I just gave my truck its first oil change since I got it. It's an '04 F-150 with 120K mi. on it. I used 5w20 motorcraft and a motorcraft filter. Now I got somebody telling me that if the person before me wasn't running synthetic, then it would mess up seals and stuff in my engine. I need input! Thanks fellers.

 

You should be fine as the motorcraft oil is only half synthetic anyways. People have different opinions as to switching between the two types but in your situation I would say you are fine to run the motorcraft oil.

 

Its not really opinion. If the truck has not been changed with 100 synthetic and it has that kind of miles the good stuff will break up allot of build up and clog your filter. Best thing to do is drive it 500 or so miles with the new oil and then change the oil and filter again, after that you'll be good to go for 5000. It's a little pricey but it's better to be on the safe side.

 

just keep on running the Motorcraft 5w20 oil, FL 820S filter and you'll be just fine.


in higher mileage motors you should avoid full synthetics. they run thinner usually and it's easier to get oil leaks from tired seals.


I agree with dlgentry about changing the oil again in ~500 miles though. You never know how the prior owner treated it...and it's under $20 to buy the oil/filter...so why not?

 

So where can I buy 7 quarts of motorcraft oil and a motorcraft filter? I cant find i for less than 2.99 a quart.

 

I can't remember what it was last time I bought it but Walmart carries both the filters and oil.

 

yep at walmart here its like 3.64 a quart.

 

So where can i get the filter/oil for 20 bucks. it cost me more like 30. When I went to autozone, I asked for pricing on a case of the oil, and they said it's the same price separate or by the case.

 

if you have one around you... Walmart

2.97 a quart (or $12.XX for a 5 gallon jug of 5w20).

the FL820s filter is like 3.87 or something like that here.

 

mtong0001 Welcome and don't worry. I know it feels like a coin toss, but the problems you stat are typical with the HIGH MILAGE oils if you don't continue their use. I get the MC 5w20 5qt. jug for $11+ & 820 s filter for $3+ at wal mart.I was thinking when I get over 100K mi. should I switch to a heavier oil like 10w30 or 10w 40. It was very hard for me to use a 5w20 oil til I talked to a trusted mechanic that explained the tight tolerance of this engine. (7 qts with filter)

 

it may be pricey for oil and a filter but it is the best way to keep your engine running smoothly. buy 2 five quart jugs and save the extra 3 quarts for the next oil change at 5,000 miles if using motorcraft. ditto @ walmart having motorcraft and cheap too !