How to Change the Oil In A 2000 Ford Excursion 7.3L Powerstroke

Learning how to change your car's oil may seem like a daunting task if you have no experience working on cars but once you start you will realize that you don't need to be a motorhead to accomplish it. A bit of interest in what you're doing and some common sense and you'll be well on your way to maintaining your vehicle yourself.

The first thing you want to do is read your owners manual and familiarize yourself with your truck. The manual will tell you the recommended oil for your vehicle which is Motorcraft Super Duty 15W40 or 10W30 as well as the Ford part number for your oil filter (Motorcraft P/N FL1995) . I prefer to use Exxon XD-3 Extra 15W-40 and a fram filter on my truck rather than the motorcraft brand. All major Ford dealerships have a parts department where you can pick up a filter and oil for your truck.

If you opt to use a brand other than what is recommended by Ford you can go to any auto parts store and they will assist you in choosing a filter and the proper type of oil. Insure that the oil you buy meets the reguirements for use in the 7.3L Powerstroke, you want an oil with a API rating of CF-4/SH or CG-4/SH or higher. If you are unable to purchase this type of oil a multi-grade oil can be used as long as it is designated CF, you will need to use a anti-foaming agent as well if you use a multi-grade oil. While you are at the parts store remember to purchase a oil filter wrench or a good strap wrench. Now is also a good time to purchase an adjustable wrench, oil funnel, and oil drain pan if you do not already have these items.

After parking the truck on level ground and allowing the engine to cool gather up the needed items and place them within reach of the underside of the truck. You're going to be crawling underneath the truck so make sure that you are wearing work clothes. If you find it difficult to get under the truck you can buy a creeper, a wheeled wooden or padded bench set a few inches off the ground, which will allow you to roll under the truck.

You're now ready to learn how to change your truck's oil.

You'll find the oil pan on the right hand side, behind the front passenger tire. Place your drain pan under the plug before you loosen it. Adjust the wrench until you have a nice snug fit on the plug. Do not crank! Turn gently in a counterclockwise direction. If you feel no movement you may be turning it in the wrong direction. If you still feel no movement of the plug and your last oil change was done in the shop they may have tightened the plug down to far. If you have a mechanically inclined friend of relative ask them to lend a hand to insure that you do not strip out the plug. I have had to remove a plug by means of using a mallet to gently hammer on the wrench after the plug had been tightened down to far but I certainly don't recommend this for a beginner.

Once the plug is out the oil will drain into the pan so be ready to move away to avoid getting a oil bath. Allow the oil to drain completely and then replace the plug. You don't want to get the plug to tight so a good rule of thumb is to hand tighten and then turn ¼ to ½ turn with the wrench.

Move towards the left front wheel and you will see the oil filter. Using the filter wrench and again turning counterclockwise remove the old filter. Here is another opportunity to take a oil bath as that filter is also full of oil! Once you have removed the old filter check it to make sure that the old seal came off with it, if unsure simply compare the old filter with the new. Open a bottle of oil and use a little to lubricate the seal on the new filter. Replace the filter the same way you did the oil plug; hand tighten and then use the filter wrench to turn another 1//4 to ½ turn.

Before opening the oil reservoir, (which you will spot towards the rear of the engine compartment just left of center as you look at it), clean the cap with a paper towel to keep any dirt from going in as you remove it. Place the funnel in the reservoir and pour in 15 quarts of oil. Allow the truck to set for a few minutes for the oil to settle and then check your dipstick.

The bottles from the oil can be used to store the old oil which can then be taken back to most auto parts stores to be disposed of properly. Now that you are done all that's left to do is clean you tools and congratulate yourself for learning how to change your truck's oil.