Can anyone tell me how to change oil and filter for 96 Winstar LX 3.8? Thanks.

urright · #1 04-17-2005, 10:48 AM

Just bought an Ford Winstar 96 Winstar LX, 3.8. The oil is quite dirty.

I could not locate the screw of the engine oil tank, and could not locate the oil filter either. Can any one help?

A photo will be mostly helpful. Can be sent to [email protected]. Thanks so much!

~Regards,

urright

DRW1000 · #2 04-17-2005, 06:47 PM

I don't have a 96 but the drain plug should be easy to locate. It will be near the bottom of the oil pan. On my 99 it is near the back (towards the rear) of the oil pan. The oild filter is a bit harder to locate and a pain to replace but it is on the passenger side near the front of the vehicle just behind the rad.

Don't take this personally but if you are having that hard of a time locating you might want to take it in to get the first oil change done just to have it done and then you can take your time looking for the two items.

jtman04401 · #3 04-17-2005, 08:00 PM

How bout remove the oil pan drain plug, drain the oil then remove the oil filter then install new filter and replace the drain plug then fill it back with oil. Um if you are not smart enough to figure this out on your own then I think you should take it to a qualified mechanic.

wiswind · #4 04-17-2005, 08:41 PM

I have a picture at.... http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK

That shows the oil filter....It is titled "Bushing"....In the picture, you will see my oil filter.....it is white....of course, your filter may be another color.
This is on the passenger side of the car....looking up from under the car. You can see the bottom of the serpentine belt next to the filter.
It is a Wix filter..... Wix changed the color.....so the new Wix filters will be black.

The filter is a messy job....as the oil will leak onto that cross member. Make sure that the gasket for the old filter comes off with the filter. Then wipe the filter gasket seating area on the motor to make sure that it is clean (free of any grit). Hand tighten the new filter.

The drain plug is on the back of the oil pan.

Make sure to check for leaks once you are done.

I use Mobil 1 oil.....5W-30. It will take 5 quarts with a filter change.
You can buy the Mobil 1 oil in a 5 quart container at Walmart.....

DRW1000 · #5 04-18-2005, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtman04401

How bout remove the oil pan drain plug, drain the oil then remove the oil filter then install new filter and replace the drain plug then fill it back with oil. Um if you are not smart enough to figure this out on your own then I think you should take it to a qualified mechanic.

I don't think it is a question of smarts (or intelligence) as much as a question of experience. Our friend urright came here asking for advice and I think he/she wants to learn. We should admire that. My advice was to just to go and get it done since they commented that the oil was really dirty. Then he/she can take their time locating the filter and plug for the next time.

urright · #6 04-19-2005, 12:14 PM

I will try it this weekend. And let you know.
~Best

jtman04401 · #7 04-21-2005, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRW1000

I don't think it is a question of smarts (or intelligence) as much as a question of experience. Our friend urright came here asking for advice and I think he/she wants to learn. We should admire that. My advice was to just to go and get it done since they commented that the oil was really dirty. Then he/she can take their time locating the filter and plug for the next time.

If you have no idea how to change oil then you should not come here and ask a question then expect someone to help you on something so easy. If you do not know how to change the oil in a vehicle then you should not be under the vehicle at all. That is my point. Its not like some secret.. changing the oil in 98% of all cars is very much the same idea. Do you want this person who obviously doesnt have a clue to get under there then forget to tighten the drain plug? Or maybe even worse.. not use jack stands and then have the jack slip? I mean... if you have to explain how to change the oil in a vehicle you should start from step 1.. shut car off.. step 2 apply parking brake... step 3 blah blah blah. THAT is my point. I am not doubting they want help at it... but to come to a forum and ask such a lame question is just nuts. Thats my opinion.

DRW1000 · #8 04-21-2005, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtman04401

If you have no idea how to change oil then you should not come here and ask a question then expect someone to help you on something so easy. If you do not know how to change the oil in a vehicle then you should not be under the vehicle at all. That is my point. Its not like some secret.. changing the oil in 98% of all cars is very much the same idea. Do you want this person who obviously doesnt have a clue to get under there then forget to tighten the drain plug? Or maybe even worse.. not use jack stands and then have the jack slip? I mean... if you have to explain how to change the oil in a vehicle you should start from step 1.. shut car off.. step 2 apply parking brake... step 3 blah blah blah. THAT is my point. I am not doubting they want help at it... but to come to a forum and ask such a lame question is just nuts. Thats my opinion.

It might be what you meant but it is not what you said. You actually suggested the he/she was stupid for not knowing.

I actually agree with the rest of your post and I tried to delicately suggest the very same in my original response.

That's my point.

How are you so sure that this person intends on doing the job themselves? Perhaps they just want to know what is involved so they can be more educated when/if they take it in.

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