2024 XLT 4x4 2.3L Oil Change?

[goober71]

Hi,
I'm planning to do an oil change on my truck next weekend. I want to switch to synthetic, so I figured I'd do it myself. I looked at the engine bay last weekend, and the filter is in a pretty inconvenient place, but it looks like I can reach it with my right hand, after some maneuvering.
Question.....has anyone done an oil change without accessing the filter from the wheel well? Can you get a wrench on it from with the top or the bottom? I tried moving it once I got my hand on it, but it is too tight to move with my hand.
Please let me know.
Thanks.

G

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[superj]

I reach through from the top and turn it with my left hand on and off. My right arm didn't bend the correct way to be able to turn the filter


I have done my 24 2.3 a bunch of times

 

[goober71]

Great, thanks for the response. Will try it over the weekend. Were you able to lift out the filter once you unscrewed it? Is there enough room?
I may also have to try to get a filter wrench in there the first time, because it feels very tight!

G

 

[superj]

Yes, you can bring the filter out the too. Twist it in your fingers once it's off so the open end is up and it will come out through everything to the top with little issue.


And it may be tight, you are right. I think I used a filter plier to loosen mine

 

[Trimjb]

Always from the top.
No issue, just tight access.

 

[Meatbag]

Done my truck 4 times already all from the top. When you get the filter loose, tilt it up so it doesn't leak as much and put a shop towel around the end so you don't get oil on all the cables and wires as you pull it up and out. It's really not as bad as some people make it out to be. It could always be worse.

 

[FirstFord1]

Done 4 changes, all by reaching down and removing the filter. Not difficult, just awkward. There is a catch tray located under the oil filter that directs the oil that drains as you unscrew the filter. If you get uder the truck and look, it is approximately even with hinges on the drivers door. You will want to have something to catch that oil, or you get a bit of a mess on the ground. Personally, I don't find any value for this device, but it is there. I use Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30 and change every 5000 miles. Best wishes.

 

[goober71]

Great! Thanks for all the useful comments! Definitely helps! I'll try it out this weekend.

G

 

[goober71]

Update:
I got the oil change done last weekend.
It was pretty easy for the most part, had to remove the engine shield at the bottom to access the drain plug. The filter was a little bit of a pain to access, but with a filter wrench, I was able to get it loosened. I hand tightened the new one, so it will hopefully be easier the next time around.

Couple of questions:

1. There was a silicone washer on the drain plug, not an aluminum one. Do those need to be replaced each time? Are they available at the ford dealer?
2. I hadn't looked at the oil temp gauge level closely before the change. Yesterday, after about 40 minutes of driving, the gauge was at about 45% (little below half). Is that the normal temperature? Any of you seeing the same (pic attached)?

Thanks for all the help. Will continue to do these myself with 5w-30 full synthetic.

G

 

[Geo8866]

The temp is normal. I haven't done my first oil change yet so I was unaware of the crush washer. All the washers I am seeing online are copper which I would reuse 20 times before replacing. If you have a photo of the washer that would be great.

 

[Trimjb]

2024 2.3L FX4
I changed my drain plug out with the Fumoto F-107SX.
I did not change out the silicone ring on previous oil changes.
The skid plate will still have to be removed to drain.
The Fumoto make it much easier to drain and has a nipple to attach a drain hose if needed.
Takes a little longer to drain but that's Ok with me. I'm usually pulling the filter while it's draining anyway.

 

[goober71]

The fumoto valve is a great idea. I have the Rival skid plate that has a little cutout for the drain plug, so if I can direct the oil with a hose, I won't need to remove the whole plate!
I didn't take a picture of the washer, unfortunately. It looked ok to reuse, but I'll probably change it out next time.
The filter location is a pain, but now that I know how to do it, next time will hopefully be easier.

G

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