Changing the oil on a 2.3L Ranger



Disclaimer - I am not a registered mechanic. This site and tutorials are here to help you and use as a reference and guide.
I am not liable should anything happen to the vehicle or the mechanic during procedure.



(Tools - Filter wrench, and 15mm socket REQUIRED)




Step 1.
Make sure you have good access to the under side of the engine


(Warning: If you must jack up the vehicle, use jack stands or ramps,
jacks may fail...)



http://nnyoffroad.com/~traviss/How-to/images/oil1.jpg



Step 2.
Engine should have recently been run, making the oil thinner and warmer...


(Warning: Exhaust, Engine components, and Oil will be HOT!)



http://nnyoffroad.com/~traviss/How-to/images/oil2.jpg



Step 3.
Under the engine, towards the back, locate the oil drain plug,
put a pan to catch oil below, and remove the plug...



http://nnyoffroad.com/~traviss/How-to/images/oil3.jpg




Step 4.
After letting the oil drain into the pan, you will want to remove to oil filter,
located halfway up the block on the drivers side...






http://nnyoffroad.com/~traviss/How-to/images/oil4.jpg



Step 5.
With filter off, you will want to clean around the plug area, and the surface the
oil filter will press against.



http://nnyoffroad.com/~traviss/How-to/images/oil5.jpg


Step 6.
Replace the drain plug into the pan, and then dab a cloth in oil, and wet the rubber
gasket on the new oil filter.



http://nnyoffroad.com/~traviss/How-to/images/oil6.jpg


Step 7.
Time to install the new filter, YOU DO NOT USE A FILTER WRENCH WHEN PUTTING ON,
Just tighten it till it hits the block, then rotate the filter another 3/4 turn tighter.



http://nnyoffroad.com/~traviss/How-to/images/oil7.jpg


Step 8.
Move all tools away from vehicle and engine compartment, remove the cap on top of the valve
cover, fill with new oil.


(Specs - 5 quarts of 10w-30 SAE [Normal conditions] or 5w-30 SAE [Winter])



http://nnyoffroad.com/~traviss/How-to/images/oil8.jpg


Step 9.
Replace filler cap, wait a few minutes for oil to settle, and check the dipstick.
Then start truck, Let the truck idle for a minute... Check for leaks, turn off,
and re-check oil levels



http://nnyoffroad.com/~traviss/How-to/images/oil9.jpg


Step 10.
Cleaning up, Remember to Recycle Used Motor Oil, and have fun on the trails...



http://nnyoffroad.com/~traviss/How-to/images/oil10.jpg

You missed one important step, just before you install the oil filter you should fill it full of oil, after a few minute it should suck up the oil and appear about half full. You want as much oil in it with out it all pouring out when you tip it sideways to install it, which is about half full after it has had a chance to suck up the oil in it.This is done to help shorten the dry pump time your motor will see with the new filter in it. Installing a totally dry filter is a big no no.

did you forget to mention putting the bolt back into the pan? or does reading own me?

also rub some oil around the gasket on the filter to seal it better. trust me, it works.

oh wait you did say that. nevermind...

You dont need to fill the filter up with oil! Only on the vehicles that the filter is facing up.

did you forget to mention putting the bolt back into the pan? or does reading own me?


you missed step 6...

Step 6.
Replace the drain plug into the pan, and then dab a cloth in oil, and wet the rubber
gasket on the new oil filter.

You missed one important step, just before you install the oil filter you should fill it full of oil, after a few minute it should suck up the oil and appear about half full. You want as much oil in it with out it all pouring out when you tip it sideways to install it, which is about half full after it has had a chance to suck up the oil in it.This is done to help shorten the dry pump time your motor will see with the new filter in it. Installing a totally dry filter is a big no no.

I believe you only fill a filter when it sits vert man.

Nice writeup. Must be nice having the filter right out in the open like that. 3.0 has it tucked up and behind every possible component. Heck, we've even got a built in funnel under the filter to keep oil from getting everywhere.

i thought it didnt matter which way the filter is facing... it always had to be primed...

Not sure man, For the amount of oil you can get in it while getting it up there, I'm not sure it makes that much of a difference. You fill from the top of the block, so that down is lubbed, then the oil pump will prime it and throw oil back top. so it's not technically running dry.

Any ASE cert guys that can tell us if thats proper method? I have an 04 or 05 book at home I can reference for proper procedures tonight.

Nice write up bro :thumbsup:

Thanks man. Tried to make a writeup making it easy for the average joe to give his truck some TLC

You need to prime the filter for turbo charged motors and some others, not neccesary for the ranger though. I'm no ASE cert, but I work at Valvoline Instant Oil Change, for what it's worth. I'd accept being wrong though from someone who knows more than me.

I'll change the writeup to recommending priming the filter, with pics for the next change. I've read mixed reviews that there should be enough oil in the top end after just filling it to make priming just an added precaution, pending on where your pickup is for a forced induction engine, you most likely want to no doubt.

But I'll update the article

it certainly doesnt do any harm, and you're better safe than sorry.

it doesnt matter if you fill the filter or not. only 7.3 diesals mainly need the filter primed. dont forget to clean the old oil off the motor with some brake/carb cleaner.