Oil change question

I have changed oil 2X on Bronco and reused drain plug without any issues. I think fastener replacement is getting more and more common (reading the Bronco shop manual and it’s almost over the top with how many nuts and bolts are one time use).

See this for what I found to be a great method to remove oil filter.
https://thebronconation.com/forums/threads/2-3l-oil-change-tip.9354/

So you are supposed to replace the crush washer after each oil change. I admittedly haven’t put eyeballs on the oil drain plugs on the 2.3L Bronco yet (soon, real soon), but most of the non-plastic oil pans on Ford these days have oil drain plugs with integrated crush washers (basically just an rubber/plastic seal). And yes, if you are doing it by the book those should be replaced with each oil change.

My personal opinion?? Just do a quick inspection of the oil drain plug when you do an oil change. If that seal is looking old or starting to crack, or the bolt itself is looking worn, go ahead and change it. Otherwise it’s fine to reuse.

I’ve done all of the oil changes on my 2013 Ford Focus (except one)—probably 13-15 oil changes total—and I’ve only replaced the drain plug twice. And this most recent change I installed a Fumoto valve, so I theory I’ll never have to replace it again.

Shoresy

I have changed oil 2X on Bronco and reused drain plug without any issues. I think fastener replacement is getting more and more common (reading the Bronco shop manual and it’s almost over the top with how many nuts and bolts are one time use).

See this for what I found to be a great method to remove oil filter.
https://thebronconation.com/forums/threads/2-3l-oil-change-tip.9354/

Thank you very much. I really appreciate the video. I will take a peek at that and see, it looked like from the video I saw on youtube that there is a drain tray for the filter, that is super helpful, but it also looked like you had to get the filter from the wheel well. I will check the video you include, thank you again very much.

RagnarKon

So you are supposed to replace the crush washer after each oil change. I admittedly haven’t put eyeballs on the oil drain plugs on the 2.3L Bronco yet (soon, real soon), but most of the non-plastic oil pans on Ford these days have oil drain plugs with integrated crush washers (basically just an rubber/plastic seal). And yes, if you are doing it by the book those should be replaced with each oil change.

My personal opinion?? Just do a quick inspection of the oil drain plug when you do an oil change. If that seal is looking old or starting to crack, or the bolt itself is looking worn, go ahead and change it. Otherwise it’s fine to reuse.

I’ve done all of the oil changes on my 2013 Ford Focus (except one)—probably 13-15 oil changes total—and I’ve only replaced the drain plug twice. And this most recent change I installed a Fumoto valve, so I theory I’ll never have to replace it again.

I could buy some crush washers, maybe.... either way, I will put my eyeballs on it and see if how it looks. fantastic advice, thank you so much.

Haven't done an oil change on our 2.3 yet. I believe the plug has a rubber seal. The plug can be reused as long as the seal is not torn up.

If its a aluminum/copper crush washer, it can be used a couple times but should be replaced. In a pinch, I have filed the crush washer flat and reused.

For those curious... looks like this. Right is the drain plug from my Focus, which is (probably) similar to the drain plug on the 2.3L Bronco. You can see the black gasket/washer integrated into the drain plug—looks good in this case and I probably would have reused it again if I didn't install the Fumoto valve. Left is the Fumoto valve that will be going on my Bronco during its first oil change.

mhlau999

I could buy some crush washers, maybe.... either way, I will put my eyeballs on it and see if how it looks. fantastic advice, thank you so much.

I don't think the crush washer/gasket is replaceable... seems to be integrated into the drain plug itself. Could be wrong about that though—admittedly never tried to replace it.

RagnarKon

For those curious... looks like this. Right is the drain plug from my Focus, which is (probably) similar to the drain plug on the 2.3L Bronco. You can see the black gasket/washer integrated into the drain plug—looks good in this case and I probably would have reused it again if I didn't install the Fumoto valve. Left is the Fumoto valve that will be going on my Bronco during its first oil change.

View attachment 44196


I don't think the crush washer/gasket is replaceable... seems to be integrated into the drain plug itself. Could be wrong about that though—admittedly never tried to replace it.

Thank you very much. I did not replace it on this oil change but will look at it for the next change.

My 2022 was finally came in (8mos later)!! Should i have locks on the wheels, the spare especially? Does anyone do that anymore and if so, what lock, etc? Thank you!! LC

RagnarKon

I’ve done all of the oil changes on my 2013 Ford Focus (except one)—probably 13-15 oil changes total—and I’ve only replaced the drain plug twice. And this most recent change I installed a Fumoto valve, so I theory I’ll never have to replace it again.

This revamped forum will not let me start a conversation.
Couple of questions please. Have you installed your Fumoto on your Bronco, and did you need the adapter. I have installed Fumotos on every Diesel I have owned. SO much easier to drain 15 quarts of oil into old jugs rather than slosh around with it in a drain pan trying to pour it back in jugs.

Thanks, Gerald

Grey Pony

This revamped forum will not let me start a conversation.
Couple of questions please. Have you installed your Fumoto on your Bronco, and did you need the adapter. I have installed Fumotos on every Diesel I have owned. SO much easier to drain 15 quarts of oil into old jugs rather than slosh around with it in a drain pan trying to pour it back in jugs.

Thanks, Gerald

I will let you know in about a week and a half. I hit ~940 miles over the weekend, so I should be hitting 1000 miles in the next few days.

I like to do my first oil change after the engine break-in period—which for the Bronco is 1000 miles. Probably overkill for modern engines with modern machining techniques, but... eh... gives me a chance to take off the bash plates and make sure everything looks good from the factory.

I probably will end up changing the oil Oct 22nd/23rd (weather permitting).

mhlau999

Hello,
I am doing my first oil change on my 2022 2.3L Bronco. Of course I go to youtube to verify I know what I am doing. One guy had recommended putting a new drain plug in after changing the oil. I have been changing my own oil for a long time, not because I can't afford it, but I like to. I am not saying this guy is correct, I just figured I would ask the experts to see if this is really a thing? I have no problem doing it, but wondered if it is a shall or a should? Yes, I am an engineer, lol shall and should matter. :)

Thank you all in advance for you comments.

I've changed mine twice in 2.3, it has metal drain plug. No replacement.

I was made aware that the 2.7 has a plastic plug? So I'd definitely take that into consideration if I had a 2.7.

Metal on mine-2.3. Why change?

Also, to get to the filter, a 3/8 drive with a long extension works great.

Changed the oil tonight for the first time on my 2.3 2022. You can reach the filter from underneath very easily however the drain channel for the filter oil is right where you can reach up, alongside the frame rail... My 2019 ranger is a process to access the filter via removing wheel well liners on the drivers side so I was happy to see how easy the Bronco is!

Reused the metal plug also. Not sure why you would not re-use it.