How do I change the Oil

[94_XLT]

YAY noobie questions! So yea time to change it and i don't feel like waiting 8 weeks for my dad to take it to a shop. I feel like getting it done this weekend...can someone tell me how to change the oil on a 94 XLT 5spd?

Thanks

 

[techieman33]

Do you have a set of basic hand tools? A pan to drain the oil into? a filter wrench in case the filter is on to tight (since you normally go to a quickie lube it probably will be), and you'll also need some rags to clean up changing your oil can be a messy affair. I would suggest that you do a google search you'll probably find a million different sites with good instructions, then after you look at a couple of those, go look under your explorer and find the drain plug and filter, and if you have any more questions after that then post them in this thread.

 

[pugsy]

Are you asking about changing the transmission fluid since you reference a 5 spd?

 

[94_XLT]

Are you asking about changing the transmission fluid since you reference a 5 spd?

Nope not yet...that will be another weekend project soon though. XD

IM googleing changing oil now...i will post what i find

Edit: This close enough? http://www.ehow.com/video_11_change-motor-oil.html
I am gonna grab a Haynes manual anywase. And where could i get rid of the old oil? Also could someone post what kind of torque wrench i should buy...gonna get loads of stuff today

Edit2: Should i run the motor for 10 minuets before draining...its already below the low line on the dipstick...i have a few hours to change the oil so i dont care how quick it is

 

[boggs1227]

i would not suggest buying a torque wrench to do the drain plug ...just that when you put it back on just to snug it down ( not overlly tight you'll strip it ! ) you just want the plug to be on good enough not to come back out but not so tight that it takes a cheater bar to do the work you know what i mean ?!

the plug should be ok i mean if there are no leaks comeing from the plug area only ( and not from a oil leak up top that is leaking down onto the plug ) ....look at the plug at the threaded section near the head of the bolt ...see a rubber type washer? make sure it's not torn or worn down ...if it is just replace it ...drain plugs are like $5 at any auto parts store ...cheap insurance.

low on oil ? it ran fine before right ?at how many hours or minutes you ran it ? then the oil yes is low but will be fine for changeing purpose's ...just dont rev the engine to terribly much tho low oil is not good especiality below the low mark .just run the engine at idle for 5-10 minutes then change your oil .will take 5 quarts with a filter change .make sure you buy a filter like motorcraft or k&n or mobile 1 oil filters ...they use a anti drain back valve in them much better than other cheap filters ( please no comments every one on this subject ) .also when you take the old filter off make sure the rubber oring thats on the filter comes off as well ..reason i say this is that with age and heat they can stick on the engine and if your not paying attention you can install the new filter on the block with the ring still on there and not make a good seal or not want to even thread at all .then when you got the filter on just hand tighten it DO NOT CRANK IT DOWN ,if you do you'll be sorry next time it has to be replaced ...just snug it down .


one other thing that you may want to do / try is to install a drain plug valve .this replaces the drain plug and makes oil changes a breeze .sorry i don't know the name of it but i think lmc.com sells them .

good luck .

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Wix is another good brand of filter.

 

[94_XLT]

i would not suggest buying a torque wrench to do the drain plug ...just that when you put it back on just to snug it down ( not overlly tight you'll strip it ! ) you just want the plug to be on good enough not to come back out but not so tight that it takes a cheater bar to do the work you know what i mean ?!

the plug should be ok i mean if there are no leaks comeing from the plug area only ( and not from a oil leak up top that is leaking down onto the plug ) ....look at the plug at the threaded section near the head of the bolt ...see a rubber type washer? make sure it's not torn or worn down ...if it is just replace it ...drain plugs are like $5 at any auto parts store ...cheap insurance.

low on oil ? it ran fine before right ?at how many hours or minutes you ran it ? then the oil yes is low but will be fine for changeing purpose's ...just dont rev the engine to terribly much tho low oil is not good especiality below the low mark .just run the engine at idle for 5-10 minutes then change your oil .will take 5 quarts with a filter change .make sure you buy a filter like motorcraft or k&n or mobile 1 oil filters ...they use a anti drain back valve in them much better than other cheap filters ( please no comments every one on this subject ) .also when you take the old filter off make sure the rubber oring thats on the filter comes off as well ..reason i say this is that with age and heat they can stick on the engine and if your not paying attention you can install the new filter on the block with the ring still on there and not make a good seal or not want to even thread at all .then when you got the filter on just hand tighten it DO NOT CRANK IT DOWN ,if you do you'll be sorry next time it has to be replaced ...just snug it down .


one other thing that you may want to do / try is to install a drain plug valve .this replaces the drain plug and makes oil changes a breeze .sorry i don't know the name of it but i think lmc.com sells them .

good luck .

The reason i wanted to buy a torque wrench is because its the only thing i really do not have lol.
The Truck has been below the full line for a while and i guess it just dipped below when my dad borrowed the truck to go to Bethesda for work.
I do not think it is leaking since it really has not changed to much. The check oil light has been turning on and off but my dad said to ignore it because my uncle had the same problem. This is the second time he has been wrong about ignoring it and the oil hasnt been changed in 3-4 months anyway x.x
Ill look out for the rubber O-ring and see if it stuck when i change the oil. and hopefully i dont walk out of there spending mroe then $100 (buying a couple of ramps for the other two cars sicne there so low i can't get under them)

Where do i get rid of the oil? Thats all i do not know xD

 

[Alan_V]

Don't forget to change the drain plug gasket (washer). It's designed to crush a bit and the crush also tends to give it a locking effect.

 

[techieman33]

Where do i get rid of the oil? Thats all i do not know xD

you'll have to call around, some auto parts stores will accept it, you might also have a recycling center that will take it;

 

[boggs1227]

yeah not good when the oil light comes on and goes off .. never a good idea to ignore a low oil light .

 

[94_XLT]

not the low pressure light just the check oil light (the one that comes on when your 3/4 a quart low). If it dies well I know who to kill. Im gonna put a quart in tonight and see if that helps it at all and then tomarrow drain and change that oil. 10W-30 or what?

I hope that thing is not gonna die...and i know it has a loose harness because even with it at full with fresh oil it comes on at 45 and up. (which is waht we mostly do anywase)

Dont you love how previous owners didnt take good care of the car T_T.

 

[boggs1227]

try getting a explorer and the engine had over 188k on it and the stock plugs and wires were in it ..not running ,,,,,carbon golfballs in the upper intake ( yes golfball size chunks of loose carbon ! ) and to top it all off the other owner must had kids and a dog ...well the kids torn pencial size rips in the headliner and the dog ate the passenger side of the dash board down to the metal then went for the drivers seat left hand side bolster

...got to love that !

 

[Maniak]

yeah not good when the oil light comes on and goes off .. never a good idea to ignore a low oil light .

If the low oil light came on you were more than 1 quart low.. If I remember correctly the oil light will come on (when sitting on flat ground) when you are either 2 or 3 quarts low... One quart low (just under the fill line) usually don't turn on the light, unless your turning sharp corners etc.

~Mark

 

[94_XLT]

If the low oil light came on you were more than 1 quart low.. If I remember correctly the oil light will come on (when sitting on flat ground) when you are either 2 or 3 quarts low... One quart low (just under the fill line) usually don't turn on the light, unless your turning sharp corners etc.

~Mark

but the stupid check oil light is tempermental....it comes on and off at random....

 

[boggs1227]

maniak...does the level sensor in the pan bolt on through it ? if so replaceing if it's not a loose connection maybe easy.....i have'nt even looked on mine .