First Oil Change Thoughts on 2.0L EcoBoost Engine

[gatornek]

So I wanted to dump that OE straight from factory synthetic blend as quickly as possible. Honestly, I did not find the plate all that difficult to deal with. The fact that the rear bolt holes are 'slotted' makes all the difference. I enjoy that this is only 10 bolts/screws to undo in order to do the oil change, rather than the 16 on my Mustang. The location of the oil filter over the front bumper looks like it will make for a mess each and every time. Anybody find a nifty solution to avoid the oil splash all over the place?

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[jkeaton]

Piece of cardboard formed into a shape that will keep the oil off whatever you want to keep it off of and drain into your pan.

 

[gatornek]

Piece of cardboard formed into a shape that will keep the oil off whatever you want to keep it off of and drain into your pan.

I'll see if I can fashion something out of cardboard next time. I honestly thought I could use one hand to hold back the bumper, while I unscrewed with the other, but that didn't work out as well as I imagined it in my mind .

 

[Mark S.]

Loosen, but not too loose, the oil filter. Loose enough that you can turn it the rest of the way off by hand, but not loose enough that oil starts coming out. Place a one-quart or larger bag over the filter, then turn it all the way out. The oil that comes from around the top of the filter will go in the bag.

 

[gatornek]

Loosen, but not too loose, the oil filter. Loose enough that you can turn it the rest of the way off by hand, but not loose enough that oil starts coming out. Place a one-quart or larger bag over the filter, then turn it all the way out. The oil that comes from around the top of the filter will go in the bag.

Now……that sounds nifty. Thanks!

 

[RSH]

I go to Quick Lane at the dealer, I also don't mind using Motorcraft synthetic blend. I can usually snag a coupon which makes the cost reasonable, they also rotate the tires as well. No need to lay on a creeper or cardboard or having to dispose of the used oil and filter.

 

[gatornek]

I go to Quick Lane at the dealer

Part of the reason I stopped going to the "quick lane" is because it stopped being "quick" after
COVID

I also don't mind using Motorcraft synthetic blend

To each, his own.

I can usually snag a coupon which makes the cost reasonable

Can't argue with that

they also rotate the tires as well

Don't be so sure. Ive questioned different mechanics and "service people" from my local dealer as to what technique they use to rotate and I've gotten both the correct pattern, and also front to back only...as in L front will always go to L rear and same for R, as answers.
I definitely rotate my tires myself also. A bit of a pain but well worth the peace of mind.

No need to lay on a creeper or cardboard or having to dispose of the used oil and filter.

I enjoy getting a look at the car from underneath. You see things you might not see from up top. Sheds make for great hazmat storage areas until the inevitable 'run to the dump' (no pun intended).

 

[13MikeH]

Part of the reason I stopped going to the "quick lane" is because it stopped being "quick" after
COVID

To each, his own.

Can't argue with that

Don't be so sure. Ive questioned different mechanics and "service people" from my local dealer as to what technique they use to rotate and I've gotten both the correct pattern, and also front to back only...as in L front will always go to L rear and same for R, as answers.
I definitely rotate my tires myself also. A bit of a pain but well worth the peace of mind.

I enjoy getting a look at the car from underneath. You see things you might not see from up top. Sheds make for great hazmat storage areas until the inevitable 'run to the dump' (no pun intended).

Thankfully our local bus garage takes used oil so long as it's clean from absorbants or chemical contamination. They have a massive poly container and just add my dribbles to it.

 

[PaulOinMA]

I used to do the plastic bag trick with the filter on my wife's 2002 New Beetle. Works well.

 

[RSH]

Part of the reason I stopped going to the "quick lane" is because it stopped being "quick" after
COVID

To each, his own.

Can't argue with that

Don't be so sure. Ive questioned different mechanics and "service people" from my local dealer as to what technique they use to rotate and I've gotten both the correct pattern, and also front to back only...as in L front will always go to L rear and same for R, as answers.
I definitely rotate my tires myself also. A bit of a pain but well worth the peace of mind.

I enjoy getting a look at the car from underneath. You see things you might not see from up top. Sheds make for great hazmat storage areas until the inevitable 'run to the dump' (no pun intended).

I've been lucky with Quick Lane, I've been within line of sight for the services performed ( The Works Synthetic blend oil package). I used to do all the service Op's for my vehicles and others myself, if I had a lift I would possibly still do it, not much fun laying on the ground or on a creeper anymore. If it's someone that needs help or something that needs immediate attention yes, otherwise no.

 

[gatornek]

I've been lucky with Quick Lane, I've been within line of sight for the services performed ( The Works Synthetic blend oil package). I used to do all the service Op's for my vehicles and others myself, if I had a lift I would possibly still do it, not much fun laying on the ground or on a creeper anymore. If it's someone that needs help or something that needs immediate attention yes, otherwise no.

I do agree that lifts are awesome. There is a DIY garage that isn't too expensive; but its a trek to another side of Miami. Can't find one closer. I'll probably go there on my next oil change, just so I can get the "walk around" experience underneath. I think its important.

Simple things like Oil changes, tire rotation, and others where I really don't have to get underneath the car too much (oil changes really aren't too bad for that if we're being honest) I'm okay with, but I do agree that doing more extensive work (say catback or downpipe install, or spring and strut replacement) can be an absolute nightmare to do on stands and my body will ache for atleast a day afterwards. So I'm fairly loathe to do it unless I truly want to.

So I think we're on the same page.....minus the synthetic blend!

 

[bozer]

Your oil looks like it has a green tint to it like mine did when I did my first oil change.

 

[gatornek]

Your oil looks like it has a green tint to it like mine did when I did my first oil change.

Yeah, it looked strange to me too, but I chalked it up to it being the first time I've ever changed fresh oil. Usually GDI engine oil is black after a thousand miles or two, from all the soot it soaks up.

Maybe someone else can offer up an explanation. I googled it a bit, and it seems to be that many oils have a green hue. So I kinda just chalked this up to me never seeeing fresh oil all pooled out like that.

 

[bozer]

Yeah, it looked strange to me too, but I chalked it up to it being the first time I've ever changed fresh oil. Usually GDI engine oil is black after a thousand miles or two, from all the soot it soaks up.

Maybe someone else can offer up an explanation. I googled it a bit, and it seems to be that many oils have a green hue. So I kinda just chalked this up to me never seeeing fresh oil all pooled out like that.

I've done a lot of oil changes, some with relatively clean oil, and I've never encountered this. I sent a sample to Blackstone Labs and the oil checked out okay. I've chatted with some Ford tech's online, and they seem to think it's a dye from the factory to check for oil leaks.

 

[gatornek]

I've done a lot of oil changes, some with relatively clean oil, and I've never encountered this. I sent a sample to Blackstone Labs and the oil checked out okay. I've chatted with some Ford tech's online, and they seem to think it's a dye from the factory to check for oil leaks.

Awesome! Yeah, I sent away for my Blackstone kit last week. Hopefully it will be here soon. I think its going to be great to get a 'baseline' reading of what the engine was doing straight out of the box.

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