View Full Version : First Oil Change (Myself)
LincMercLover
11-18-2002, 05:18 PM
I'm sorry, but I love my car to death, but that had to be the most frustration oil change I've ever had! I mean, my sis had a 1996 Contour and I thought that was retarded! This surely takes the cake! I couldn't even really jack up the car from the direct front. My 1979 Lincoln is longer than this car and I can AT LEAST jack the whole front end up from the front cross member with ease. And the oil filer, DAMN... Is it rather convienent that the sway bar and the new steering system is right in the way of the oil filter? Oh, and could there be a couple more hoses in the way maybe? You could tell the engineers didn't think ANY of this out when someone said, "Hey, lets drop the old Cobra motor in here!" I could just see one guy saying, "Well, see these drawing here indicate an oil change will be a pain in the ass for the consumer..." and another guy saying, "You're fired." OK, done dissing my car. At least she's got good Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W-30. Oh... speaking of which. When I drained the oil, the motor was fairly warm, probably not quite opperating temp, and that stuff looked thinner than water! Almost made me sick I've had 1000mile on that crap! Thanks Ford... OK, now I'm done again, I think... Hmm... Yah, done! Drive on (no plug intended)! :D
When I first put Mobil 1 in my Impala as it was pouring out I was thinking, "Hmmmmmmm, seems kinda thin..."
Two years and all is well though. I hope.
Jeff
LincMercLover
11-18-2002, 05:31 PM
My Mobil 1 didn't look thin to me. That 5W-20 did though, slightly warm. We're talking microscopic thin... THIN beyond your wildest conception of thin! LOL, but yah, it was pretty thin...
MarauderBoy
11-18-2002, 07:05 PM
LML,
I'm thinking a pair a ramps are in my future
Moparzz
11-18-2002, 07:52 PM
I'm with ya LincMercLover. Changed the oil in my MM last week. It was a pain getting to the stock filter never mind unscrewing it with great difficulty and then having the oil drain all over those hoses and the front cross member. The only thing that worked out was the Mobil 1 oil filter that I replaced the stock filter with could use the cap style filter remover that goes on the old 3/8 ratchet. That will make it easier for the next change and I am more confident in the Mobil 1 5W-30 than that 5W-20 that I just replaced. I don't think it will have any effect on the fake oil pressure gauge though LOL. I would highly recommend the ramps. I used my good ole Rhino Ramps and that beats the heck out of jacking the thing up.
Moparzz,
Did standard ramps suffice, or are the Rhino models wider and therefor can accomodate the MM tires? I will have to buy a pair as I took a quick creep under and MAN is it tight down there!!!
LincMercLover
11-18-2002, 09:29 PM
Yah, I've got ramps, their pretty old though. I excellent shape, seeing how no one's really used them, but like gja said, I don't know about the width. I wouldn't think it'd present a major problem though. My problem right now though is their at my other house. So my bulky 3Ton had to surfice. Wasn't fun, but I got the job done. I did replace mine with a regular Motorcraft oil filter (just in case dealer wants to raise a stink about stupid stuff), and what I thought would be easier to get on, wasn't. It took forever to find just the right placement for my wrench to get that extra 3/4 turn. I've got a thing that you can put on a ratchet somewhere, maybe that'd work better (keyword there is SOMEWHERE). I do like the location of the fill. The radiator hose and air tube hold my funnel rather well while grabbing another bottle of my Mobil 1. :D LOL, I know the feeling about the gauge. It slipped my mind to when checking it, I was hoping for something a tad different, but then my memory resevered me and I preceded to clean up as I let the motor run for a little before checking the dip stick. At least I don't have to crawl under there again for another 3000 miles (knock on wood).
bozobill
11-18-2002, 10:18 PM
Here's how I handle oil changes in my MM:
First you buy a 1997 C5 in 1997. Then every 3K you take it to your neighborhood full service gas station (nice hydraulic lift system) whose owner you've known since you were both kids. He installs the Mobil One 5W30 and the AC/Delco filter you bought at Trak Auto and on the fifth oil change he leaves an oily shopcloth laying on the exhaust header and you get about 15 minutes of summertime hot rodding before the smoke coming from under the hood of your Seattle Silver $44K chick magnet becomes excessive and when you pop the hood and smoke turns to fire and you rip off your best white short-sleeve dress shirt and tie and jam them onto the flames while you singe the backs of both hands and finally the fire department arrives to snuff it out.
Guess who paid the medical bills back then, buys the oil and filter for the MM now, and installs them GRATIS every 3K for me? AND counts every shopcloth before and after like he was an OR nurse counting sponges! That "arsonist" at the gas station, that's who! He said he'd do it for free 'til one of us dies. Friendship and customer service redefined!
Fourth Horseman
11-18-2002, 10:39 PM
After chaning the oil for 5 years in my '97 Thunderbird V8 Sport, changing the Marauder is a snap. Seriously, guys. The only problem is some of the power steering lines. On the T-Bird it was a cast iron b*tch!
It's a 30 minute job tops on the MM.
Bigdogjim
11-19-2002, 01:53 AM
LML Have faith in Ford! I have 15 fleet vans (E-350) with 5.4l gas engines.(one 6.9 V-10). Some have 200,000! My shop changes oil every 3000. for most of my vans it ever other week. I know the 5.4 is no 4.6 but, are we putting 1600 miles a week on our cars! 5W-20 is good oil!
Big Dog
03'Merc
87' F-150 4X4
01' Highlander
Moparzz
11-19-2002, 05:35 AM
For those who still crawl around under their cars and are interested in ramps I highly recommend the Rhino Ramps. You can get them at AutoZone, Walmart etc. They are made of plastic and are rated at 6 tons for the pair. They aren't noisy like the metal ramps and they are wider than most metal ramps. They easily accomodated the tires on my MM. All this for about $30 a pair (when I bought them 4 years ago).
Bozobill, I loved your story and envy you now for the free labor on oil changes.
LincMercLover
11-19-2002, 06:23 AM
Oh yah, I'm not saying this was a day in the garage project Fourth. Took me about the same 30 mins. But I'm used to my older cars where everything's right there and it takes me like 10 mins tops. Even my Dads 1998 F-150 5.4 is easier that this, but it's got room since it's a truck.
As for faith in the oil, I don't doubt it works, and I have total faith in Ford (that's all I own); but those Eco vans aren't running 14's in the 1/4! :D I'd just like to see something with a little more substance to it lubricating my motor.
Macon Marauder
11-19-2002, 08:51 AM
I don't know about my MM yet. Still trying to decide whether or not to go for the "1st oil change free" deal. But I've got about 2400 miles to make up my mind.
Like Fourth above, I wrestled with a 97 TBird 4.6 until recently. Definitely no fun. For that matter, it was a pain changing the oil in the wife's Windstars and the 94 Mustang (dang cross-member!). Come to think of it; the only "easy" oil change I've managed recently was on my old '68.
I guess that's it, LincMercLover, we're spoiled by that big iron with plenty of room.
Fourth Horseman
11-19-2002, 12:20 PM
Yeah, I understand where you guys are coming from. I had a '76 LTD and changing the filter on it was a snap.
I'm just so happy to not have to change the T-Bird any more that I can't (yet) bring myself to complain about the easier to change Marauder. :)
Mikeenh
11-19-2002, 02:57 PM
If you go to a non Ford garage for an oil change, make sure you have your Motorcraft oil filter number to cross refference (It's in your manual). Pep Boys , VIP and most places don't show the 03 Marauder. They will say there is no filter made for the car yet. They can't do a filter find without your Motorcraft number. I just had my oil & filter changed at a VIP Auto Center.Had 6 Qts of 5-30 Mobile One oil with a Mobile One oil filter (M1-210) for $38. The filter alone went for $9.99. Doesn't pay to do your own oil change at that price. I'll think about the rag on the exhaust every time I have an oil change from now on ;)
Larry Vogel
11-19-2002, 05:43 PM
Any room for a remote filter under their? I run a double oil filter, got it mounted where it takes 2 minutes to change both.
LincMercLover
11-19-2002, 06:07 PM
Mikeenh,
I ran at about $38 changing my own oil, and that was with having to go to Wal-Mart to get 4 of my 7 (thought I'd get an extra just in case) needed quarts, their prices on some automotive stuff is a wee bit high. Evidentally this Mobil 1 stuff is the ****nit cause every auto part store I went didn't have enoph for my car. So, minus the $4.99 for the extra quart that puts me at about $33,possibly $32 if I bought the oil all at one place. So I'm still saving a little dough and have got the piece of mind with changing MY OWN oil.
Pantherman
11-19-2002, 09:54 PM
One nice feature is that, with the proper wrench, you can loosen or tighten the filter from above. Unfortunately, you can only finish removing or installing it from below.
Buford
11-20-2002, 12:06 AM
At V8SHO we have experienced several owners denied ESP coverage only because they changed their own oil. (No independently verifiable record, like a receipt. Even if you can prove you purchased and a filter they have no independent way of proving it to their own satisfaction.) These were immaculately maintained cars, very clean and never abused.
May I suggest if you are a DIY-er you invest in oil analysis kits from Amsoil, Cat, Cummings or Detroit Diesel, I if you can show them oil analysis history, annotated with dates, mileage, Oil brand & grade – Oil filter brand they are pressed to call you a non-technical idiot.
A V8SHO can empty a 7 qt sump every 7 seconds, even has a factory oil inter-cooler above the filter, So I have passing interest in oil and oil filters.
I wrote a 40+ page technical paper on SHO oil systems for www.SHOCLUB.com which also reviews oil filters for Ford engines which I think will fit MM. Conclusion was the discontinued AC-Ultra oil filter was the finest made. (I have a private stash).
Mobil 1 oil filter is made by the same folks Champion filter in IL. It has the finest synthetic media which maintains high flow and 10 micron in non bypass mode.
The K&N filter looks identical but sacrifices sub 15 micron filtering for increased flow rates. (It is a marketed as a racing filter.)
My oil analysis history is available on http://v8sho.com/SHO/oilanal.html, it looks out of date, I have to update the page.
Marauderman
11-21-2002, 07:12 PM
I 'm not sure after reading several postings if the consense is that it's hard/difficult or not to change the MM oil==mine is only at 500 miles - so got a while to go yet--had a '98 Vic HP and all was necessary was to turn the wheel fully in one directrion while on the ramps (having a paper plate under tires helps the turning) and the filter became clear of any rods , etc.. to get access ... so ..what IS REALLY NECESSARY FOR THE mm?
Marauderman
11-21-2002, 07:14 PM
And although awhile off for the oil change--where in the world can you get 5W-20 as reccommended anyway --any can't the 5W-30 which is more availably just be as good?
LincMercLover
11-21-2002, 07:22 PM
Possibly a oil filter attachment for a socket wrench (haven't tried this yet, but it would probably be better than a band wrench. Ramps and a definate because the jack process is too damn slow. Other than that, just a lot of patients and a lot of paper towels.
I changed mine at 1061 miles (wrote it in my book) for the break in and switch to Mobil 1 full synthetic 5W-30. I talked to the head of service at my dealership and they said the oil change would not affect anything as long as it's documented.
Marauderman
11-21-2002, 07:25 PM
you mean it's as messy as doing a T-Bird( which I have the Dealer do cause it's a real bit__...--turning the wheel on the ramp won't help?
LincMercLover
11-21-2002, 07:54 PM
Nope. Things in the way are power steering hoses, front cross memeber, wire for a sending unit and sway bar. As for the messiness part, just be ready to wipe up the cross memeber (which has a lil platform like abtrusion that holds a lot of it), hoses, and sway bar. The valve cover is no problem if you have a funnel.
Moparzz
11-21-2002, 07:58 PM
The oil filter attachment that goes on a 3/8 drive wrench and fits over the cap of the oil filter works great on Mobil 1 filters. Makes for much easier access. These will not work with all filters (including the original that you have to remove) so check to make sure that the oil filter that you wish to use has the right style of cap and life will be easier when you change your own oil. I recommend the Mobil 1 oil filters because from all I have read they are superior. Cost a lot more, but definately superior.
Marauderman
11-21-2002, 08:12 PM
Crap- The Vic is a no brainer--now this news is definitely not good news--and something I'm not looking forward too--which begs the question--is it wise to consider having others do it -- where there is a lift ---even with your own oil--the're are surely places that will---okay--I get the answer as I'm writing--I hear you--yeah , your saying...." but those guys they will leave the oil in and on those areas and if not cleaned off --well the under carrage will look like it's all black for sure---okay --just have to plan on a lot of cleaning up--but didn't someone say --"it's only a 30 minute job"---I must have missed something---I better go back a re-read some post on this......
LincMercLover
11-21-2002, 08:16 PM
LOL, it is a 30 min job... when you're "good." :D
Marauderman
11-21-2002, 08:32 PM
okay --hear is a thought for reducing the "mess"--- --what if you only used one ramp -so any excess oil spilage would drain to lower side --thus help in the removal of what gets "caught" in places....whats everyone's thought on that--if its possible?
LincMercLover
11-21-2002, 08:34 PM
I would never use only one ramp on this car. It sits too low in the front. You'd end up tearing the bumper off on the other side and picking up tires you don't want to. It would be highly unstable. I would not recomend it.
Marauderman
11-21-2002, 08:40 PM
Thanks for telling me the obvious--why didn't I think of that--well thats what this forum is about--Boy- I asked a real doo-doo ?--can't believe I even mentioned it--thanks-
LincMercLover
11-21-2002, 08:42 PM
LOL, well, we all have that time when we look back on ourselves and say, "WTF was I thinking?!?!" No biggie... just glad you didn't do before asking! ;)
Donald
11-21-2002, 09:26 PM
Moparzz and Mikeenh,
What Mobil 1 filter? I just bought one (M1-210). It appears shorter than the one on the MM.
Pantherman
11-21-2002, 10:23 PM
If you are going to change your Marauder filter, pick up a few simple tools to make it easy. My local Murray's has a socket tool which works on both the original Motorcraft and also on courser end filters like Frams. A short 3/8 inch flex ratchet will allow you to loosen and tighten the filter from above. One thing I keep in the garage is a roll of aluminum foil. When I'm not roasting turkeys under the hood, it comes in handy for things like forming temporary shields to keep oil off the steering gear and cross member. On the other hand--these are Fords--a little oil won't hurt em. When you can't find your funnel you can whip up a crude one out of foil in seconds and toss it after use. There is no room to drop the filter straight down, but you can easily pass it forward over the stabilizer bar and down. There appears to be a power steering cooler hose in the way, but it is very flexible and easily moved.
Moparzz
11-22-2002, 05:24 AM
Donald,
M1-210 is the correct number for the Mobil 1 filter for the Marauder. The filter may not appear as large as the original, but the quality of the filter media, the back-flow protection and the cannister strength make it a superior filter to almost any other.
And thanks to Pantherman for a few more good hints on the oil-change.
bozobill
11-22-2002, 07:59 AM
marauderman: If the 5w20 you're looking for is the recommended synthetic blend from Motorcraft, any Autozone will have it or can get it for you.
drobin
11-22-2002, 09:40 AM
I'm a do it yourselfer type guy and change my oil personally with the aid of the following: 1. Old type metal ramps 2. Plenty of oil absorbant pads 3. Brake Cleaner 4. Rubber Gloves and a freshly lit Cigar... I find it extremely relaxing and gratifying doing this myself. I am however, debating whether or not to install the Amsoil secondary filter assembly, but don't know if this is over kill or necessary.. Any thought on this before I spend the bucks??????
Thanks,
Donald
Leadfoot
11-22-2002, 10:19 AM
Originally posted by LincMercLover
... You could tell the engineers didn't think ANY of this out when someone said, "Hey, lets drop the old Cobra motor in here...
Cobras aren't any better. The steering gear and tubing are below the filter on mine as well. I just make the aluminum foil funnel like Pantherman suggested and everything stays clean.
LincMercLover
11-22-2002, 11:41 AM
Cobras aren't any better. The steering gear and tubing are below the filter on mine as well. I just make the aluminum foil funnel like Pantherman suggested and everything stays clean.
I was refering to the CV/GM's with the SOHC vs. our DOHC from the Cobra. I've never owned a Mustang nor have I worked on any of my friends Mustangs, so I wouldn't know.
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