2010 Expy Oil Change Notes

[iic1tls]

Finally did my first oil change on this my new 2010 Expedition. Some notes for you guys:

1) Ford training for its employees must have overlooked the chapter on how to install the factory oil filter. The oil filter on my vehicle was installed so tight that the filter had already been dented by the filter wrench. Then, when I went to remove the thing, the filter collapsed because it was so tight on the receptacle. I considered myself lucky to get it off the receptacle (with much prayer) without tearing the filter body from its base.

The filter had been attached to the receptacle so tight that the oil ring (seal) was crushed/deformed when I removed the filter. I have *never* seen that before.

I would have been madder than a hornet if I had torn the filter off without getting the base off of the receptacle. The $tealer$hip would have either paid for that repair, or taken the vehicle back...

2) Is it just me, or is the FL-820s getting smaller with age?

I remember installing them on my 1995 and my 1999 Cobras, and the modern FL-820s just seems smaller than it was back in the day.

Regardless: I can confidently attest to the fact that the WIX 51592 filter, almost as big as an FL-1A, is a perfect match to the receptacle, and it seems to work just fine. The 51592 fits perfectly in all that space between the radiator and the face of the block, and does make contact with the lower radiator hose - but not enough to cause any concerns.

3) In this configuration, the 5.4L V-8 takes 7 full quarts of oil to refill to spec. I normally put 1/2 quart in the filter prior to insertion, so be advised...

 

[jimmyv13]

My F150 was the same way...the filter simply would NOT move for the first filter change. I've read that the filters are impacted on for some reason or another. I crushed mine as well and did the old monster screwdriver through it to get it to move. Whatever the case may be, I did not install it that tight and had no problems with it and had a much easier time changing it from there on out.

 

[ELVATO]

Yea, it seems they have a gorilla putting on oil filters at the factory.

As for the filter, yea, I was at Walmart the other day, and noticed they had 2 different sizes for the 820S. The new ones said "NEW smaller size, same performance."

 

[tonydiv]

Same performance?? I doubt it.

 

[seeker]

It seems to be common that the oil filters get smaller. I have seen the same thing in other car manufacturers. In my opinion smaller filters have less filter medium and less oil capacity. not what i would call an upgrade.

 

[tonydiv]

Nope, give me the biggest honkin' filter I can cram in there.

 

[Boomer]

Yep, smaller. I buy a lot of 820's. My 07 EL Limited plus my wifes 02 Explorer.
Both use 820's. Had two on the counter to pay and noticed the different size box. Opened, and removed both, layed them on the counter. Sales guy was clueless. I initially thought more oil into the engine, then realized less filter material. What the heck if FMC thinking of. I will always change the oil at 3,000, can't trust longer intervals. This is just as bad as the smaller spare tire on my 07.

 

[Silver&Black07]

After my first 3000 miles on my 07 Expedition I went and changed my oil out to Mobile 1 Full Synthetic. A day later I went into the Ford dealership to have them Scotch Guard my seats. Well after I waited 2 days for my Expy, I went to pick it up. The guy at the counter says "your truck is ready and we gave you a free oil change" I freakin had a cow!! I said who told you to change my oil? He says it was out of courtesy. Well thanks, but know thanks!! Now who is going to replace my $90.00 of oil and K&N oil filter I just put in a few days ago? Well after talking to the service manager who agreed to give me a free Mobile 1 oil change after the next 3000 miles I came back and got a freebee. BTW, I no longer have my 07 serviced at the dealership anymore.

 

[ELVATO]

After reading around, it seems that it indeed does have the same performance as the old one. I think the new one has 13 more pleats of medium compared to the "taller," older one. Either way, they're made by Purolator, so I wouldn't be surprised if the Purolator ones are also smaller.

 

[tonydiv]

Actually, not to change the subject, but what is the largest oil filter that fits on my '98 5.4? Obviously, there's plenty of room.

 

[ELVATO]

From what I understand, running a bigger than specified filter would drop your oil pressure.

 

[smo0othride]

After my first 3000 miles on my 07 Expedition I went and changed my oil out to Mobile 1 Full Synthetic. A day later I went into the Ford dealership to have them Scotch Guard my seats. Well after I waited 2 days for my Expy, I went to pick it up. The guy at the counter says "your truck is ready and we gave you a free oil change" I freakin had a cow!! I said who told you to change my oil? He says it was out of courtesy. Well thanks, but know thanks!! Now who is going to replace my $90.00 of oil and K&N oil filter I just put in a few days ago? Well after talking to the service manager who agreed to give me a free Mobile 1 oil change after the next 3000 miles I came back and got a freebee. BTW, I no longer have my 07 serviced at the dealership anymore.

What do you think about the K&N oil filters? (although it looks like you didn't get to test it for long) I was thinking about giving them a try. That's awesome that you want to maintain your vehicle well, but do you really think every 3,000 is necessary with full synthetic? That's like changing regular oil every 1,500 miles. I run full synthetic and change at 5,000 miles (Ford recommends 6k-10k) and the oil still looks fine. I do 95% freeway driving though.

 

[Silver&Black07]

I was changing the the crappy dealership oil out at 3000k. I usually go 5-7k on my Mobile 1. I ran the K&N oil filter 2 times with Mobile 1. I can't say it did better than any other oil filter. Im also putting in 91 octane gas regularly. That and the Mobile 1, you cant go wrong.

 

[ELVATO]

If you're not tuned for it, I wouldn't be putting 91 in there.

 

[smo0othride]

Oh ok, I must have read it wrong the first time. If you're already paying for 91 gas you might as well get your ecu tuned to get the max power out of it. I thought using 91 without a tune would decrease power and/or gas mileage?

 

[jimmyv13]

I was changing the the crappy dealership oil out at 3000k. I usually go 5-7k on my Mobile 1. I ran the K&N oil filter 2 times with Mobile 1. I can't say it did better than any other oil filter. Im also putting in 91 octane gas regularly. That and the Mobile 1, you cant go wrong.

What's the dig on FoMoCo semi-syn oil? I ran it exclusively in my '04 F150 and it was still honey gold after 3K miles every time. I ran 6K between changes and it still looked VERY good even at 6K with 60K on the clock. Is Mobil that much better to offset the cost difference?

 

[Silver&Black07]

I just have always ran Mobile 1 oil in all my vehicles. As far as 91 octane. If I am getting jacked for gas prices out here in Cali, I might as well put in 91 Octane. I don't think its going to hurt my V8. It gives it the little boost that 87 octane can't give the V8. If I was worried about gas mileage I would have bought a Hybrid. You have to know that gas mileage is not the reason your buying a Expediton EL. With a big family I do need to the space.

EL VATO: Please explain how 91 will hurt my V8... Thanks

 

[ELVATO]

Not exactly sure. Just heard that 91, since it burns slower, increases carbon deposits.

 

[jimmyv13]

Running whatever octane is recommended is best for the vehicle. The engine/computer is tuned to a certain octane and if you run a higher octane, you're not benefiting yourself. I don't really think it'll hurt anything aside from your pocketbook, but you can't take advantage of the higher octane with a stock engine computer.