Changing your Oil...

[Tailgate]

Dear All:

I have noticed that several of you mention that you change your own oil in the PSD. Obviously this is a MUCH cheaper alternative on a PSD than laying out $50-60 bucks per change (plus, you know it's done RIGHT).

However, I would like to know what you use to catch the used oil in. I mean, sheeesshh, 15 quarts of oil takes a BIG bucket, yet it still has to fit under the beast (since I don't have a hydraulic lift in my garage at home).

THEN, do you guys dispose of this oil somewhere? I guess I could take it to my local gas station/repair shop...but will they charge me to take my used oil? I am sure my neighbors would not be too happy to see me dumping 4 gallons of used oil down our sewer!

Any enlightenment will be appreciated. I am at 3,000 miles...it's time for the first oil change!

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Tailgate
2000 Excursion Ltd, 4x2, 7.3L PSD, limited slip axle, K&N Filter, PSD Badging, Deep Satin Green with Medium Parchment leather interior

[Beast]

Just did this myself. Its very easy to do. Don't forget to draing the fuel seperator also. I believe there are good instructions in the FAQ area. Anyway, I got a 15 quart drain pan from PEP Boys that worked just fine. It does fit under the truck with no problem without raising it.

Two things to remember:
1. Punch a hole in the bottom of the filter to draing the oil out BEFORE you remove it. If not it tends to make a mess. Also, before punching the hole, loosen the filter just a little to be sure you can get it off before you ruin it.

2. Fill the new filter up somewhat before you install it so you don't starve the engine of oil.

[X-cuses]

Agreed on WalMart or Pep Boys for the 15 qt drain pan (the one with the CAP on the drain so when you slide it from under the car it doesn't spill all over---sealed top also). Definately punch the hole (as already recommended) in the filter. I did not do this once and between the weight of the two quart filter and the oil all over the outside of the slimey thing I dropped it and dumped two quarts of oil all over the place. While getting the drain pan (if at Wal Mart) you can also grab a Motorcraft FL1995 oil filter. There is much controversy on oil recommendations so I won't go there. (you could "search" for that info. I dump my waste oil in a aluminum 100 gal tank that I procurred at a junk yard. When full I call a local recycler who sucks it out for free.
Good luck.

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2000 Xcar,PSD,Limited,4x4,all the stock goodies---but you guys are gonna cost me a fortune!

[qadsan]

I just use a low profile 6 gallon gasoline container and dump directly into that. It has a couple handles which allows me to easily meneuver/carry it to my destination.

I also have a Femco drain plug installed on my Excursion which makes hot oil changes very easy and without any mess. After warming up my Excursion, I simply remove the dust cap on the plug, screw in the tube to start the oil flowing and let it sit there for 20 - 30 minutes while I have a cold one.

Here's the details of the Femco drain system. http://www.femco.nl/engels/html/e_producten.htm

You can buy the Femco drain plug and tube from Geno's Garage who's also a sponsor of this site. Here's the link to Geno's if you want to make a purchase. http://216.167.98.200/CoastalData/sh...ID=336&CATID=2

Geno's Garage also sells this other style drain valve from Fumoto. Some people here like this valve, but I prefer the Femco system, especially since I have several cars to service. http://216.167.98.200/CoastalData/sh...ID=358&CATID=2

I only change my own oil because I like to do it and for the assurance that it will be done correctly with the oil of my choice, not because I save money. I've had too many bad experiences already from dealerships and local shops on something so simple and just won't take that chance anymore. If it only happened once, I wouldn't be so worried, but I've had over a half dozen bad experiences from having simple maintenance performed by from various local dealers and independant shops. The odds just haven't been with me.

[This message has been edited by qadsan (edited 12-12-2000).]

[Tailgate]

Thanks for the suggestion X-cuses on disposing of the oil. I don't know how practical that will be for me, though, since I live in an urban setting. Plus, the wife is real picky about stuff like that (not YOUR fault!).

What do most of you do with your used oil? Does Wal-Mart let you come dump it at their place?

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Tailgate
2000 Excursion Ltd, 4x2, 7.3L PSD, limited slip axle, K&N Filter, PSD Badging, Deep Satin Green with Medium Parchment leather interior

[This message has been edited by Tailgate (edited 12-12-2000).]

[John_M]

A less expensive alternative to the Femco valve mentioned above is the Fumoto Drain valve. They are sponsor of this site and I just love the product. We have a receycling center in town where you can dump all the oil you want at no cost. Try some Auto Parts stores like Pep Boys, some of them accept oil, but may set a limit (like 5 gals).

One thing I'de like to find is a filter wrench that fits these beasts. I've been using a strap wrench, which works OK, wish I could find a "normal" type filter wrench that fits though.

Good Luck!

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4X2 Estate Green Limited PSD Excursion. CD Changer, L/S 3.73, PSD Badging,Stull Grille. Plate # "4TRESS". Pillar mount Pyro, Boost & Trans Temp. Fumoto Drain valve. K&N Air. F-D Hitch cover. Truck ordered 2/21; Born 3/17; Arrived at Dealer 3/27; Took Delivery 3/31!

[qadsan]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by John_M:
One thing I'de like to find is a filter wrench that fits these beasts. I've been using a strap wrench, which works OK, wish I could find a "normal" type filter wrench that fits though.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

John_M,

Have you seen the K&N Oil Filters? They have a one inch nut welded on the bottom of the filter to make removal super easy. Our friendly sponsor DIS (Diesel Injection Service) sells them for only $11 each.
http://www.dieselpage.com/knoil.htm

[This message has been edited by qadsan (edited 12-12-2000).]

[Beast]

I forgot to mention that I just take a trip to our local dump where they take as much oil as I can give. You should check with your local dump to see if they take it for free. They should since you pay taxes for this.

[erlong]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tailgate:
Thanks for the suggestion X-cuses on disposing of the oil. I don't know how practical that will be for me, though, since I live in an urban setting. Plus, the wife is real picky about stuff like that (not YOUR fault!).

What do most of you do with your used oil? Does Wal-Mart let you come dump it at their place?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Any place that sells oil is required to be able to dispose of used oil properly. So technically, if you buy oil from Walmart, you should be able to bring it back in a container for them to dispose of/recycle/whatever. This is at least the law in Minnesota.

However, I had a Rapid Oil Change closer to me than Walmart, and I always brought used oil there. They were always nice about taking the oil, too.

No place will charge you for taking oil to them. This is to prevent people from dumping it to save a buck or two.

I used to like to change oil in my vehicles, then I stopped liking it. I found that I wasn't saving a ton of money compared to the time it took me to complete an oil change. In the winter time, I definitely take it somewhere to get it changed for me. It's cold enough just walking out the house to the X in the morning. -17 wind chill right now!


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-Eric
2000 Excursion Limited, PSD, black, fully loaded, Western Diesel chip, Viper 550 alarm w/ remote start, Alpine CVA-1005 6.5" head unit, Alpine DVA-5200 DVD player, Alpine CHA-1214 12-disc CD changer, 21% tint all around

[danjon12]

What do most of you do with your used oil? Does Wal-Mart let you come dump it at their place?

[/b][/quote]

Tailgate,
I also live in the Houston area and will be changing my own oil on my 2000 X PSD. Last time I was in Port Aransas the TNRCC was giving out "Used-oil-and-oil-filter-recycling-containers" on the beach. There's a number 1-888-TX-CRUDE and a website www.recycletx.org that supposedly give info. on where to take your used oil. I havn't had a chance to visit them yet, still have 3000 miles to go before my first oil change, but maybe you could check it out and let us Texans know. Also, I've been seeing a lot of good things about K+N oil filters and Chevron DELO 400 oil. Do you know where to get good diesel in the area?

[Kevin Ch]

I take my used oil to Wal-Mart, AutoZone or repackage it in the now empty gallon containers, identify it as waste motor oil and set it out on the curb with the trash. The latter process is a little more work but I don't have to worry about the dirty sealed drain pan making a mess in the X.

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00 PSD Excursion LTD 4x4 born 6/00 Dark Green Satin/Med. Parchment, 3.73LS, Telescopic TT Mirrors, CDchanger, Htd Seats, Reverse Sensing System, LT265/75R16D AT A-Pillar Pod, VDO Vision Series Gauges - Boost, Pyro & Trans. Temp.

[qadsan]

Here's another link for information on where you can take your used oil for recycling. http://www.recycleoil.org/

Here's the specific information for Texas. http://www.recycleoil.org/tx_stateinfo.htm

For my oil related needs, I swear by the Femco drain system, K&N oil filters and Delo 400 oil, all of which are excellent products.

[rodney0]

Walmart sells a 15 qt drain pan for about
$6. They also do an oil change on our beast
for about $35.00. I had mine changed and I
was right next to the truck the whole time
and made sure it was done right.

Rodney

[Tailgate]

Great thread of information here guys! Thanks!

For those of you who take your PSD to Wal-Mart for oil changes...do they carry the specialty oils for diesels that you all seem to rave about? What about the K&N filters (I doubt it, but curious)?



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Tailgate
2000 Excursion Ltd, 4x2, 7.3L PSD, limited slip axle, K&N Filter, PSD Badging, Deep Satin Green with Medium Parchment leather interior

[JADFPE]

My local Wal-Mart carries the Shell's Rotalla T 15w-40 in one gallon containers. They also carry Chevron's Delo 400 15w-40 in one quart and one gallon containers.

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00 Excursion LTD PSD 4X4 Dark Satin Green/Medium Parchment Born 7/00 All Factory Options except Tranfer Plate Skid Plate
Goodies Added As of 11/10/00: Work/Back-up Lights Mounted on Hitch, Back-up Alarm, F+R "FORD" License Plate Brackets, "FORD" Tow Hitch Plug, Cargo Area Mat