I am not going to install a drain valve right away. Although, I may change my mind later.
Well at least it won't rust... LOLAs the title states, I just changed my oil after installing the Rival Skid Plate. Although this wasn’t my first oil change for my Maverick, it was my first time doing it myself. I’m no stranger to oil changes, having owned many Ford Rangers and done my own. This would have been my 4th oil change since acquiring my 2023 XLT Hybrid in June 2023. The first three changes were done at the dealer using my Ford Points, but today, I decided to do it myself.
I installed the Rival Skid Plate two weeks ago and really like the design. While the plate is only secured with four screws, which are a bit of a pain, I thought I wouldn’t need to remove the skid plate to do an oil change. Boy, was I wrong.
Initially, I removed the oil cap on the engine and proceeded to remove the oil plug. The oil initially overshot the skid plate, which had enough clearance until most of the oil was drained. As the oil level dropped, it stopped streaming and began pooling on top of the skid plate. My vehicle was on a set of ramps, about 6 inches off the ground, enough to get under and change the oil. When I noticed the oil hitting the skid plate, I used paper towels, but it was too late—the oil started dripping from the far right side of the truck.
I realized I needed to remove the skid plate, but not before taking pictures of the pooling. I wondered if Rival had actually tested changing the oil with the skid plate installed. In my opinion, the opening should be an inch or so larger to account for drippage when the pressure slows down. Needless to say, I made a mess of my garage and was seriously frustrated.
After attempting to clean up, I went to remove the skid plate, knowing there would be more oil. Trying to minimize the mess while removing the four screws by myself wasn’t very successful. After removing the skid plate, I cleaned up a lot of oil using too many paper towels. If I had removed the skid plate from the beginning, this wouldn’t have happened. The manual doesn’t indicate it needs to be removed, so most would assume it doesn’t. From my experience, it does.
I can only imagine a dealer leaving the plate on and making this mess. While I’m glad I did this at home, I wonder if anyone else has had this problem. I do like the skid plate, but if I have to remove it each time, it will be a hassle. I cleaned up and everything is spotless now, but I dread the next oil change.
I’m considering finding better hardware for quick release to make removal easier. The current hardware doesn’t require drilling but could be improved. If the opening in the skid plate were enlarged, it would solve the issue. I wonder if @RIVAL 4x4 tested this. I considered removing the plate and going back to the factory one, but I want to find a solution and wanted to share my experience.
Edit 7/28/24:
I am considering one of these Fumoto Drain Valve as a solution to removing the plate
https://www.fumotousa.com/f137n.html
I am not going to install a drain valve right away. Although, I may change my mind later.
When I get my skid plate I'm planning on trying a cheap, plastic funnel like the $0.97 one pictured. Cut off most of the bottom so that it still fits above your oil drain pan and the little raised section acts as a shield.
A simple solution to keep from making a mess.
[ATTppl
Well at least it won't rust... LOL
[/QUOTE
Sorry about your nightmare but thanks for preparing me. Installed my Fumoto valve and Rival skid plate at same tine today. Next oil change will be a breeze. Parts #s in
pics.
They could’ve taken a look at both the Hybrid and EcoBoost, noticed they weren’t the same, and, you know, enlarged the opening. It’s called R&D—ever heard of it? Lol.
It'a aluminium.
I tagged @RIVAL 4x4 several times, but they haven’t reached out or responded. At this point, knowing is half the battle. I was considering ordering the Aluminum Catalytic Converter Skid Plate, but I’m starting to question both their customer service and R&D.
Maybe Rival saw my post??And it seems my experience may have pushed them to update the product listing—this wasn’t there before. Interesting how that works, isn’t it?
I did end up installing the skid plate which took me some time just to align the bolts. I haven't done an oil change yet and will most likely buy a cheap funnel (which I think Rival should have included). Not a fan of using a drain valve. Also, when you're developing a new skid pan, how can you not take into consideration how oil will drain....this is poor engineering R&D. In my opinion of course.
