Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Performance changing oil

does anyone have a detailed how to on changing the oil? I hear its heasy but i have never tried it. what kind of oil do i use and how do i know what oil filter to get? thanks for the help. its a shame i can custom build a system but cant change the oil.

It is fairly easy. First you need to get the front up into the air (ramps, jackstands, etc.) Then you need an oil pan, bucket or something to drain the oil into. Then get a 13mm (socket or wrench) and loosen the drain plug (located right under trans/black oil pan w/ drain plug facing the rear of the car) Drain the oil. Once you drain the oil put the plug back in and move on to the oil filter(located above the trans on back side of engine) Try to loosen it by hand but most likely you will need a oil filter wrench. Once it starts to loosen place your "bucket" under because oil will start to come out. Once you get the filter out check to see if the gasket on the filter is there. You don't want to leave the gasket on the block; MAY CAUSE LEAKS. Get your new filter and with some of the new oil spread a small amount of oil around the gasket and place new filter on. Make sure it is tight, NOT TOO TIGHT. Then clean up all the oil on the exhaust and block (trust me there will be some! Stupid Ford design! ) Then open the oil cap and put in 4.5 quarts of 5W30. Lower the car and start it up. Make sure your oil light goes off and remeber to check your oil level righ after to make sure it is full. And you are good to go. In terms of oil use 5W30 oil. I prefer Mobil 1 Sythetic. Off the top of my head I don't know the oil filter #. Hope this helps and good luck!

Nice how-to
Doesnt it help to fill the filter with oil before putting it on? I thought you got oil pressure faster. I did this on my truck, but Im too lazy to do the Contour myself.

Originally posted by CRZYDRVR:

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Nice how-to
Doesnt it help to fill the filter with oil before putting it on? I thought you got oil pressure faster. I did this on my truck, but Im too lazy to do the Contour myself.

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It would probably be better but on the Contour it is almost impossible to do.

I see. I have never tried it, so I didnt know.

thanks for the help. i will try it this weekend. do i need to change the airfilter with every oil change?

Probably not. I check it every week or so, if its dirty, I change it. Usually about every 10K or so. In the summer when the sand storms hit, about half that.

Originally posted by jerm781:

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thanks for the help. i will try it this weekend. do i need to change the airfilter with every oil change?

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Definitely get a K&N. It will pay for itself in the long run.

Isn't the filter supposed to be really hard to get off? Like removing the left wheel,etc? What brand oil filter should I get....I wanna do it myself since I'm gonna switch to expensive synthetic, but I heard doing the filter is a PITA. Where should I get the mobil 1 for cheapest?

Originally posted by Kremithefrog:

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Isn't the filter supposed to be really hard to get off? Like removing the left wheel,etc? What brand oil filter should I get....I wanna do it myself since I'm gonna switch to expensive synthetic, but I heard doing the filter is a PITA. Where should I get the mobil 1 for cheapest?

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You don't remove the wheel to get to the filter. It is easier just to do it under the car. It just takes some practice. Cheapest places I've seen Mobil 1 is Walmart ($4) and Sam's ($3.80 each but you have to buy a case of 6)