MK3 2012 Focus - Oil Change 101

[dan50]

Originally Posted by Houten

Sorry question here from the mechanically challenged: Drain first then swap filter?
Also when checking for leaks should i rev the engine a bit or just let it idle? And how long to test for leakage?

Also do you recommend preloading the filter since its sitting with hole up?
Is there any reason that they can void the warranty for self oil change? (besides making stupid mistake like forgetting the drain plug), I plan to buy filter from dealer.

While it doesn't matter much, I remove the oil filter first. Then I can install the new filter while the crankcase drains.

Once the engine has run for a minute or so, rev it to around 2,000 RPMs for a few seconds. This will build oil pressure to near its maximum level and may identify leaks that wouldn't occur at idle.

I don't preload the filter because it's messy and it introduces a batch of unfiltered oil into the engine. If you want to avoid some of the start-up clatter crank the engine for a few seconds with the accelerator floored. Gas is shut off when you do this but the oil pump should fill the filter.

Changing your own oil shouldn't jeopardize your warranty but make sure you keep receipts for oil and filter and record date and mileage. To be extra careful, take a picture of the oil, filter and receipt and email them to yourself. This is harder to lose and also gives evidence you used oil that meets Ford's specs (WSS...945 - see owner's manual).

[ElectricAL]

Anybody know the purpose of the felt thing???? Is that some kind of splash guard? If so, call me skeptical of the long-term durability of the material

[2012sel]

Originally Posted by dan50

If you want to avoid some of the start-up clatter crank the engine for a few seconds with the accelerator floored. Gas is shut off when you do this but the oil pump should fill the filter.

Nice!

I've added this to the OP. I've never preloaded an oil filter, but considered it after hearing the racket my engine made for 3 seconds after the oil change.

[2012sel]

Originally Posted by ElectricAL

Anybody know the purpose of the felt thing???? Is that some kind of splash guard? If so, call me skeptical of the long-term durability of the material

I don't know for sure, but I'd wager it's for sound deadening and aerodynamics. It appears to be the same material used inside the wheel wells. I've seen that this material has been in use by Ford for a couple of years.

I think it's a sheet of plastic with a textured felt covering. Only time will tell on it's lifespan.

[ElectricAL]

Originally Posted by 2012sel

I don't know for sure, but I'd wager it's for sound deadening and aerodynamics. It appears to be the same material used inside the wheel wells. I've seen that this material has been in use by Ford for a couple of years.

I think it's a sheet of plastic with a textured felt covering. Only time will tell on it's lifespan.

Yah, you're probably right... on all counts. That stuff is in my wheel wells ('05 ST) and I've never liked the looks of it, esp in the winter when there's sometimes heavy icicles hanging off of it... but it's still there and seems to be doing fine

[Houten]

How does cranking the engine with accelerator floored work with the push start?
I think the car only goes into accessory mode without the brake pressed...?

[Royal Tee]

Originally Posted by 2012sel

I don't know for sure, but I'd wager it's for sound deadening and aerodynamics. It appears to be the same material used inside the wheel wells. I've seen that this material has been in use by Ford for a couple of years.

I think it's a sheet of plastic with a textured felt covering. Only time will tell on it's lifespan.

Wow, I was just wondering today if a 2012's wells would be like my 2001 which looks like a dead squirrel w/a dangling hairpiece.

glad to know it's actually better.

[2012sel]

Advanced Auto parts has 5 quart Motorcraft 5W20 for 14.99 on their website.

[jbird1955]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!PRECHARGE YOUR NEW OIL FILTER WITH FRESH OIL!!!!!!!!!!

Do this to ANY new oil filter you install, even if it's a horizontal mount (and of course put a little oil on the gasket).

One other item is to make sure the old gasket came off with the old filter. I had that happen to me once many moons ago.

But please, charge the filter with new oil before you put it on. Much better and safer than cranking the engine before hand.

Joe

[Dgc333]

In the 40+ years I have been changing my own oil I have never pre-filled an oil filter. This included all through high school and college working in a garage where no one pre-filled oil filters

My vehicles all have gone 250-300k miles before I have gotten rid of them and I have never had an internal engine failure.

Certainly not a bad idea but I don't feel the benefit out weights the nuisance factor.