Changing the oil

[CrazyHorn]

This might be a dumb question but anyways, I change the oil on my atv etc and would like to change it on my car as the warranty is expired on it now. I got a car jack and stands, I was wondering where the drain plug is and also to remove the filter how to do it.
Thanks guys. Btw I got a 02 mustang gt 5spd

Edit: Do I need the oil filter wrench to remove the filter, is it necessary or I can still do it by hand ?

 

[isjoining]

http://mustangworld.com/ourpics/fcar/oilc1.htm

 

[CrazyHorn]

Thanks man, I appreciate it. I'll change it tomorrow Just need to know if the wrench is necessary so I'll go get it tonight.

 

[GettinThere]

Thanks man, I appreciate it. I'll change it tomorrow Just need to know if the wrench is necessary so I'll go get it tonight.

You probably don't need a wrench for the filter. I've been able to easily remove oil filters by wearing one of those (rubber) dishwashing gloves, works great.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

The rubber glove trick works great

Be sure and use aluminum foil to channel the oil that spills out when the oil filter is removed. If you do not the oil spills on the a-arm, steering rack, tie rod, and tie rod boot

Do not over tighten the oil drain plug when reinstalling it.

Use a Motorcraft FL-820S filter and Motorcraft 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil. Alternatively you could use a synthetic oil of your choice.

 

[BlackenedSVT]

Its different with what everyone uses. But I always used Mobil 1 Oil (full synthetic) in my 2002 GT and it always used 6 quarts. Some put less but 6 quarts will do ya good.

When installing the Oil Filter. HAND tighten it, do NOT crank it on with a wrench...

Similar thing with the oil pan nut. Use a wrench to tighten the oil pan nut, but just snug it up nice and tight, dont go crazy on it. Overtighten that and you'll strip the threads and/or risk breaking the head of the bolt right off.

 

[CrazyHorn]

Thanks for the advice guys. It seems pretty straight forward, I'll try the rubber glove trick

 

[my05gt]

I bought my 95 and 96 used. The first time I changed the oil on both of them it was rough getting the filter and drain plug loose. They must have had some gorilla at a quick change place do it. Now the filter comes off barehanded and the plug is just snug. Good luck!

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Oh I forgot the most important tip of all:

Be sure the old oil filter gasket does not stick to the engine on removal. If you somehow end up with two oil filter gaskets you will be sorry, trust me...

 

[Killa]

USE SAND PAPER TO REMOVE OR INSTALL OIL FILTER, WORK BEST FOR ME.

 

[DTNODYA]

USE SAND PAPER TO REMOVE OR INSTALL OIL FILTER, WORK BEST FOR ME.

Thats a good idea. Use some like 80 grit or so .. interesting.

Be sure and use aluminum foil to channel the oil that spills out when the oil filter is removed. If you do not the oil spills on the a-arm, steering rack, tie rod, and tie rod boot

Heh .. I never though of that. Will definitely do next time I change my oil. I hate how it runs all over everything (stupid design)...

 

[steve_stang2003]

Oh I forgot the most important tip of all:

Be sure the old oil filter gasket does not stick to the engine on removal. If you somehow end up with two oil filter gaskets you will be sorry, trust me...

You too heh?

I've been working on cars for 30+ years and my first oil change on my 2003 Mustang turned into a mess in my driveway.
I was lucky because the car was only on for a couple of seconds, but yes, I left the gasket on.
Never happened on any other car I've ever worked on.
Must be something about the Ford 4.6.
Couldn't be the couple of Heinikens

Sometimes I learn the hard way!!

 

[steve_stang2003]

Thats a good idea. Use some like 80 grit or so .. interesting.



Heh .. I never though of that. Will definitely do next time I change my oil. I hate how it runs all over everything (stupid design)...

I use a DHL envelope folded in half.
Make a trough and aim it at your bucket/pan.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I just use an oil filter wrench. Takes two seconds to do.

 

[CrazyHorn]

Hey guys I'm doing it and for some reason I can't find the drain plug lol, is it located on the driver side in front of the engine ?

 

[GettinThere]

Hey guys I'm doing it and for some reason I can't find the drain plug lol, is it located on the driver side in front of the engine ?

It's on the bottom of the black metal pan on the bottom (center) of the engine. You should get a Haynes manual (from just about any auto parts store for about $15). It has a LOT of info, including pictures of the bottom of the engine (with the drain bolt shown and labeled).

 

[CrazyHorn]

Yeah, well I might go and buy one but there is no better pics for it on the net then the one on mustang world ? Is it just behing the front wheels or in front of the wheels ?

 

[Dusstbuster]

Its different with what everyone uses. But I always used Mobil 1 Oil (full synthetic) in my 2002 GT and it always used 6 quarts. Some put less but 6 quarts will do ya good.

Ford hasn't even been able to make up its mind as to how much oil the engines need. Some are full at 5, others still show a qt. low. Some owners manuals say 5, some say 6. If yours is full at 5 then only put 5 in, an extra quart will definitely lead to bad oil leaks in your cars future as it will blow through seals.

The plug on the pan is on the drivers side about 1' behind the front axle IIRC.

 

[CrazyHorn]

Is this the bolt that needs to be removed for some reason I just cant find a matching bolt that I'm seeing on mustang world.

 

[Rusty67]

Yes.