use the wrong oil once? Whats up?

[Sandman]

Re: OIL CHANGE QUESTION

I have too much time on my hands.

Honestly, I always liked to putter around the garage and my cars,so I thought this might be something I can do. I know it's probably cheaper to have it done but money isn't the issue.
I will have to purchase the ramps ($29 on sale at Advance Auto) 8qts Amsoil, Wix Filter, Filter wrench,drain pan and probably a lot of rags. Sounds like fun!

[bottomtime]

Re: OIL CHANGE QUESTION

I have too much time on my hands.

Honestly, I always liked to putter around the garage and my cars,so I thought this might be something I can do. I know it's probably cheaper to have it done but money isn't the issue.
I will have to purchase the ramps ($29 on sale at Advance Auto) 8qts Amsoil, Wix Filter, Filter wrench,drain pan and probably a lot of rags. Sounds like fun!

DON'T FORGET A 16mm BOX END WRENCH, UNLESS YOU'VE ALREADY HAVE ONE. THAT IS WHAT THE DRAIN PLUG TAKES..........YOU'VE MADE AN EXCELLENT CHOICE OF OILS TO USE, AMSOIL, AS THAT IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN USEING FOR YEARS. I'VE GOT THREE VEHICLES, A JOHN DEERE TRACTOR, A BRUSH HOG (GRAVELY) AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, MY GOOD 'OLE HARLEY. ALL OF THESE HAVE GOT AMSOIL IN THEM, WHITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER......GO FOT IT!