jayb79

When I went to Quirk Fords web site and looked mine up I come up with FT4Z6730A for a part number for the 2.7eco $1.89.
http://www.quirkparts.com/ford/f-150...ame=drain-plug

Curmudgeon

I would imagine such apprehensions would prevent ever flying in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A350, both of which have 50-53% of their airframes & wings composed of composite materials (as my 2.7EB oil pan) and adhesives (as much of the current F150's aluminum joined panels).

volvodoc

Engine block on the 2.7 is compacted graphite so rods and crank might evolve into something else.

Curmudgeon

Compacted graphite iron would be a more precise description.

Jason Talley

My first oil change in the 3.5 gen2 eco was quite the comedy. I should have known it was going to be a rocky road when I said 'no, i don't need a bag for all this stuff' and dropped the 5Q jug of oil. It was only a small, slow leak, so I turned the jug upside down for the ride home. Stupidity averted. Or so I thought.

So I pull up in the garage, up on the ramps. I pop the hood and realize that the oil filter is indeed slightly easier to get to. That's nice.

I get all my supplies, and throw down a large piece of cardboard just in case I get some spillage. I crawl under and start removing the 4 screws for the dust cover underneath. Great, the evaporator is draining on my head. This is annoying.

That comes off quite easily. I studied the drain plug a big. No drive insert, but it looks like it just rotates. I position the drain pan below, and I have a medium sized funnel w/ hose to catch some of the splash. I slowly turn the drain plug. To my surprise, there was no seepage as I slowly turned it out.

Suddenly, I past the point of no return. A deluge of piping hot oil goes everywhere. I put the funnel up and try to catch as much as I can. The oil is still freaking hot, and burning my gloved hands thru the funnel! The pan is filling so fast, the drain can barely keep up. But it did hold -- it never overflowed.

After what felt like an eternity, the stream finally subsided, and I could let it just trickle out. I crawl out from under the truck, and wipe the oil off my glasses and see just how messy this oil change was. Fortunately, the cardboard was in the perfect place and only a very little amount hit the floor.

So I move in to remove the oil filter. I thought I'd be smart. I'd lay down some paper towels and a paper bowl to catch the leakage out of the oil filter. With those in place, I go to unscrew the filter. It seems Hercules put on the oil filter and try as I might, it would not move. I searched for my oil wrench, and the mechanic dietys said no - too big. Ugh. I dig out my strap wrench and finally manage to muscle it off. Miraculously, the paper bowl and towels did their job. No mess!

The rest was my fault. Suffice it to say, always check to make sure you've removed any sort of towels from the funnel prior to filling the oil.

I learned a few things on this go round. 1 - the Ford engineer that designed the plastic oil pan w/ a horizontal plug must be a new grad, that has never changed the oil in a car. Assuming that is a bad assumption, then the engineer must have previously worked/designed pressure washers. 2 - Ford must hate DIY'ers. I don't see how you can change the oil on this engine (easily) without a lift, and being able to move around freely underneath. I really don't see how you can drain the oil w/o making a huge and complete mess. I /really/ hope Fumoto can make something that works in the 3.5 Eco. I really don't want to have to go to the dealer/iffy lube. Even w/ the stupid mistakes I made, at least I know the right oil got in, and the filter was changed.

rliles1

I just went to Tasca Ford and their website says the "-B" replaces the "-A" unit. Probably the change from a 3/8" ratchet to the tab style.

FWIW, I just found a auto parts place online that still lists the "-A" in inventory. I ordered 2. I would rather have the 3/8" ratchet than the tab. I hope that is what arrives. If not, oh well, I needed a couple of spares anyway.

The website is rockauto.com.

gregsf150stx

Did you receive these? I ordered two of the ratchet style. i can't find any of the "tab" style anywhere.

The tab style on the '17 model lists as KX6E-6730-AB (STAMPED ON THE PLUG).

I assuming the actual plug is the same, only the change from square hole for ratchet versus tab for just turning with hand.

rliles1

I did. But, after getting them I realized that I hadn't fully vetted the part # and what I ordered and got is for the 2.7l eb engine. I don't know if they will work for the 3.5l eb or not. I will find out on my first oil change.

RandyinTN

Do you know the correct part number for the 3.5 plug? Be nice to order a few spares.

FirefightinFX4

Rod's are compacted iron powder. For that matter, it's a pretty fair statement that well over half the engine is made from compacted powder, either aluminum or iron. Timing gears, cam caps, trans gears, clutch plate, etc etc.

Everything is powder metal nowadays.