Today I serviced an '04 with 404k miles on the original engine according to the owner. He said he's on his second transmission but original engine.

Obviously I was curious so I inquired further. The owner said he purchased the vehicle in '08 with 90k miles. Ok, so it's possible the engine was replaced sometime prior to 90k miles. Don't laugh, we've seen examples of these engines failing at 70k or less.

He said he changes the oil every 4 to 5k and- GET THIS - he uses the Fram orange cans of death. Not kidding. He asked me to change the oil today because we just got a snap of craptastic weather here in CO and home for him is MT (but he's moving down here). He uses Castrol full syn, but I only had M1 on hand so he said that was ok.

He also said -- and I found this interesting and logical -- he is a huge believer in block heaters and uses them whenever possible.

I frequently badmouth the 3V's -- and I'll continue to do so because I believe they are an engineering failure in modern engine design -- but I was impressed here.

The owner is the brother of a good friend. They're church-going guys and my BS meter was not going off. Regardless, I could be wrong....and no one on this forum really knows me so it's up to you if you deem ME credible, much less HIM.

Take it FWIW. YMMV, etc etc etc

 

I could believe the Fram (Extra Guard) part. Those rate as a solid filter and Honda used (still uses?) Tough Guard filters for OEM.

I’m sure the low end Fram filters that everyone remembers from that one website from that one post that one time are out there somewhere, but this one in particular isn’t it.

 

Should have been able to see #'s on block, while under it, changing oil.

 

My bs meter is at high alert, most likly dealing with a keyboard mechanic here. Only thing worse would be a dealer "technician".

 

I have seen one that went 416K before it gave up. Local farmer was having it replaced at a buddies shop, they specialize in all Ford PU, even compete with the pulls.