M1, 5w30
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 606
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From: Deep East Texas
M1, 5w30
Hey fellas, just bought an 03 4.2L, F150 XLT. In the past I have used the Mobil 15w30, when would be the best time to switch back to it. Truck has 800 or so on it now. I read many threads before posting and I am undecided and a little confused; just a kid, anyway I am going to keep to the scheduled maintenance cuz frankly I want to keep my warranty intact and couldn't afford to jack this engine and have to repair it myself. My Dad says to go ahead and do after about 1k, to clean out all the break-in shavings and what not. Need some of ya'lls experience.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
M1, 5w30
I'd stick with the dino for the first 5000 miles to let the rings seat properly. This will minimize oil consumption for the life of the engine. After that, you'd probably be OK with the synthetic, although my personal opinion is to use a SL / CI-4 group 3 dino oil, and change it and the filter every 3000. The CI-4 rating, while meant for diesels, means it passes more rigorous testing than the plain SL oil. I personally use Mystik JT-8 Super Heavy Duty 10w30. For your first oil change, I'd do it at 1000 miles, for exactly the reason you suggested, to get all the new engine machining shavings and break-in wear particles out. Be sure you do it with the engine hot right after driving it to get it while it's (the wear particles) up in the oil and not sitting on the bottom of the pan. Watch out for the catalytic converter and the rest of the exhaust system, it will be hot. Have fun!
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 858
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From: Kentucky
M1, 5w30
I believe the owner's manual specifies 5w20 as the only oil recommended for your truck. That is factory fill. This is a gray area because some dealers will tell you its ok to use a 30 weight and others will say you have to use the 5w20 to keep your warranty intact. Talk to your dealer's service manager and try to get a straight answer from the them and document who you talked to and what they advised. Whichever viscosity you end up using, it can't hurt to do the first oil change the oil at 1,000 miles. By the way, Motorcraft 5w20 has posted some excellent wear numbers in the used oil analysis section of this site.
