My 2007 Eddie Bauer has over 50,000 miles. I have been using 5W-20 oil since I bought my Expy brand new in July 2007. Everyone knows that oil change requirements are every 5,000 miles instead of 3,000. This is what Ford recommended and this is what I've been doing for the last 2 years. Today, a guy at my local Lube N Go asked me why I took so long to change the oil and pointed out that I had gone over 2,000 miles. I told him that as long as I'm using 5W-20 weight oil, Ford recommends every 5,000. He disagreed and said that different brands don't always mean synthetic blend. I've used different brand of oils since I bought my Expedition, but I've used nothing but 5W-20. Should I be concerned about what this guy told me? Was I suppose to put Motorcraft oil all this time?

 

The reccomended oil for our trucks is the 5w-20 Motorcraft Synthetic Blend. There are many 5w-20 oils, some semi-synthetic, full synthetic and dinosaur remains. If you use dinosaur oil, I would change it at 5K or less. Semi-synthetic 5K-7500K and full synthetic, well it's up to you. You wlll get a ton of responses on this as everyone has a strong opinion on this.

I don't think you did any damage at all. Many cars makers state 5,000 mile intervals with normal dino oil.

Just my 2 cents-stay away from those quick lube places unless you know and trust them 100%. They use crap filters and cheap oil. I would stick with Motorcraft filters and a semi or full synthetic 5w-20. My opinion.

 

Engine oil change interval is 7500 miles on the '08s. They stopped the engine production line and fitted special 7500 mile bearings and rings between the last 2007 and first 2008 model.

-- Chuck

 

Is mine one of those fitted with the 7500 mile bearings? I'm a little worried over this guy's comments. I really have no plans to trade in my 07 in for something else, I've enjoyed the ride so far, no problems whatsoever. I just don't wanna have to re-built the engine anytime soon.

 

I think that he's just pulling your chain. He's not serious.

 

Sounds like he wants to see you more often...like every 3K. You should be fine. The dealer charges me for the whole oil change what I would pay just for the oil so I let them do it and they use a Ford filter.

 

well...considering that Ford uses Semi-Synthetic oil from the Factory...and that is what Dealerships use...and that is what the Owners Manual recommends.

yeah, your Lube shop is blowing smoke up your butt and is trying to talk up more business.


I personally hold to the 3,000 mile theory. But plenty of people have run 5,000-7,500 miles between Oil changes since new and have not had a single problem.


I highly suggest you only use the Motorcraft Semi-Synthetic 5w20 and Motorcraft FL-820s Oil Filter. ONLY


If nothing else, use the filter. It has superior Anti-Drainback check valve. Other brands are quite crappy. A bad drain-back check valve allows the upper valvetrain to run without lubrication on start-up. This leads to valve clatter and other annoying noises down the raod

 

Every car I have owned has run Mobil 1 changed every 5000 miles. Some people argue I can go longer, but being from the 3000 mile club 5000 is pushing it far enough for me.

 

I have struggled with oil change intervals and oil questions for years. A few years ago I got tired of rolling around on the driveway and let the dealer do it. I figure a Ford dealer oil change is a no loose deal, it doesn't cost much, everything is recommended by the Ford, and if you have a problem there are no questions.

I use the standard Ford oil in the Navigator and the wife's car every 3K, I use full synthetic in our 05 Mustang convertible because it never accumulates enough miles to need a change in the 6 mos. they recommend for regular oil. The Mustang has only 18k miles after four and a half years of summers only driving.

I'm one of those guys that spent his wonder years rebuilding engines and modifying semi-junkers to go faster. As I rapidly approach senility I find great comfort in following the manufacturers recommendations. I'm sure I'm getting hosed on the total maintenance expense, but my Lincoln dealer adequately kisses my *** when I come in, so all is not lost.

 

Thanks for all the responses. I feel more at ease now. Can you believe that when I bought my SUV brand new, I read the manual over and over. If you look on pg. 336 of the owner's manual, I never really paid attention to the fact that a synthetic blend oil was recommended. This is 2 years after the fact that I'm realizing this. Damn, I really overlooked this one. As I mentioned before, I only use 5W-20, however, who knows if synthetic blend has ever made it through my 5.4L engine. As far as oil filters, I doubt if anything they've used compares to Motorcraft FL-820s oil filters. I guess it would'nt really make a difference taking it to the dealer next time around?

 

Again, for those who take it to the dealer, they don't always use a Motorcraft filter-demand that they do. Like Tylus said, the Motocraft filter is superior to most of the aftermarket filters out there in regards to the drain back valve. Fram is utter garbage.

 

I use Mobil 1 5w-30 Truck and SUV in my '07 and change it every 10000 miles. I have been doing this for years and have never run into any issues. My last expy, a '99, I run to 140000 miles and sold it and it is still running.

Mark

 

The only true way to see how long it is before your oil breaks down or becomes too contaminated is to get it analyzed. It doesn't cost much, under $30 in most cases.