I have 1000 miles on my new 3.5 and think its time to change the oil. the dealer said they would do the "1st service" free at 3000. I don't want to wait until 3k, So my question is: What oil should I use? I am fine with the recommended 5W-30 but don't know if it should be regular oil, semi-synthetic, or full synthetic. After break in I'll be using Mobil 1 full synthetic. Comments, ideas, etc?


Thanks

 

Use Motorcraft oil ( per spec. ) and Motorcraft filter .
Keep your receipt for warranty .... Just in case you have issues.

 

Agree with above!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

and I would even pay the dealer to do it so its on paper and THEY did it....

 

There is no reason to not change to full synthetic now. Go for it. The general concensus is the Ford OEM filters are great (and I agree).

I plan to change mine at 1,000 miles too, but I might wait until 3,000 miles if the dealership offered me a free oil change. Pay the difference to upgrade to full synthetic and then swap to M1 at the next change.

 

I did my first oil change at 3500 miles. I get free oil changes for 20,000 miles so why not, right?

As for changing the oil so soon, I will be the one to say it isn't needed or really called for.

3000-5000 miles on a modern engine is more than fine for a the first oil change.

Josh

 

Ok, so combining replies, I'll do it now, use ford oil and filter this time aroumd, let them give me the freebie oil change at 3000 miles, again wi the ford stuff, and then get on my schedule with mobile 1 for the next and subsequent oil changes. I get that it probably doesnt matter if I do it now or at 3000 but after all the engines Ive built and broken in, I just cant let it go - old dog and new tricks and all that. Thanks!

 

My dealer has told me a few times that in the case of major internal engine failures, the only thing they as a dealer looks for is whether or not you're using a MC filter and can prove that you used the correct weight of oil. The brand of oil is of little consequence to them.

 

There are a great many vehicles sold with fully synthetic oil from the factory, so waiting to switch isn't going to help anything.

Do what makes you happy and makes you feel comfortable, there are no wrong answers here.

 

That's what I like to hear!


I'll use MC filters while its under warranty - my pals at Napa will understand. I have a set of shelves in my shop full of filters that looks like off-site backup for Napa, but I'll find a spot for these.


Now al I have to do if find out were the thin is on the engine!

 

I think NAPA filters are made by Wix, and if so they're a good product. The Motorcraft filters are known to be one of the best quality filters out there for the money, and I use them on all my Fords either in or out of warranty.

Motorcraft filters have a silicone anti-drainback valve that prevents all the oil from draining back into the pan. I think all of them have some flavor of anti-drainback valve, but nearly every time someone comes on here complaining of cold start noises, a Motorcraft filter is the solution.

 

Sounds like good advice for my 02 F150

 

Why only Motorcraft Oil during warranty? It's great oil, but it makes no difference what you use aa long as it meets Ford specification 929a and is rated SN.

 

I live in the boonies but there is a Napa store about 30 minutes away - closest place to get supplies. I do a lot of business with them, they give me a good discount, they have decent sales from time to time, and it saves me another hour of driving. And they don't carry Motorcraft oils - at least I've never noticed any. So just convenience and price. When M1 is on sale I stock up.

 

Have you ever cut a Motorcraft oil filter apart? It's a joke! Steer clear. Use something that's built better with better internal end caps and more paper.