Not that anyone cares, but today I got my truck back from the shop. Got an oil change, rotated the tires, and (hopefully) fixed my left windshield sprayer. I would change my own oil at my house, but I have a skid plate and it is hard to take off (I don't think I can get around it). Bought my truck in Nov. 2010 with 70,000 miles on it. This was the first change since I got my truck. Currently has 76,800 miles on it. First rotation as well. By the way, I did randomly type this thread because it is 1:43 in the morning. Goodnight!

 

I don't change my oil anymore either. Lot of work to do at home for not much satisfaction. Buying the oil, filter, changing it and then proper disposal. I also like to rotate my tires each time, now that's a pain at home. I usually go to the dealership and it runs about $35. But I watch them like a hawk. Even at the dealership it's kids doing oil changes.

 

 

I worked as a grease monkey in an "express lube" all through High School and I know what goes on behind the scenes at those places...if you knew, you wouldn't go to them anymore...you can only pay a kid so much to give a crap about someone else's car..

regardless, after working in a place like that, I change my own oil, it's cheaper and easy

Quick tip on the 5.4L's:
If you take the air intake pipe off (only 1 bolt) you can reach down in front of the motor and get to the oil filter with EASE. Saves you from crawling underneath or removing brush guards

 

This. And for the Love of God, don't use a wrench on the oil filter. Who ever did the oil change on my 07 before I bought it wrenched that sucker on good. It just needs to be hand tight. Makes life so much easier haha.

Changing your own oil is just where it's at. Makes getting samples for testing easier and is a little cheaper if you get good deals on the oil or run the expensive stuff.

 

Hey Guys..
Newbie here. Since your talking oil change and I came to the forums with that question.
I bought a used 01 with a 5.4. Drained the pan, changed the filter (no wrenches). The manual said it takes 6 quarts so I added 6 quarts now the dipstick shows one quart to much. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

What about the drain plug for the pan? Don't you still have to get under the truck? I keep telling myself I'm going to change the oil soon...

 

Y.B, Are you sure that you have orignal or correct dip stick? I think I'd go by the manual.
Bear Hunter

 

I have no clue about the dipstick. Don't know how to find out either.

 

Y.B, Drain the oil. Put six quarts in the engine. Let it set until you know you have all six quarts in the pan. Mark the dip stick with a file. Change the oil filter, start the engine, let it run a several minutes, shut it off, wait about fifteen minutes and top it to the mark you made on the dip stick. My Fords have taken just about a pint over the six quarts with a filter change.
Bear Hunter