Total Noob, question prior to first oil change

[ThermionicEmissions]

Hi all, I'm going to tackle my first ever DIY oil change this weekend on my '07 3.0L, and I want to make sure I've dotted my Ts and crossed my eyes.
The one thing I'm not clear on is if the drain plug has a washer or O ring and, if so, should I have a replacement on hand?
Thanks all!

 

[Dirtman]

Yes there is a sealing washer. But if the drain plug is not leaking now then the seal is obviously still fine. I don't replace them unless they leak, which is hardly ever. Most of my vehicles have gone their entire lives without replacing the drain plug or washer. But... its a 2 dollar part so if it makes you feel more confident in your work, just grab a new plug and washer at the parts store. Autozone, Advance, any places like that should have them on the shelf.

 

[ThermionicEmissions]

Yes there is a sealing washer. But if the drain plug is not leaking now then the seal is obviously still fine. I don't replace them unless they leak, which is hardly ever. Most of my vehicles have gone their entire lives without replacing the drain plug or washer. But... its a 2 dollar part so if it makes you feel more confident in your work, just grab a new plug and washer at the parts store. Autozone, Advance, any places like that should have them on the shelf.

Thanks for the info! No leaks now so I'll leave well enough alone.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Usually they fail when some idiot at walmart way overtightens the plug.

 

[racsan]

Ive never had to mess with one. I did have to replace the threaded peice that the oil filter threads onto in my ‘88, but that had alot if oil changes in its life, some probably by walmart.

 

[19Walt93]

Use a Motorcraft filter, they're good quality and Walmart has them for cheap. After removing the filter make sure to wipe the gasket surface on the engine1) to clean off any dirt and (2) to be sure the old filter gasket isn't stuck to it.

 

[ThermionicEmissions]

After removing the filter make sure to wipe the gasket surface on the engine1) to clean off any dirt and (2) to be sure the old filter gasket isn't stuck to it.

I'm guessing that part is a bit tricky due to the location of the oil filter. Why Ford?! Why?!

 

[racsan]

the 2.3 aint much better. You may be able to buy a oil filter relocation kit, but thats just more possibilities for something to leak.

 

[Dirtman]

My 2.3's filter is nice and easy to change.

 

[racsan]

Ive never seen the filter location on the newer 2.3’s, I only know about the lima series 2.3 if there wasnt so much crap in the way it wouldnt be bad, nearly identical to the old 300-6.

 

[Dirtman]

The duratec oil filter is where an oil filter should be, the back left side of the block pointing vertically with nothing below it. No mess, no hassle.

 

[19Walt93]

I'm guessing that part is a bit tricky due to the location of the oil filter. Why Ford?! Why?!

I have no idea how the imoji got in there. Wiping the filter surface is nothing to do with Ford, I've seen techs in a hurry screw a new filter on top of an old gasket. The double gasket promptly blows out when the engine is started. If you are in the habit of wiping the surface you'll never be "surprised" by an old gasket that was stuck in place.

 

[Curious Hound]

Worst thing about filter location on a 3.0l, at least on the older vulcans, is the fact that it's directly above the starter motor. So, you are guaranteed to spill oil on the starter, which is bad because it eventually breaks down the insulation on the windings and causes failure.

 

[19Walt93]

So make a little shield to stick in there when you change the filter. I had a 95 Contour that had the oil filter directly over a cv joint boot so I made a shield out of a piece of thin metal that I would stick in there so the oil wouldn't soften the boot or get thrown all over when the axle spun.

 

[adsm08]

The oil filter location on the 3.0 Vulcan engine makes perfect sense and was sensibly and properly placed for easy access to service the filter.





In the original application.



Which was the front wheel drive Taurus.


In those cars, with the engine flipped 90* to the side, the filter is easy to get at. The 3.0 was stuffed into a Ranger as an after-thought, at the behest of the marketing morons and bean-counting bumpkins, without any input from anyone on the technical side, and so the filter location was never corrected for the RWD applications. How that oversight was allowed to continue for almost 20 years is what really gets me.