[SilverAthlon]

for you home mechanics - when you change the oil on your escape, what do you do about the oil that drips all over the exhaust header below the oil filter? The first time I removed the filter during a change it dripped over the top of the header and ran all over, and it also runs down the front of the oil pan. After that I cut apart a windshield washer plastic bottle and place that over the header each time, so it doesn't run all over the header anymore. Unfortunately, it still gets all over the front of the oil pan, and for the first 200 mi or so I can smell burning oil if I'm stopped and have the vent on.

What do you do?

 

[kkreit01]

Lots of these:

Just wipe everything clean. Some use a plastic grocery bag when removing the oil filter -- to catch the drips. Just make sure there's no hole in the bag.

 

[SilverAthlon]

nice call with the bag I'll try that next time.

 

[NinjaTweak01XLT]

the bag is pretty genius.

 

[2010Escape]

Tin foil works great and I have used it on other cars along with cardboard to re-direct any oil,

 

[kkreit01]

I hate removing the filter on my 3.0! I don't know how many times I have burned myself. I have finally learned to really let it cool prior to removing the filter.

 

[SilverAthlon]

I've found that a box fan on the top of the engine compartment blowing down can really shorten the cool down time if you need to get your oil changed in a hurry. Too often I get fired up to change oil and forgot that I used up the inventory last time, so I end up running into the local auto parts store. By the time I get back there's no way I could change oil cuz of the temp... It also works well on summer days where the engine is going to take forever to cool anyways.

 

[musicmankeb]

I just want to let you guys all know that it's best to drain your oil when it's hot as it will come out better. If you let it cool down you will have more sludge left over/old oil. I usually change my oil right after work, I get home and jack the car up and put the pan under, put jack stands under on each side for safety, and then unscrew the oil pan bolt and let the oil drain out into the pan while I go in and eat dinner. After dinner I put my pan bolt back in and then take on the oil filter so when I get to that part, the oil is cooled down. Just my 2 cents. While we are talking about oil, does anyone run synthetic? If so, what brand? What oil filter?

 

[SilverAthlon]

I change it hot, by cooling the exhaust header it allows the ability to work without burning myself. After it drips for 10 minutes, I put the plug in and then pour 1/3 qt in the engine, and then after another 5 minutes or so I unplug it and drain for another 5 minutes.

 

[kkreit01]

^ What he said. I always drain when the oil is hot. On the Mariner, I pull the drain plug immediately, but wait a good 15 min before removing the filter (for the reason of not wishing to melt my skin.).

 

[jas88]

Us 2.3L owners don't have this issue. eace:

 

[stone]

Us 2.3L owners don't have this issue. eace:

Thanks for that jas88!. Yes i agree.
I like observing, when the mechanic services my escape.

When he fits a new oil filter, the packing carton has "MAZDA" indicated.

 

[jonas1022]

I'm not certain where the oil filter is on the Mazda. :bill: I never looked! :shock:

Something to do for S & G some day. I used to do it myself, but I have the Oil Xchg do it. Usually for just a couple dollars more than the price of the Ford filter, and the Motorcraft oil at the Walmart across the street. Texas Oil Xchg drains and refills the sythetic blend oil, changes the filter to a new Motorcraft filter, checks and fills the other fluids, greases the zirks on the pickup, cleans the windows, vacuums the interior and I get a free touchless car wash. Not bad for $24.99. :thumb:

At least on the F-150 and the Bullitt. Mazda Tribute still has the service policy, so it goes to the Mazda dealer for now.

 

[Serge]

2day changed for 4liters, this can for 5 changes

 

[christophera]

Did mine last weekend...always after running the car for a while as it drains easier when warm. As for the oil that ends up on the exhaust, I just wipe as much off as I can with a rag and let the rest burn off...no big deal.

This time around I accidentally shifted the oil catching tray and found myself with a big puddle of oil in the driveway... :rant:

Not a big deal there either..just covered it with soap powder for a few minutes and blasted with the Karcher...all good.

 

[Serge]

Karcher works!)

 

[Katscan]

So the other day I popped the hood open and noticed that the oil cap says 5W-20 on it.....and Ive been putting 5W-30 in....is this something I should be concerned about? Whats the difference?

Also on a side note, I was thinking about spraying down the engine bay but I recall someone telling me that a few things need to be covered before doing so....does anyone know what I need to cover before spraying down my engine bay? Is this even recommended or something I shouldnt do?

 

[ltlredscape]

So the other day I popped the hood open and noticed that the oil cap says 5W-20 on it.....and Ive been putting 5W-30 in....is this something I should be concerned about? Whats the difference?

Also on a side note, I was thinking about spraying down the engine bay but I recall someone telling me that a few things need to be covered before doing so....does anyone know what I need to cover before spraying down my engine bay? Is this even recommended or something I shouldnt do?

On oil, i usually run 5-20 in mine (motorcraft) and it does very well. 5-30 is OK but not ideal. these engines dont really need a heavy oil (if u consider 5-30 as "heavy"), the oil pumps on these engines are weak, so no heaver then 5-30. 5-20 will give you slightly better fuel mileage over 5-30 and if your are concerned about emissions, less of that too.
To be safe, switch with 5-20.

as of washing engines...PLEASE cover the battery, IAC valve, MAF connecter and other electrical stuff including the coil on plugs and also the intake box. NEVER spray a hot engine with cool water, it will crack. Spray with a gentle engine cleaner to remove oil, etc. Dont use a powerful water spray to wash it with, be gentle. It is very easy to get water in things that shouldnt have it in them. also spray the cam covers away from the plugs.

 

[Katscan]

Is it more of an aesthetics thing to wash the engine bay?

 

[SUVord]

Oil choice is relevant to location and usage.If one knows what to look after then he or she has many oil choices.If one does not know the pros and cons of certain oils it is best to stick with what the manufacturer says.
PS.Ford of Europe chooses a slightly heavier oil than Ford of USA for the same engine.In general, the European terrain of ones commuting and travelling is mush harsher compared to the American one.