How to change oil with out making a mess everywhere?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

J_Frost

Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2020
Posts
38
Reaction score
16
Location
Tallahassee, FL
I bought amsoil and want to get the factory fill out. I went to start doing the oil change and stoped because there’s no way to do it with out making a mess. Is there something I can get to direct the oil to the drain pan with out buying a different oil plug? I have 600 miles on the truck, so I have some time still.
 

GordoJay

FRF Addict
Joined
Feb 8, 2020
Posts
7,466
Reaction score
16,005
Location
Colorado
Piece of cardboard works. I used an old flexible cutting board cut to fit. Fumoto for my next one. Ford gave me the minimum service contract as part compensation for an eight week repair, but I'm not letting those clowns touch it.
 

NE Raptor

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2018
Posts
381
Reaction score
281
Location
Massachusetts
I got into the habit to just remove the skid plate - it is an extra step but in my opinion it is well worth it once you are free and clear. It's only 4 bolts. I know people like the Fumoto valves but for some reason I just don't like the idea...I saw one fail once on a big truck which resulted in catastrophic failure and since then I never went down that road.

It is also nice to have a good look at everything with the skid plate down.
 

Ruger

FRF Addict
Joined
May 16, 2011
Posts
9,555
Reaction score
8,511
Location
Northern Nevada
I have removed the skid plate for every oil change since 2011. Six bolts. What's the problem?
Another solution I've used on other vehicles is to use a piece of aluminum foil to make a form fitting, single use guide for the oil to flow.
Yet another solution is to get a one-quart plastic container (milk, Gatoraid, etc.) and cut it to fit the specifics of the problem you're trying to solve.
A little Yankee ingenuity goes a long way. Always has.
 

Jakenbake

FRF Addict
Joined
Sep 20, 2017
Posts
1,792
Reaction score
2,454
I have been using the stahlbus drain plug on my gen one. I know it doesn’t solve your problem on your first change but might make it easier on the second. It comes with a hose to direct the flow. Into jugs I throw a cap on. I only use the drain pan to catch the dripping from the oil filter while it is draining now.
 
OP
OP
J_Frost

J_Frost

Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2020
Posts
38
Reaction score
16
Location
Tallahassee, FL
Thanks I really like the tin foil idea I think I’ll give that a try. I really don’t like the drain valve idea either definitely seems like a disaster waiting to happen.
 

CoronaRaptor

FRF Addict
Joined
Dec 17, 2012
Posts
28,961
Reaction score
31,190
Location
CANADA
I got into the habit to just remove the skid plate - it is an extra step but in my opinion it is well worth it once you are free and clear. It's only 4 bolts. I know people like the Fumoto valves but for some reason I just don't like the idea...I saw one fail once on a big truck which resulted in catastrophic failure and since then I never went down that road.

It is also nice to have a good look at everything with the skid plate down.
I've been doing this for over ten years now, on my Gen 1. I don't know why guys don't do this, it's so easy!
 

Jakenbake

FRF Addict
Joined
Sep 20, 2017
Posts
1,792
Reaction score
2,454
Thanks I really like the tin foil idea I think I’ll give that a try. I really don’t like the drain valve idea either definitely seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

The stahlbus valve is a bit different. It has an internal ball bearing that is spring loaded. To drain it, you insert the hose and 1/4 turn. When the hose isn’t in place you put a cap on it. I installed this because I have an RCI transmission skid plate and this helps keep the mess down. I can fill two 1 gallon jugs with a hose versus trying to fill them from the pan.

I've been doing this for over ten years now, on my Gen 1. I don't know why guys don't do this, it's so easy!

Are you referring to removing the front skid plate for the oil filter or Removing another skid plate to get to get to the drain plug?
 

Braaaaptor

Starbucks Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 20, 2020
Posts
739
Reaction score
1,811
Location
The drive-thru
I remove the front skid plate to access the oil filter. Intalled a fumoto valve and the second change was SIGNIFICANTLY easier and cleaner. With the fumoto I still use a cheap plastic funnel that I am able to wedge inbetween the two skid plates. the nice thing about the fumoto is you can control exactly when the oil comes out instead of backing out the drain plug and having that oh shit moment when hot oil comes out and gets on your hands/tools.
 
Top