Ecoboost Performance Forum

Ecoboost Performance => Troubleshooting, Maintenance, TSB Articles => Maintenance, Oil, and Fluids => Topic started by: Lexingtonian on May 14, 2017, 03:03:05 AM

Title: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on May 14, 2017, 03:03:05 AM
FYI - you have to Log In to the forum to see the photos -

Decided to tackle the PTU change on my 2016 XSport. My truck has 16,521 miles today. Got motivated around 9:30pm to do the job. Its now 2am as I type this. I went very slow and was deliberate about everything. Had several resets on the PTU vent hose routing. Tightening the hose clamp was a bit of a bear. Like an idiot I wasted 30 minutes and wicked hand cramps trying to tighten it with a straight blade screwdriver before I switched to a socket setup (DUH). I learned a few things and came up with a trick or two I hadn't seen yet. I'd like to thank this gent for putting up the YouTube Vid on how it looks in a '14 Police Interceptor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t2YR1LVN3s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t2YR1LVN3s) A few things changed since the '14 and they are:

1. The Hex PTU Drain Plug is 1/4" (not 8mm or 3/8 drive) on 2016. This was HUGELY convenient for reasons you'll see in a bit.
2. The PTU Vent Hose has a different clip that you see in the Video Clip above for the '14. It pulls out easily. The hose looks shorter as well. It pulls off the PTU nipple very easy by the way.
3. The hose you should purchase is 5/16 i.d. Fuel Line (not the clear vinyl crap, get the good stuff) as pictured below. 2 feet is perfect, you'll end up trimming off approx 6 inches when complete.



A couple Photos of the OEM Piece next to the 5/16 fuel line.

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15020)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15022)



This is approximately what is poking out when properly routed (of 2ft 5/16id fuel line)



(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15018)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15042)



To orient you here, on the bottom right of the photo is the top of the PTU and you can see the new PTU Vent hose (Fuel Line) hanging with the Hose Clamp. The top of the photo is the firewall shielding. I'm laying in a creeper nearly fully rolled under the truck (I'm 6' 2") looking up to get this view from behind the PTU. On top of the PTU you can see two aluminum coolant lines (think that's what they are) running parallel to one another. Behind that is where the nipple is. Taking the factory vent hose off, putting the new on one and tightening it down is a 100% blind operation. It can only be done from the ground working up. Don't even attempt it from the top on the explorer, there is no way to get to it. I tried. (trust me)



(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15086)



I managed to get a photo of the nipple you'll be installing the fuel line on. (it was tricky)



(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15090)





...Here's where about an hour of head scratching and thinkin' came to bear. I knew as soon as I pulled the plug the casted races on the PTU under the drain plug would fill and oil would find multiple pathways away to the ground. I really didn't want that. I filled the indented races with foam like you'd seal a window or door with and ensure it was in there pretty solid. You can see that pictured here.


(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15056)




Then I used duct tape to build a dam and predictable drain race for the oil once the plug came out. Next few photos is me building it. One of the O2 Sensors in the Cat is RIGHT FREAKING UNDER the drain plug, the photos do a poor job of demonstrating just how close and just how dead-nuts center that darn O2 Sensor is. I knew if I dropped the plug it'd end up all.over.my.exhaust. I just freaking didn't want the mess. Without further adieu... My solution.



(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15060)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15052)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15032)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15054)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15028)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15048)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15044)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15030)




Solution worked beautifully! Here's a video for a little more perspective with the gear oil draining down the duct tape - (Is there a way to embed the video??)

http://youtu.be/SDMiz-6NJGw (http://youtu.be/SDMiz-6NJGw)





Here's what ended up in the bucket. I allowed the drain plug to fall down the duct tape chute and lie in the bottom of the fluid in the white bowl till it slowed way down. Took about 45 mins for the fluid to slow to a very slow drip. When I got ready to take the photo of the oil and the plug, I used a neo magnet to pull the plug up out of the oil so I could grab it. ...and lookee yonder... It has a little "hair" on it. There was quite a bit of metal in the fluid I show that in a couple of the fluid photos. You can see the sheen of the steel shavings. I was able run that powerful magnet under the bowl and see the steel change in reaction to the magnet. More metal than I'd like.

I also show the plug up close along with the color of the fluid as drained on the paper towel next to the black crap from the magnet. Fluid looks clean'ish while draining, but in the white bowl, looks a little darker -




(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15050)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15036)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15040)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15098)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15058)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15034)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15064)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15046)





Notice the sheen in the oil, that's steel folks -




(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15080)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15082)




Now for a neat trick, since the drain plug is 1/4".. You can use any of your fancy drill accessories with a 1/4" socket to help give you possibilities on how to attack the drain plug. I began removing the plug using two different lengths 1/4" hex keys. That crap got old quick. Then I got my kung-fu together.. (that, along with a stubby socket wrench..)


(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15088)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15074)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15070)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15068)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15084)




In the end, heres the tools I used to remove/reinstall the PTU Drain Plug.(all 1/4")

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15078)


Draining the oil into an old Mobile1 Bottle so I could measure what I caught. You can see where the drain plug was -


(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15092)


I ended up catching about 12 ounces. I put 3 ounces in the Blackstone Labs bottle and saw around 8 in the Mobile 1 Bottle. I ordered both tests on the PTU Oil. Looking forward to seeing how it comes out. I refilled about 15 ounces just to ensure it wasn't under-filled.




When refilling from the top, it takes a while! about an hour or so. The oil drains slowly down the tube, gets hydrolocked then bubbles then drains some more. I recommend having a bit of space in funnel as there are times when it gurgles quite bit and pushes some of the fluid back up as it occurs. Here's one of the bubbles... and finally the 5/8 i.d. fuel line with the ford vent inserted in it.

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15066)

(https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7831.0;attach=15072)


It was kind of a pain, but now that I know how to do it I could probably do the work in about an hour. Cheers gents, hope this helps someone - my plan is to drive it a week or so and drain/refill again. Might wait till I get the Blackstone Report and do a flush with the drain plug out.

Lex -
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: ZSHO on May 14, 2017, 06:57:39 AM
Lexingtonian Excellent "writeup" .Z  :thumb:
BTW might need to move this to "How to" section!!. Z  :)
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: FearlessAZ on May 14, 2017, 08:22:37 AM
Very good write up!
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: SHOdded on May 14, 2017, 08:24:44 AM
X2!  Great insight on the hurdles and potential solutions :thumb:
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: lamrith on May 14, 2017, 12:42:15 PM
Nice writeup.  Though I will say, from your title I thought you were going to outline replacing the PTU, not the oil in it...
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on May 14, 2017, 01:13:23 PM
Quote from: lamrith on May 14, 2017, 12:42:15 PM
Nice writeup.  Though I will say, from your title I thought you were going to outline replacing the PTU, not the oil in it...

Very true. Fixed! It was, as I said 2am as I was putting up the post (in my defense) - Cheers!
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: lamrith on May 14, 2017, 01:15:59 PM
Quote from: Lexingtonian on May 14, 2017, 01:13:23 PM
Quote from: lamrith on May 14, 2017, 12:42:15 PM
Nice writeup.  Though I will say, from your title I thought you were going to outline replacing the PTU, not the oil in it...

Very true. Fixed! It was, as I said 2am as I was putting up the post (in my defense). Cheers!
No worries, I am just shocked nobody else noticed it.  VERY good writeup!
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: BlueSHO on May 14, 2017, 05:15:49 PM
Awesome write up and will help a lot when I do mine.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: wraitherx on May 14, 2017, 05:29:58 PM
Thanks for the write up!  I've been wanting to do this but didn't find anything definitive. Now time to go get this done!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Gjkrisa on May 14, 2017, 05:40:02 PM
The drain plugs like that are meant to use a 1/4 in wrench learned that from Subaru diff

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on May 14, 2017, 09:58:57 PM
Quote from: Gjkrisa on May 14, 2017, 05:40:02 PM
The drain plugs like that are meant to use a 1/4 in wrench learned that from Subaru diff

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Yep, no doubt. I was working with the tools I had on hand. I'm considering getting a swivel head socket wrench but the mini ratchet worked great in the end. Starting over, I'd break the torque if need be with the long allen wrench then finish up with the ratchet.
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on May 14, 2017, 10:01:22 PM
The oil goes out to Blackstone tomorrow, I cant wait for the results. In fact, I'm certainly concerned about the levels of metal in the fluid. I'm thinking these things need to be changed 1000-3000 miles after manufacture to flush the break-in metals. My magnet was saturated to the point of being ineffective.   
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: SHOdded on May 14, 2017, 10:37:23 PM
Fingers crossed all is well ...
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: MiWiAu on May 15, 2017, 08:53:05 PM
Quote from: Lexingtonian on May 14, 2017, 10:01:22 PM
My magnet was saturated to the point of being ineffective.

Mine was too, and I changed it for the first time @ 30k. I'm only ~3k miles from my 15,000k interval where I plan to send in a new sample to see if my readings have improved with the Amsoil Severe Gear.

My fingers are crossed (for the both of us) as well. :)



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on May 25, 2017, 03:00:30 PM
For Reference, here's the Oil Analysis of the PTU Oil from this post:

http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,7868.msg119210.html#msg119210 (http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,7868.msg119210.html#msg119210)
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: MiWiAu on May 27, 2017, 06:39:12 AM
Hey Lexingtonian, when you did this, did you wind up elevating only the driver's side (to tilt toward the PTU drain) or were both sides elevated evenly? I didn't see any mention of this in the initial write-up and was curious if this might have affected the amount of fluid you were able to extract.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on May 27, 2017, 07:55:44 AM
I tried just running the drivers side wheel up on the ramp but didn't have enough room to work. So I put both front tires on ramps then used a 30" jack to lift the drivers side more. I wasn't able to get the extreme cantilever that I'd like with it for sure. But did the best with what I had in the garage. Good catch by the way! Next time around I'll likely try pumping the last few oz out.
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Daheim111 on July 31, 2017, 06:38:09 AM
How can I see (look at) the pictures ???
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: SHOwoosh on July 31, 2017, 07:19:18 AM
Quote from: Daheim111 on July 31, 2017, 06:38:09 AM
How can I see (look at) the pictures ???

Send Lexingtonian $400 so he can pay the ransom fee to photobucket to get his pics released
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: SHOdded on July 31, 2017, 08:05:44 AM
In the meantime, here is an album link
http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/TheEther/library/2016%20Ford%20Explorer%20Sport%20PTU%20Oil%20Change?sort=2&page=1 (http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/TheEther/library/2016%20Ford%20Explorer%20Sport%20PTU%20Oil%20Change?sort=2&page=1)
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on July 31, 2017, 09:46:58 AM
All I genuinely apologize for this happening! I was finally able to download all the photos from Photobucket as their download link conveniently quit working. I had to buy an app/plugin for Chrome that would go grab them.

Ecoboost team, what would be the preferred method for me to reshare going forward? I appears like I can upload them to the forum but it doesn't appear like I have much control on how to place the photos in the post. I'm also limited to 10 photos per post which would mean I'd need some help doing surgery on the original post.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: SHOdded on July 31, 2017, 09:51:21 AM
No preferred method.  Hopefully you can switch over to hosting on imgur or similar site, then link them back here.

Me, for now, I am attaching pics to posts, then copying the link to the attachment into the desired location within the post.  Double work, but better than fighting offsite providers (for me).
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on August 01, 2017, 03:25:26 PM
BEGIN PHOTO POSTS

I will be posting all the photos in a series of posts then weaving them back into the original thread (post photobucket technique)
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: SHOdded on August 01, 2017, 03:27:08 PM
Thank you for taking the time, I know it is a PITA.
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on August 01, 2017, 03:29:24 PM
It's an important post (I think) so happy to do so. Hopefully have it wrapped up here n a bit. Thank you for allowing local photo hosting without some sort of upgrade. It's best to preserve the post this way. There's another forum that doesnt allow posting I posted this how-to on and I think, once done here I'm just going to post a link to here.
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on August 01, 2017, 03:31:11 PM
Next Post
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on August 01, 2017, 03:32:38 PM
Next Post
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on August 01, 2017, 03:34:02 PM
Next Post
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on August 01, 2017, 03:57:03 PM
Next Photo

(http://i.imgur.com/cSu5rAYh.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/BctY4MAh.png)
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: SHOdded on August 01, 2017, 04:33:58 PM
to embed the video, use this link instead
! No longer available (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDMiz-6NJGw#)
Basically, the full URL, and http instead of https.
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on August 01, 2017, 04:41:20 PM
Quote from: SHOdded on August 01, 2017, 04:33:58 PM
to embed the video, use this link instead
! No longer available (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDMiz-6NJGw#)
Basically, the full URL, and http instead of https.

I tried it but it still doesnt embed right. Ideas? Thanks!
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: ZSHO on August 01, 2017, 04:51:12 PM
@-Lexingtonian due appreciate you taking your time to post/share some important,informative pics for the Ecoboost community.  Z  :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on August 01, 2017, 10:57:55 PM
Happy to help!
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: 68_GT on August 02, 2017, 12:26:03 AM
I pulled my engine to extend the PTU vent hose up so I can drain and fill it. I'm at 135k miles on the original PTU fluid :)

OK so actually I extended the vent hose up while installing a new long block lol ugh.....

gotta get this done. how much gear oil goes in and recommended brand ?
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: SHOdded on August 02, 2017, 12:32:36 AM
Official fill capacity is 18 ounces.  Recommended brands?  Everyone has a favorite, but Amsoil, Redline, Royal Purple, Mobil1 and Valvoline top most people's lists.  Motorcraft if you intend to R&R at shorter intervals.
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: DirtyHarry on October 14, 2017, 09:47:08 PM
This is for a 2016 Explorer 4wd non-turbo to add the extension for the PTU breather tube;

1. Buy 2' 5/16" Id  fuel line hose from your local parts store (2.99)
2. Buy 5/16" splice nipple fitting from True Value (1.99)
3. Remove the air box snorkel and the throttle body- no need to unplug
4. Locate the Breather tube, mine had a yellow tag. Use two wire ties to hold the top while cutting the rubber tube with side cutters. DO NOT cut the wire connector holding the old tube in place! Pull the cap out and carefully cut the old hose off it.
5. On the new hose, lube the nipple connector and push into hose end
6. On the old tube, lube the fitting with new hose, and slowly wiggle into the tube. You might need to hold the old tube but it should stay.
7. Run new hose up around throttle body area and place old breather cap back on, lube it too.
8. replace throttle body and snorkel assy.
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: DanJett on November 28, 2018, 10:02:56 AM
Quote from: DirtyHarry on October 14, 2017, 09:47:08 PM
This is for a 2016 Explorer 4wd non-turbo to add the extension for the PTU breather tube;

1. Buy 2' 5/16" Id  fuel line hose from your local parts store (2.99)
2. Buy 5/16" splice nipple fitting from True Value (1.99)
3. Remove the air box snorkel and the throttle body- no need to unplug
4. Locate the Breather tube, mine had a yellow tag. Use two wire ties to hold the top while cutting the rubber tube with side cutters. DO NOT cut the wire connector holding the old tube in place! Pull the cap out and carefully cut the old hose off it.
5. On the new hose, lube the nipple connector and push into hose end
6. On the old tube, lube the fitting with new hose, and slowly wiggle into the tube. You might need to hold the old tube but it should stay.
7. Run new hose up around throttle body area and place old breather cap back on, lube it too.
8. replace throttle body and snorkel assy.

I think I'm going with this method instead of replacing the whole hose. Seems easier.

Thank you!
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: youtek on January 05, 2020, 07:06:38 PM
Thank you for posting this. I have a 2016 xplorer sport gray metalic with 34k miles and I did the PTU oil change today with the guidance of this post. PS I could n't tight the brace from 5/16 hose I couldn't make it with sucha as small room. Also, with the filling, mine took over 3 hours to fill due to tje hydrolock. When you say give some space for the funnel you mean not to fill all the way up? and rather wait to be empty when adding more fluid? Thanks very much!
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: Lexingtonian on January 06, 2020, 12:13:47 PM
I'm assuming you're saying you couldn't tighten the cable clamp down at the bottom of the 5/16 hose connected to the PTU vent nipple? It's tricky for sure, it needs to be done from underneath the vehicle and you're completely blind.

As far as the oil draining in, hopefully you measured how much you drained as that's how much that needs to go back in (plus maybe and ounce or two for good measure). Yes if the oil is left to sit and drip in on it's own it will take hours so that's normal. These days, I jam the oil bottle nipple into the 5/16 hose and force it down the pipe by squeezing the bottle. It goes in in minutes that way.

glad the post was a help! Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.
Title: Re: PTU Oil Change (Tons of Pics) 2016 Explorer Sport
Post by: youtek on January 10, 2020, 02:32:27 PM
Yes, I couldn't tight the clamp down at the bottom of the 5/16 hose. I'm afraid this will leak some oil in the future, I will try to tackle this on the next PTU fluid change. As for the fill time, after 3 hours waiting, I decided to  spin vehicle a little bit forward and then finally all the new fluid came in. I was able to drain 13 oz of fluid and put same amount back with new fluid.
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