First service questions

[Roush Puppy]

I bought my V6 about 20 days ago and it's time to check everything out under the hood. I need to add radiator fluid and do an oil change soon. I plan on using synthetic oil and I imagine the car is running off regular oil right now. I'm a complete noob and servicing my own car but I am forcing myself to learn now. Please be gentle with me and go slow...

1. Are there any special steps for switching from regular to synthetic oil?
2. What would you recommend for synthetic oil for a V6 manual? Brand..weight?...etc.
3. For filling the radiator fluid, do you recommend any special products? I am pet conscious and prefer a safe anti-freeze if possible.
4. Is there an anti-freeze to water ratio I should be aware of when filling the radiator? I live in a dry climate with an average temp between 85 and 100 right now if that matters.
5. Are there any special tools or products I need for the oil change? I imagine I will need to buy jacks and stands, an oil pan, some rags, and a funnel or two.
6. Any tips? I hope to do all this without getting crap all over my engine.

I appreciate the help!

~ RP

[vista blue]

Sounds like a good list,I think if I were you I'd find someone with a lift GOOD LUCK!

[SteveL]

Since you just bought the car I would recommend a slightly different approach.

I would take the car to a speed shop, local mechanic, maybe a Ford dealer and have them go over the car while it's on the rack. Check for any leaks, wet spots, anything that doesn't look right, etc. You can still change the oil and coolant yourself before hand but I would check transmission fluid, brake fluid, and the rear axle. Remove the wheels to inspect the brake rotor and pad condition. Check the condition of the engine belt and air cleaner.

Obviously you want some place that's reputable and will go over the entire car. It may be best to see exactly what you're working with and understand if there are any maintenance issues you might have to deal with either now or in the near future.

[Roush Puppy]

Originally Posted by SteveL

Since you just bought the car I would recommend a slightly different approach.

I would take the car to a speed shop, local mechanic, maybe a Ford dealer and have them go over the car while it's on the rack. Check for any leaks, wet spots, anything that doesn't look right, etc. You can still change the oil and coolant yourself before hand but I would check transmission fluid, brake fluid, and the rear axle. Remove the wheels to inspect the brake rotor and pad condition. Check the condition of the engine belt and air cleaner.

Obviously you want some place that's reputable and will go over the entire car. It may be best to see exactly what you're working with and understand if there are any maintenance issues you might have to deal with either now or in the near future.

That's a great suggestion. Thank you!

[sufferer]

Speaking of coolant, I flushed my radiator and added new antifreeze and ever since then my coolant light has been on. I regularly check the fluid level and it's topped off, so no leaks, but still the light is on. Anyone know why?

[BMILL56]

technicly you dont need antifreeze, you can use water. but if you buy concintrated antifreeze its usually 50/50, or you can buy the ready to go stuff but its a bit more expensive.

[BMILL56]

Originally Posted by sufferer

Speaking of coolant, I flushed my radiator and added new antifreeze and ever since then my coolant light has been on. I regularly check the fluid level and it's topped off, so no leaks, but still the light is on. Anyone know why?

it could be your thermostat, witch is a relitivley easy fix. hope i could be of some assistance to you

[zapp109]

I run Penske Coolant in all my cars. 50/50 Already mixed. Dont think its safe to drink but safer than 100 percent antifreeze. As far as synthetic goes, you honestly do not need it. I would just run a name brand regular oil. No need to waste money. Maybe even a high mileage even if you dont have high mileage. I started running full synthetic when I boosted my car. PLUS in some cases if you have always run reg oil then switched, you may get a small leak here or there, happened to my friend when he switched in his 300ZX. Just something to think about.

[Roush Puppy]

Originally Posted by zapp109

I run Penske Coolant in all my cars. 50/50 Already mixed. Dont think its safe to drink but safer than 100 percent antifreeze. As far as synthetic goes, you honestly do not need it. I would just run a name brand regular oil. No need to waste money. Maybe even a high mileage even if you dont have high mileage. I started running full synthetic when I boosted my car. PLUS in some cases if you have always run reg oil then switched, you may get a small leak here or there, happened to my friend when he switched in his 300ZX. Just something to think about.

That is an interesting thought. I thought synthetic was good to have for all cars, even those who are still stock 6s.

Originally Posted by BMILL56

technicly you dont need antifreeze, you can use water. but if you buy concintrated antifreeze its usually 50/50, or you can buy the ready to go stuff but its a bit more expensive.

I was thinking the same thing. Especially in the current months/weather where it's hanging around 90 degrees, why would I need anti-freeze? I'll see if the store has any cheap coolants, otherwise I'll put some fresh water in there. Thanks for the answer!


For oil, would I be looking for a specific weight?


~ RP

Thanks for moving this...

[BMILL56]

i use 10 w 30 in mine, but you can look in your owners manual and get exactly what ford recomends