F53 Oil Change Frustrations

[ArizonaKevin]

Not sure if anyone here has changed the oil of a Ford F53 RV chassis with a V10, but I'd like to hit the engineer over the head with a hammer right about now.

Oil drain bolt is positioned right above the front axle, requiring some creative funnel work to keep from making a mess. I've done it before and finally said screw it after the last one and bought a fumoto valve to install in the next change.

Fast forward to tonight doing that next change, I had my funnel positioned where it always is but lose grip of the drain bolt as it comes free. It gets stuck in the throat of the funnel causing me to pour about 5qt of a 7qt oil change all over myself and the asphalt.

Sorry neighbors, blame Ford. I swear the next one will be better with the fumoto valve.

 

[bagged97taco]

Gotta love it. The engineers don’t change that shit, so they don’t care. Hated changing my v10 oil for that reason.

 

[LazyLavey]

and the filter is also right above the axle

gotta make a funnel for the filter removal

 

[mash on it]

What about something like this?

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If it works on jet bötès why not a motorhome?

Dan'l

 

[Todd Mohr]

I used to use the leveling jacks to raise the MH, put jack stands also just in case the levelers failed while I was under there. I could then put a low profile oil pan on the axle to catch the oil. Worked great and no mess. The oil pan fit between the axle and engine if it was raised up enough.

 

[Sharky]

Just grab a roll of aluminum foil from the kitchen. Drape a piece of foil over the axle.

We always kept a roll of foil in the pit at work when we did oil changes. You can wrap it around exhaust pipes, drive shafts, and what ever else is going to take a bath.

When done, pull the foil off and no clean-up.

 

[bilz]

Things that won't help:
Different prop
Third axel
Speed Car
Bud light

What I have used on diffs is a metal funnel with a screen riveted in to catch plug yet let the oil flow on by.

 

[ChumpChange]

I used to use the leveling jacks to raise the MH, put jack stands also just in case the levelers failed while I was under there. I could then put a low profile oil pan on the axle to catch the oil. Worked great and no mess. The oil pan fit between the axle and engine if it was raised up enough.

This is what I do.

 

[ChumpChange]

Just grab a roll of aluminum foil from the kitchen. Drape a piece of foil over the axle.

We always kept a roll of foil in the pit at work when we did oil changes. You can wrap it around exhaust pipes, drive shafts, and what ever else is going to take a bath.

When done, pull the foil off and no clean-up.

Thanks for the idea. I’ll use this for the splashes.

 

[4Waters]

Not sure if anyone here has changed the oil of a Ford F53 RV chassis with a V10, but I'd like to hit the engineer over the head with a hammer right about now.

Oil drain bolt is positioned right above the front axle, requiring some creative funnel work to keep from making a mess. I've done it before and finally said screw it after the last one and bought a fumoto valve to install in the next change.

Fast forward to tonight doing that next change, I had my funnel positioned where it always is but lose grip of the drain bolt as it comes free. It gets stuck in the throat of the funnel causing me to pour about 5qt of a 7qt oil change all over myself and the asphalt.

Sorry neighbors, blame Ford. I swear the next one will be better with the fumoto valve.

Sorry, had to laugh. I've been there on the F53

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Just grab a roll of aluminum foil from the kitchen. Drape a piece of foil over the axle.

We always kept a roll of foil in the pit at work when we did oil changes. You can wrap it around exhaust pipes, drive shafts, and what ever else is going to take a bath.

When done, pull the foil off and no clean-up.

Sounds genius, hopefully fumoto valve will help on the next one but will definitely do this for the oil filter that is equally poorly placed.

 

[Sharky]

Sounds genius, hopefully fumoto valve will help on the next one but will definitely do this for the oil filter that is equally poorly placed.

I learned that trick from my Dad back in the 70's. I Had a Dodge Dart 340 with headers. That was a PITA to not soak the headers with oil. My dad taught me that trick. He used to use it in the Air Force as a A&P mechanic. They would use tin foil to cover & protect things so oil/hydraulic fluid would not get everywhere when doing repairs.

He said if they had to change a hydraulic line on the F94 and any oil got left inside the fuselage, any residue left would seep out a couple days later and the pilot would have your ass if he saw oil seeping out the bottom of his plane. They tried to requisition it but the Air Force would not let the mechanics get tin foil for hanger. They swiped it from the mess hall.

 

[DoughBallin14]

Just changed oil on a F53 yesterday for my parents, definitely poor placement on the filter and oil drain haha dont get me started on the filler next, had to use a small oil hand pump with hose to pump in the 7 quarts.

I also used the level jacks to get it to tilt the rig enough to avoid a lot of splashing on the axle.

 

[Shrub Lurker]

I switched to a Cummins ISL

 

[callbob]

Same here with low profile oil catch pan. Sits perfect on the axle. Same with oil filter, just have to reposition a little. Now pouring new oil in is a chore because cover does not go high enough to pour from a 5 qt jug. Almost need 2 people to keep from spilling. Still beats trying to find somewhere to have it done and paying outrageous shop prices.

 

[LazyLavey]

 

[Ducksquasher]

View attachment 1415015

Amazon?

 

[LazyLavey]

Amazon?

HF. commonly on sale for about $5

 

[LazyLavey]

Fumoto drain valve

 

[Ducksquasher]

View attachment 1415316 Fumoto drain valve

I have been thinking about these...do they ever fail?

 

[ArizonaKevin]

I have been thinking about these...do they ever fail?

I have one on the truck and one on the motorhome, no failures on my end and I can't see how they could fail with the secondary clip that locks everything in place

 

[LazyLavey]

I have been thinking about these...do they ever fail?

I use them on all my vehicles. RV for about 14 years..

I attach a clear hose (about 12") to the end and plug the hose with a bolt then run it up towards the frame holding it in place with a zip tie..

Just in case the valve fails... I have a clear view of the hose and never a fail

 

[NIKAL]

The only bummer part is there is no way to have a magnet on the valve like a traditional drain plug.