Oil
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Whispering Pines, NC
Oil
What is the best choice of oil grades for a 1983 f150 5.8l 4x4? Seems every shop around here only offers 5w 30 sythetic. Is the extended life, oil for older vechiles worth buying or is all oil similar?
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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i would advise 10w30 or 10w40. some swear by the oils labeled "high mileage" or whatever, i haven't found much difference.
you mention synthetic, has your truck been running on syn for some time, or are you looking into switching over? its good stuff, BUT its prone to finding any possible place to leak, which becomes quite a mess at some point.
a man's choice in oil is much like his choice in women: not based on much, but defended with his life.
you mention synthetic, has your truck been running on syn for some time, or are you looking into switching over? its good stuff, BUT its prone to finding any possible place to leak, which becomes quite a mess at some point.
a man's choice in oil is much like his choice in women: not based on much, but defended with his life.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Engine oil gets contaminated with by products of the engine combustion(water, gasoline, carbon, etc.). This is the main reason to change the oil, to get rid of this contamination. I would think it would be better to use cheap oil and change it more often, than use expensive synthetic oil and leave it in longer.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Ft. Worth
Cheap Oil!
Engine oil gets contaminated with by products of the engine combustion(water, gasoline, carbon, etc.). This is the main reason to change the oil, to get rid of this contamination. I would think it would be better to use cheap oil and change it more often, than use expensive synthetic oil and leave it in longer.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,176
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From: Western Central NV
I like NAPA (Valvoline) 10/40 the best of all oils. I change mine every 5000 miles OIL/FILTER & use good filters. I have done this for 50 years & never had an engine issue because of oil.
Craig
Craig
Elder User - What???
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 714
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From: Moore, OK
I like Motorcraft 10W-40 in a truck, especially in hotter climates. It's a semi-synthetic and usually rates very high in tests - any grade Motorcraft oil rates highly. If I don't use that, I'll use Mobile One (but only in an engine that has been using it since break-in).
I will say that as with everything else, there are so many opinions of what is best. I believe the most important thing is to change it when it is dirty and to use a good filter.
I will say that as with everything else, there are so many opinions of what is best. I believe the most important thing is to change it when it is dirty and to use a good filter.
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Elder User - What???
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Moore, OK
I do use a dual oil filter set-up...The way I use it is after 3000 or so miles I replace the primary filter with the secondary filter and put a new filter in to replace the secondary filter I rotated up to 1st place. I do this for 3 to 5 cycles depending on milage and driving conditions...ie...towing, not towing etc..and of course there is the ocassional qt. added depending again on milage, conditions, etc...I have gone as long as 16k miles...I think I am saving money and not hurting the beast...Will see when I get ready to tear her down...
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: sunny san diego
I have always used whatever name brand oil 10-30 or 10-40 happens to be on sale. Switching brands doesn't hurt a thing, old myths die hard, 128,000 miles with no problems. I always use a Motorcraft filter.
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Exmore, VA
Biggest issue I have run into is the oil companies and manufacturers, in the interest of "reduce emission and raise fuel economy" will tel you to run 5W-30 in a 1986 460. I don't think so! Mine called for 10W-30 except in extremes, 10W-40 in extreme heat and go down to 5W-20 or lower for extreme cold. I use 10W-40 in my 460 unless I am doing a lot of heavy towing, then I use 20W-50.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Whispering Pines, NC
I believe the previous owner used valvoline, but don't know if it was sythetic. When I had the oil changed last time, 5w30 was used and it was a sythetic blend. If I switch to 10w30 or 10w40 do I need to stick with the synthetic blend, or can I purchase regular oil? I agree with changing oil often...I change my every three thousand, sometimes earlier than that. In addition, I always use the Motorcraft filter...I've learned that the usage of the same brand filter is important. Am I right?
