What oil and filter do you use and what engine do you have?

I'm thinking about 5w-20 Motorcraft with MC filter @ 3k intervals OR a full synthetic, e.g M1, Pennzoil Platinum, or redline and Wix filter @ 5k intervals in my 2.3l.

 

In my 2002 3.0L I change the oil every 5k with Motorcraft 5W-20 and a K&N Oil Filter. Seems to filter well and isn't super black when I finally change it.

 

i would run the 5w20 motorcraft for 5k , anything less is a waste.

 

on my 94 anywhere from 3-4K for oil changes. I have an oil change lifetime agreement so they use generic filters and chevron 10-30.

on my 04 F350 and my sons 04 F150 they have the extended maintenance agreements and oil changes are scheduled every 5000. That is with non synthetics so I d guess somewhere in the 4-4500 range could be OK. Check your book since I am guessing a new vehicle.

 

MC 5w20 is excellent oil based on the UOA's posted on BITOG and easily capable of going 5k miles. I've switched to Havoline, for the moly, which is also an excellent oil. I do 6mo oil changes because of the low mileage I currently put on the Ranger.

 

My '94, ever 3K, but it's just every three months for me, I don't put 3K on it in that time. 10W-30 Pennzoil or however you spell it.

 

It seems MC is pretty good, but I stil may go full synthetic. Money is not a big issue since I don't drive that much. I could go full synthetic and premium filters for <$100/year.

 

Why not do it then?

 

Still have to do some research. I don't know if it's that much of an improvement over MC. And if I decide to go synthetic which one? Redline, M1, Pennzoil Platinum, etc ...?

 

I just saw a survey of how often mechanics change the oil in their own cars. Results were 50% change at 3000 and 30% change at 5000 then another 10% at 7500 and the rest were all over the place. i agree with gashog that less than 5000 is just wastin it.

 

I guess I am old school or something but my dad told me to do it every 3,000 or 3 months so that is how I do it I dont care if Ford said I could go 10,000 I would still chance it at 3,000 oil and filter is like 10 or 15 bucks for a motorcraft filter and a good brand of oil so why go more miles on oil when it does not cost that much that is my opionion on it better to be safe then sorry later Dustin

 

I'll change it early. I notice the difference (ok maybe I imagine it but still) so I will keep my 3000/3 month tradition up, probably in every vehicle I ever own.

06Ranger, I thought synthetic was more for older engines?

 

it is if you want to start springing leaks and burning oil, which is what will likely happen if synthetic is used in the older engines, because of the thinner nature of synthetics compared to dino.

 

it is if you want to start springing leaks and burning oil, which is what will likely happen if synthetic is used in the older engines, because of the thinner nature of synthetics compared to dino.


the misinformation that goes on here is sad. some high solency synthetics will clean well and will reveal pre existing leaks. synthetics are the same thickness of what you call dino oil, it is cold flow whicher is better. they are not thinner. a syntheic oil has no more anti wear protection than a well built dino. syn's are good for long oci's and cold starts other than that they won't help your engine live any longer.

 

honestly i would run motorcraft 5w20 with MC filter. a very good combo! MC is a synthetic blend and in my opinion is just as good as full syn, for your purpose. now if u were to do some sort of extended drain intervals i would consider a full syn. but MC is like 1.94/qt at wal-mart, good deal & good oil.

edit: actually trop artic syn blend is apparently the exact same as MC, i have personally just made the switch. 1.28/qt at wal-mart right next to the MC!

and yes 5k would be a good drian interval, however as stated above, i personally am a man of tradition and change it every 3k. but i save my oil so im not wasting it anyways. (im in the works of building one of those waste oil heaters!)

good luck!