I have a 1999 F-150 with a 5.4L and about 130000 miles on it. I bought it with about 36,000 miles and have been running Valvoline ever since. The last time I picked up oil at the local auto parts store the guy mentioned that they had Motorcraft synthetic blend for a few cents more than the Valvoline so I am thinking of switching over. I remember back when synthetics first started getting popular that there was a lot of talk about when you first switch over you should run it for about 500 miles or so and then change it again cause it will clean a lot of crap out. Is that still what is recommended or should I just go 3000 miles like normal? Thanks.

Mike

 

Motorcraft syn blend is primarily non-synthetic oil; I view it more like conventional oil since that's where it's priced, and my Ford dealer uses it as their standard fill. If you've been changing oil at 3k mile intervals, your engine should be quite clean inside. I would switch oils if you like, and don't worry about an early change. I have always had great luck with Valvoline but also with Motorcraft oil.

George

 

Motorcraft Synthetic Blend Oil is not a full synthetic but rather a blend of conventional oil and some synthetic properties. Looking at it's price it can't have that much of synthetic characteristics in it but I did use it once and it is cheaper than a lot of oils out there to my surprise.

To run full synthetic is more expensive and they say that it is better for your engine but You don't have to change your oil every 3000 miles. At the interval you state the inerds of your motor should be relatively clean. if you are worried about cleansing the motor look up and use Seafoam, I was skeptical at first adding something to my oil but it didn't blow up so I'll be using it again.

Good Luck on your decision.

 

I have had quite a few guys at the office switch to Synthetic in High mileage vehicles.These guys have kept up with maintenance as well.All but one has reverted back to "normal" oil due to excessive oil consumption,and leaking where it never used to.These were a cross-section of Fords,Chevy,s,and a Dodge.
Cant say it will happen in your case,but might want to keep it in mind.
I would love to change out mine in the ole 97,but with 168.000 showing,I figure ill play it safe.

 

my question is WHY? You use a good quality oil that will lst 5000 miles. You change it now at 3000 miles. Your it great shape with no problems. Dont fix whats not broke. THe synthetic will do nothing for you at this point in time.

 

steve's got a good point. If it's not burning oil, nothings broken, not leaking and your rig runs fine the switch is not necessary.

I have never let my oil get to 5000 miles. I thought it was recommended every 3000? Just out of curiosity have you had any problems or noticed a difference if you switched intervals?

 

I change mine every 5k with castrol high milage and yes, it plugged leaks and it still runs GREAT! I've got 200k on the thing and she's going strong. Just pulled a trailer loaded with 2x and plywood and it ran great.

 

I bought my Ranger with 130,000 miles on it. I switched it to the Motorcraft Synthetic blend with no troubles. A friend bought a high mileage '94 Mustang. He immediately switched to Mobile 1. Started leaking all over the place until he finally sold it.

 

I would make the switch. Ford has placed the Motorcraft label on this because it was engineered to their standards. The oil is fully compatible with the seals Ford uses and everything just goes together well. The reason people report problems with Mobil1 is because they have a very rich detergent pack that does damage some seals.

 

i was buying Havoline 5 w 30 at Wal Mart for about $12. for 5 quart jug. They stopped pushing Havoline at our store, and the Motorcraft 5 w 30 - 5000 - is in the same price range. I just started using it 3 changes ago. I have always done 5000 mile intervals, for 35 years. Easy to remember- just look at the odometer 5-10-15-20k, etc. F250 had 250k miles when i sold it and got the F150. It now has 185K and the little EXP has 110k.