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Does any one know what type of oil Ford is putting in the 4.0 sohc motors at the factory? I noticed that when I did the 'first' oil change on my 1999 Explorer Sport and 'first' oil change on my 2003 Ranger, the oil was 'Murky Green' in color. Also, the factory oil filters were painted grey, no brand name on them. Is the factory oil a Non-Detergent for break-in? Seems to me that years ago, non- detergent oil had a greenish color to it.
The factory filter is made by Champion, not Motorcraft or Purolator. As to the oil, I couldn't tell you about it being non-detergent. I can advise you on any new vehicle you purchase to change the oil at about 5-700 miles. Because the parts are new, the engine will "absorb" the additve package rather quickly. I would recommend changing the oil at 500 miles and again at 1500 miles. Otherwise, your oil can suffer from additive depletion. Considering the new proposed GF-4 standards are calling for even smaller amounts of ZDDP and Phos., you are going to have to be even more selective about the oil that you use. You will need to look for oils with moly and borates as anti-wear and friction modifiers. Folks with overhead cam engines with the timing mechanicals on the inside of the engine will be especially effected as the new GF-4's are going to be less capable of handling the shearing that takes place at the cam gears. Oh the thrills of API.
Hi Flash, yes, I've always changed the factory installed oil on my new vehicals at 500 to 750 miles, but never seen 'Green' oil except for these two Ford 4.0sohc motors. As for the oil type, I have used Valvoline 10w30 for 30+ years with no problems, change oil every 3K miles. It was my understanding that the new GF-4 oils were superior to the older types or is that just 'hype'?
They are superior in that they will be more environmenatally friendly. Problem is that the older engines were designed with a specific amount of zinc and phos in the oil and it will not be there in the quantities necessary to lube the engine properly. New engines-no problems. Old engines- big problems. Toyota is already having to redesign their 3.0 V6 by putting the cam gears on the outside of the engine. Temps of the current engines puts the oil at the cam right at 240-270 degrees. And shearing is tremendous. Other engines are going to be seeing this same type of failure if API has their way.
Why can't we just assume that Ford is putting Motorcraft 5W-30 in the 4.0L SOHC at the factory? As far as I know, the SOHO continues to be one of the few engines that Ford does not initially fill with 5W-20.
Is it ppossible that Ford use a brand of motor oil other than Motorcraft at the factory? I wouldn't think that to be true, especially for the 5W-20 applications.
It could just be a tracer dye to distinguish that particular oil from another in the manufacurers line or it could be a break-in additive has come back after years of absense . Some of these were green in color like the GM stuff , whatever it's called .
Or like posted above it could be a dye for detection of leaks . Briggs and Stratton's come with yellow oil for detection of leaks. Now why ? You got me ! Most of their lawn tracrors are sold at larger outlets where the consumer takes them home and does the first time firing of the motors. Nothing in the owners manuals that tell about the oil and it's dye and what to look for .
Might be for warranty purposes as well to tell if the oil has ever been changed although I'd think after a gazillion hour / miles the oil would lose that tint to it ??
If that engine is pre-filled at a German factory, they might be using Castrol. Some European Castrol formulations are dyed green. Decades ago Pennzoil had a green dye color.
My '88 Ranger also had a German engine (2.9). The original filter was grey because they paint the engine with the filter installed.