Sport-Trac 4.0 Oil Change
Early Sport-Trac models (up to 2007) have a 5,000 mile oil change interval. Starting in 2008, the manufacturer's recommendation increased to 7,500 miles.
These mileage intervals are recommended for normal service. On my 2008 Sport Trac, I change oil and filter at 6,000 miles.
Why change the oil sooner than recommended?
One reason is, if your daily commute involves a lot stop and go driving, it's harder on the motor. And if you live in a warm climate, summers can be pretty tough on engines, especially in traffic with the A/C on.
Another reason for changing oil sooner is if you make a lot of short trips, which doesn't give the engine a chance to reach it's proper operating temperature. This could result in condensation (moisture) inside the crankcase.
Check The Dipstick
Common signs that your oil may be due for a change is if it looks dark or milky on the dipstick.
Most newer vehicles will display a message on the dash at the proper oil change service interval. Either 'ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE' or 'OIL CHANGE REQUIRED' will appear in the display.
4.0 OHV vs 4.0 SOHC
The 4.0L SOHC motor (often pronounced "sock") was introduced in 1997 in the Ford Explorer, alongside the original 4.0 OHV version, which was phased out about 2000. (The SOHC V6 was also offered in the Ford Mustang from 2005 through 2010.)
How Can I Tell Which 4.0 Engine I Have?
Early models were fitted with the OHV 4.0 engine, and will have the letter "X" as the eighth character in the VIN.
A 4.0 SOHC vehicle has the letter "E" as the eighth character in the VIN.
The easiest way to tell is the engine cover will say "SOHC" on it.
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Oil Filter
The 4.0 OHV engine takes a different filter than the SOHC motor. Auto parts stores often get this wrong, and the two filters do not interchange!
For the SOHC motor, the factory filter is a Motorcraft FL820S.
For the OHV motor, the factory filter is a Motorcraft FL1A.
Other quality oil filter brands I've purchased are Wix, NAPA, K&N, and Amzoil.
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Ford 4.0 Oil Capacity
Both 4.0 engines have the same engine oil capacity, which is five quarts with filter change. Recommended viscosity is 5W30 for either engine.
Read: Best Oil For Daily Driver
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Replacement Oil Drain Plug
Even if you wait until the 7,500 mile interval, by 100,00 miles your motor's seen at least 13 oil changes. How's your oil drain plug and washer look?
To ensure no leakage, replace it every 30K miles. The Ford part number is 9L8Z-6730-A and it's designed with a built-in washer.
TIP: Buy a spare oil drain plug before you need it. And don't over-tighten.
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High Mileage Sport-Trac
After 150,000 miles, I noticed five full quarts of old oil were not draining out of the motor. This was easy to see, as I pour the used oil back into the 5 quart jug it came in.
Looking underneath the engine, I saw no leaks, which confirmed that the engine (like most high mileage engines) burns a little oil. This is OK and normal, but you need to check oil level periodically, and add if needed.
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After the oil change is done, take a minute and walk around your truck. Look at the tires and check exterior lights.
Ten-foot kayak in Sport-Trac bed
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Ford 4.0L SOHC Engine Specs
- Displacement: 245 cubic-inches (4009cc)
- Engine Bore and Stroke: 100mm × 84mm (3.94 in × 3.31 in)
- Compression Ratio: 9.0 : 1
- Number of Valves: 12
- Horsepower: 160 to 207 (depending on model)
- Gross Torque: 225 to 238 ft/lb (depending on model)
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