[PSU4ME]

Have a few questions for y’all. New truck - 23 3.5 platinum.

oil changes - I used to do at 3k on my 14, any reason to think of changing that interval on the newer one? Asking cause I did 3k due to the fuel dilution, wondering if it’s still that big of an issue on the newer ones.

Anything special/unique on the newer ones when changing the oil? Only 700 miles so I haven’t dove into it yet.

Is there a best practice on timing for the first oil change? 1-2-3k miles? Switching the oil to Mobile 1.

And lastly, I’m attaching a pic of the underneath. There is no protection on any kind short of just under the engine. I expected to see a carbon fiber cover over the drain plug and trans area but nothing there. Wondering if it should have came with one as I’d like to contact the dealer if so. Also thought of a tranny type skid plate as I had a RCI metal works one on my old 14 - open to recommendations.

Thanks

 

[Mulyhuntr]

The raptor trans skid plate is like $150 with necessary bolts and bolts right up. You may need some extra parts given that you have nothing there now.

Google search catalytic converter protection and tremor forum. The part is HL3Z-7222-E

 

[snakebitten]

Your factory fill of oil has both silicone and copper at elevated levels in it. It's natural though for a new motor.

I couldn't get it out of my mind and dumped the factory fill before 1500 miles on both a 2021 and 2022 Powerboost.
And a Blackstone analysis showed exactly those 2 elements at elevated levels.

Your second dump will be dramatically closer to what a baseline for the 3.5 Ecoboost would be.

Fuel dilution would be a similar risk between the two generations. I don't personally know of anything that would be significantly different regarding.

In my opinion fuel dilution on the Ecoboost is reflective of what percentage of runtime is at or beyond full operating temperatures. In mild/warmer climates that starts around the 20 minute mark? Cold climate I suspect extends that out a few more minutes.

 

[mass-hole]

If you are doing a lot of short tripping and not really getting the engine hot then shorter intervals are probably a good idea.

 

[PSU4ME]

Yeah, I’ll keep it at 3k intervals. It’s only $35 to change it so that’s pretty cheap insurance.

anyone have thought on whether or not I’m missing a cover underneath? Seems odd for to be so open.

 

[2016XLT4x4]

It is odd that the engine diaper is missing. Are the 4 clips there? If not, then maybe Ford has eliminated the cover?
I change my oil every 5K miles utilizing my local dealerships Quicklane. They pour in semi-synthetic. I do lots of highway driving.
I notice that after 5K miles of mostly highway driving, I always have about 50% oil life left. So, I would say just don't go below 50% oil life on the monitor no matter what type of driving?

 

[snakebitten]

The diaper is missing from many 2023 builds. Yet another item that quietly has constraints.

Fellas have been putting the Raptor metal guard that's located in the same spot. I'll see if I can get you the part number. I think it's about $140

 

[snakebitten]

 

[snakebitten]

If you want true skid protection, Talons Garage makes fantastic protection and even offers their products for the Powerboost

You can purchase just part or all of the protection. Pretty much an anti-theft protection for the cats too

 

[2016XLT4x4]

I do like those Talon covers but the guys down at my local Quicklane would be hating me everytime I went in for an oil change.

 

[PSU4ME]

Thanks, I did see the talon stuff. Was looking at the RCI ones too. Seems like with a fumoto valve, draining the oil would be fine through the opening they give. What about the oil filter, is that designed to have a drip port too or will it cause issues?

 

[snakebitten]

Edit: I delayed my response, so the timing of the post is off a bit.

It has an access door for the oil drain.
That's the red square.

But it would require grabbing the oil filter from above, which is a little more difficult, in my opinion.

I probably won't be buying that front section, but rather just the two pan covers. Or I'll cut a hole in the the front piece to get the oil filter?

I'm procrastinating because I'm not yet traveling and driving off road. These grandbabies have altered my nomadding far more than I would have predicted.

 

[PSU4ME]

I need to get under it a little more to get a better understanding but I’m liking the transmission, transfer case and the cat covers. Hoping the oem engine cover is “enough” as I don’t want oil changes to be a project.

 

[EcoXLT]

Yeah, I’ll keep it at 3k intervals. It’s only $35 to change it so that’s pretty cheap insurance.

anyone have thought on whether or not I’m missing a cover underneath? Seems odd for to be so open.

Nothing wrong with 3k intervals. New refinements of todays oils I gave in and change mine every 4K now.

 

[Mulyhuntr]

I just did the oem skid snake mentioned and it's solid. Tip if you purchase it: buy through parts.ford.com as shipping is free and they have a $20 off code. Just search different dealers on the site to find the lowest price. Only crappy part is the oil access cover with bolts is kinda pricey.

 

[snakebitten]

Nothing wrong with 3k intervals. New refinements of todays oils I gave in and change mine every 4K now.

You big risk taker you. 😂

 

[PSU4ME]

Well I got her undercoated today. Full set of skid plates coming (engine, trans, cat guards and transfer case). Let’s hope that’s lasting protection.

 

[snakebitten]

I'm guessing in the MA (Massachusetts?) the undercarriage faces the enemy?

 

[PSU4ME]

Yup, the enemy is staring at me every mile! Found rust under the door rocker on my 14” that I making sure won’t happen again.

 

[EcoXLT]

What is that stuff?