Oil change question

[50 Deep]

Is the drain plug reusable or does it need to be replaced?

Thanks boys

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[CliffClavin]

Reusable.

 

[mattlqx]

That O-ring is the most questionable part of it. Replacing that eventually seems like a good idea but the whole plug being plastic probably means the entire thing is fairly cheap.

 

[wildcatgoal]

It's plastic? That's ridiculous. You can buy metal plugs at Autozone if you want. I replace the O-ring every other oil change unless damaged, never had an issue. I want to try one of those valve plugs that you just unlock and open to drain and close when done but in many cars they stick down lower and are at risk for breaking off. Had one on my truck and it was awesome.

 

[krt22]

The oil pan is plastic too, what are your thoughts on that?

 

[mattlqx]

It's plastic? That's ridiculous. You can buy metal plugs at Autozone if you want. I replace the O-ring every other oil change unless damaged, never had an issue. I want to try one of those valve plugs that you just unlock and open to drain and close when done but in many cars they stick down lower and are at risk for breaking off. Had one on my truck and it was awesome.

The whole oil pan is "composite" material, thus the "composite" plug as well. It's fairly neat in that it's 120 degree of turn from closed to open. We'll see how it works out in the long run.

 

[wildcatgoal]

The oil pan is plastic too, what are your thoughts on that?

I want to marry it.

 

[50 Deep]

I ended up buying a new plug at ford. It was like 3.95

It does appear to be reusable though. I totally forgot the pan was plastic composite, so it makes sense that the plug is also. Also cool how it just spins in and locks on its own. No need to torque it down

 

[Bossing]

Yup... scary at first isn't it? Good idea to get a couple of spares... I'l do so since I change my oil often like every 1k miles.

 

[ShadowBlackR]

Does anyone have the part number on the O-Ring and the Drain Plug? Thanks

 

[mephim]

For anyone who hasn't changed their oil yet. You will likely want two drain pans/cans due to the 3-4 ft between the filter window and the drain plug... Found out the hard way.

Also, because of the 45 deg angle of the filter, punch a hole in the bottom to allow pressure out instead of trying to fully unscrew it. Otherwise it will shoot oil into the belly pan.

 

[morjo02]

what kind of mess was it when performing the oil change ??

 

[GT_Dave]

I got under the car for the first time last night to check things out for adding temp gauges and coolers. This oil pan and drain plug is not like other cars, The drain plug looks like a 1/4 turn lock, can any one confirm this. If so there is no reason to replace it, just check that the seal is in good shape. Make sure you have a pan that will handle the 10 quarts, most pans will only take 5-6 comfortably.

 

[Bossing]

what kind of mess was it when performing the oil change ??

The yellow drain plug at the rear of the oil pan is very easy and convenient. As stated use a large capacity drain pan. A caveman can drain it.

The oil filter at your first oil change is very very tight since it must have been mega torqued by The Rock (their Ford Specialist)!

Just make sure you also have the large drain pan directly snug up right under the trap door so after carefully loosening the oil filter (from the side actually), the oil will drip and then pour out straight below. The higher you have your car up, the better... wear gloves and have rags around too. Easy peezy... don't rush.

 

[kratty]

what kind of mess was it when performing the oil change ??

Grab one of these XL catch pans from Wally World. The oil comes out fast and furious and there's a LOT of it. This pan caught everything.

The filter, however, will almost certainly make a mess, albeit not a huge one. Release the filter slowly and let it overflow while still attached. By the time you remove it, there won't be much left in it. One paper towel should clean up any splash in the pan.

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