The CX-9 has a cast and machined oil pan. not the typical stamped steel type, so the need for a crushable washer is no more.
That's cool to know the difference, Kudos.
The CX-9 has a cast and machined oil pan. not the typical stamped steel type, so the need for a crushable washer is no more.
The CX-9 has a cast and machined oil pan. not the typical stamped steel type, so the need for a crushable washer is no more.
The pan design has little to do with it, it's just an engineering choice.
Honda's have cast and machined aluminum oil pans and use crush washers on their drain plugs. Heck, they use crush washers on ALL their plugs, drain, fill, check, you name it. The crush washer approach is, apparently, a Japanese preference.
These engines, the 3.5 and 3.7, are Ford designed and they've simply chosen to go the reusable soft seal route on the drain plug, which seems to be an American engineering preference.
The soft seal is probably a little more forgiving of being overtightened because it will give a bit more than a crush washer.
Ted
Is there any sort of underbody splash shield to remove before changing the oil?
I have been using the Motorcraft FL400S (Ford) with Castrol Semi Synthetic 5W-20. Below are comparative pics of the stock filter and the FL400S
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Judging by the dents in the base of the old filter casing it looks like you had the same challenge getting the factory filter off that I did. Mine was on way way too tight.
I see there are some differences between the factory piece and the FL400S you had. The FL400S I bought at Wal-Mart was identical to the factory filter.
Ted
Yes, the original filter was a biatch to remove.
I bought mine from Advance Auto Parts. Maybe Motorcraft did a revision that consumers do not know of.
I am always leary of aluminum oil pans as I hear the horror stories of stripping them. I am one of those types who doesn't like crawling under a car with a torque wrench. Anyways, I think I am gonna pick me up a Fumuto valve for this so I don't have to worry about it. I put one on my other car and I love it. Also, less mess if you get it with the nipple. If anyone's interested, you can see them here:
http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
Also, code "YM4" gets you 10% off.
The wife's CX9 has 1300+ miles and I've just finished changing the oil and filter. As some have said, the oem filter is a beast to remove. I used a K&N oil filter which has a 'thingie' at the end where I can use a regular 15mm wrench the next time I do this. I also installed the Fumoto quick oil change valve. I refilled it with Mobil 1 5w-20.
And I did this on a 100 degree day!. Time for a cold one.
I don't understand. Why are so many of you changing your oil so early? Is it a piece of mind thing, or do you think your motor will be damaged if you don't. Does everyone in the States change their oil every 1300-3000 miles?
You have the km/mile conversion backwards.
The manual says 7500 miles here unless you follow the 'premium' schedule which is designed to empty your wallet for no benefit.