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Old 08-18-2017, 03:26 PM   #1
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First Oil Change

We're about to do the first oil change on our Challenger. My husband does oil changes himself. For our 2016 F-53 Ford chassis, Ford recommends either 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil. Can anyone suggest why one would be better over the other? What did you choose and why?

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Old 08-18-2017, 08:48 PM   #2
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FYI if anyone is interested. Basically 5w-20 is for colder climates and 5w-30 is for warmer climates. My husband always used 5w-20 in our other motor homes, and was going to do the same in this one. Since we live in FL, 5w-30 it is! Learn something new every day.

https://www.yourmechanic.com/article...oils-so-common
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Old 08-18-2017, 10:18 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by BradnKaren View Post
We're about to do the first oil change on our Challenger. My husband does oil changes himself. For our 2016 F-53 Ford chassis, Ford recommends either 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil. Can anyone suggest why one would be better over the other? What did you choose and why?
If your husband does his own oil changes I suggest he get a Fomoto oil drain valve to make changes a lot easier! You can get the valve from Amazon, it's a 106N which has a nipple to attach a drain hose to.

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Old 08-18-2017, 10:52 PM   #4
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Awesome! Thank you! I'll let him know.
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Old 08-18-2017, 11:53 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by BradnKaren View Post
Awesome! Thank you! I'll let him know.
Sorry, but this issue with the colder climates and the warmer climates discussion is about 40 years out of time.... Go by what is marked on your oil filler cap installed by Ford. It was designed by the engineers to use the oil that does best for the engine. Our 2016 E450 Axis calls for 5W-30. Remember the "W" means "winter" weight for cold weather start ups. The 30 is for normal operating temp. On the regular auto side of the discussion you now find cars with 0W-20 ratings and that is for all "normal" climates. Times have changed when it comes to oil weights. Just go by what the oil filler cap says and you won't void your warranty. Also buy the best oil filter you can. Filters can be researched on the interweb.
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Old 08-19-2017, 12:36 AM   #6
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Though I used to do all my own oil changes in my vehicles, I haven't done that for some time now, stage of life I guess. Our Gemini is on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis, which means it takes 14 quarts of very expensive fully synthetic oil, so I'm leaving service for anything related to chassis and drive train for Mercedes to do. I just had it serviced, so won't be needing that again for awhile.
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Old 08-19-2017, 10:45 AM   #7
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I just did the first oil change on my ACE. As for the oil use what Ford says, I put the 5 20 in. Get the Fumoto valve first so you will not have to go through the mess a second time.
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Old 08-19-2017, 10:55 AM   #8
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If your husband does his own oil changes I suggest he get a Fomoto oil drain valve to make changes a lot easier! You can get the valve from Amazon, it's a 106N which has a nipple to attach a drain hose to.

Attachment 6413
I cant agree more with Super D and BeHappy about the valve here. I had not read this part of the forum before I changed mine and got it all over the place and me. The Oil plug and filter are located in spots you can't really put a drain pan under.
Get the valve and attach a piece of tubing to it so you can direct it to the bucket. Also, Halfprice (I think) used an empty 2 liter bottle to "surround" the oil filter and catch all the drippings while loosening and removing the filter.

Both are good Ideas.
I used the Syn-Blend only due to price, and stuck with the recommended weight.
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Old 08-19-2017, 12:32 PM   #9
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Want to remove your oil filter without making a mess and burning your fingers? Use a 32 oz styrofoam drink cup, the styrofoam grips the filter (after you've loosened it first) and catches the hot oil that drops down.
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Old 08-19-2017, 01:21 PM   #10
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Want to remove your oil filter without making a mess and burning your fingers? Use a 32 oz styrofoam drink cup, the styrofoam grips the filter (after you've loosened it first) and catches the hot oil that drops down.
Great tip Dave. Thanks for the info.
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Old 08-19-2017, 04:09 PM   #11
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Yes i use the 2 liter soda bottle with the top cut off. Works great
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Old 08-19-2017, 05:12 PM   #12
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Just changed my oil today for the first time at 2,700 miles. Used 7 quarts of Mobil 1 5 w 20 and a Motor Craft oil filter fl820s and also added a FUMOTO valve to make things easier next time.
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Old 08-24-2017, 12:34 PM   #13
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Want to remove your oil filter without making a mess and burning your fingers? Use a 32 oz styrofoam drink cup, the styrofoam grips the filter (after you've loosened it first) and catches the hot oil that drops down.
Changed oil in my generator for first time and the plug gasket was missing
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:12 PM   #14
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If your husband does his own oil changes I suggest he get a Fomoto oil drain valve to make changes a lot easier! You can get the valve from Amazon, it's a 106N which has a nipple to attach a drain hose to.

Attachment 6413
I bought my Challenger "gently used" and it already had the Fomoto valve on it. I went to Lowe's and got a piece of clear plastic hose to fit onto it for draining the oil into jugs. One mistake I made was buying my oil in 5 quart containers. It is impossible to pour from a 5 quart container into the oil fill on the Challenger/V-10 set up. I know for the next time to just buy in single quarts.
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:13 PM   #15
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The valve is on order and a styrofoam cup ready to go! Oil change this weekend. Thanks for the feedback!
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:16 PM   #16
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I have a Vegas I purchased a funnel and 2' of clear tubing the funnel sits by the wiper and of course the tube goes inside the oil fill. Works very well
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Old 08-24-2017, 02:42 PM   #17
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Going by the feedback on Amazon, the gasket provided is pretty cheap. If over tightened it can crack. I would suggest to everyone using the Fumoto to pop into an auto parts store and pickup a crushable copper washer/gasket to replace the one provided. Something like these.
https://www.amazon.com/14mm-Copper-C...in+gasket+14mm
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Old 08-24-2017, 03:11 PM   #18
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Going by the feedback on Amazon, the gasket provided is pretty cheap. If over tightened it can crack. I would suggest to everyone using the Fumoto to pop into an auto parts store and pickup a crushable copper washer/gasket to replace the one provided. Something like these.
https://www.amazon.com/14mm-Copper-C...in+gasket+14mm
I didnt have any problems with the two valves and gaskets i installed. Sounds like the reviews were from people not following directions. User error is common but people lije to blame the product
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Old 08-24-2017, 07:45 PM   #19
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I just changed my oil for the first time this morning. I really need one of these Valve's, Just to make it easier.
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Old 08-29-2017, 12:14 AM   #20
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When should I make my first oil change

I just brought a 2017 thor 34p windsport. After how many miles should I change my oil for the first time? any how about after the first time?
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