Engine Oil

Oil+Filter changes are an often neglected, greasy, lowly task, however they preserve & extend engine life.
For any vehicle under warranty, it's best to use & record OEM spec Fluids+Filters+ServiceIntervals, so to
not void that buyer protection. For a new vehicle\engine, changing fluids & filters after the first ~100miles
& again at 1000miles is recommended to clear away particulate matter from BreakIn, then routine 5k~10k
mile ServiceIntervals should be followed & adjusted for conditions. After factory warranties have expired,
opinions & preferences do vary; for this V6~4.0L~SOHC Engine, warranty lapsed many Miles\Years ago &
Oil+Filter+ServiceInterval are now as noted below, adjusted for duty, minor improvements & preferences.

The FactoryOE OwnersGuide Oil spec'd for this engine is 5qts of Ford# 5w30.Blended made by Conoco.
Considering the notorious OilPressurized TimingTensioners in this engine & winter snow plow duties,
after the warranty expired, I chose to start using 0w20.FullSyn in Autumn & 0w30.FullSyn in Spring.
YearRound I'd use 0w20 in colder climates , 0w30 in more typical climates , 0w40 in hotter climates.
As a proud CheapBas'ard, the typical choice is the cheapest at a BigBoxStore, labeled compliant with
AmericanPetroInstitute\API, SocietyOfAutoEngrs\SAE & InternatLubeSpecsAppCommittee\ILSAC.

The FactoryOE OwnersGuide Filter specified for this engine is a Purolator\Ford#fL820s\f1az-6731-bd.
Oil Filters with 0.750"Diam*16tpiThrd are typical on V6~4.0L~SOHC assemblies dated 2000May17\Before.
Oil Filters with 22mmDiam*1.5mmThrd are typical on V6~4.0L~SOHC engines made 2000May18\After, as it is for this engine built 2000Aug19. Here are specs & my debatable opinion on 3 Filters I have used:

Tools+Supplies Required[]

Wrench For 14mmDiam*1.5mmThrd*20mmLong*13~17mmHxHd DrainPlug: Ford# f6tz-6730-ba
Filter StrapWrench\OffOnly For TightSpace: GearStrap \ ModifiedStrap
WheelChocks, Jack, JackStands, ShopRags, AbsorbantLitter, ReCycleContainer, CatchPan
DrainWasher: Ford# f77z-6734-ab, Emergency Substitute 1/8"Slice Of 1/2"ID Fuel\Oil Hose
Filter 22mmDiam*1.5mmThrd: Ford#fL820s Swapped To K&N#hp2011 With 1"EasyOffHxHd
Oil 5qts: 5w30.Blended Swapped To 0w30.FullSyn Each Spring & 0w20.FullSyn Each Autumn
DrainValve 14mmDiam*1.5mmThrd Option To Ease Future OilChanges: Fumoto#f106n

Oil Change+Filter Procedure[]

Remove Oil FillCap
Remove DrainPlug; Allow Oil To Fully Drain
Clean+Inspect DrainPlugt+Washer
If DrainWasher Is Worn\Damaged, Emergency Substitute 1/8"Slice Of 1/2"ID Fuel\Oil Hose
Install DrainValve If Preferred, Otherwise ReInstall DrainPlug
HandStart Then WrenchTight Max19ftLb, Do NOT OverTighten
Remove Old Filter, Use OffOnlyWrench\Strap If Needed
Make Sure Old RubberSeal Comes Off With Old Filter
Wipe Down Filter Seat+Threads & Around DrainPlug With A Clean ShopRag
Wipe New Filter RubberSeal With Clean Oil
Install New Filter; HandStart+1HandTight+2Hand90deg, Do NOT Use OffOnlyWrench\Strap
Fill Engine With 5qts Of New Oil Then Replace FillCap
Start+Idle Engine 5min Then 30min CoolDown
Check DipStick & For Leaks; Tighten Filter+DrainPlug\Valve If Needed, Add Oil If Needed
After 1st Drive & 30min CoolDown Again Check DipStick & For Leaks

EngineColdStart Procedure[]

If V6~4.0L~SOHC Engine hasn't run for 12 hours or longer, this EngineColdStart routine is recommended
for general PreLub of the Engine critical components & specificly to PrePressurize the TimingTensioners.

Turn Key To RUN Not START, Let InstrumentCluster Lamp+BuzzerTest Complete
Push+Hold GasPedal To Floor, InstrumentCluster OilPressureNeedle Should Be At Zero
Turn Key To START, Let Engine CRANK Without Starting Until OilPressureNeedle Moves Or ~10secs
Let Key SpringReturn To RUN, Engine CRANK Should Stop
Release GasPedal, Turn Key To START; When Engine STARTS, Let Key SpringReturn To RUN
OilPressureNeedle Should Quickly Rise+Hold At MidGage Position