I've got 2000 miles on my truck and despite what the manual and my dealership say, I was anxious to get the first oil change done.

Taking the filter off was a pain. Looking under the truck you'd think it would be easier to get off than it is. I ended up reaching down from the top with my filter wrench to get it loose. I couldn't get leverage from below as there wasn't enough room for my arm to fit well. I also discovered that it's a good idea to wear a pair of gloves because if you slip off the filter the fan is very sharp and cuts your hand pretty quickly.

Once the oil had drained I was surprised to see how black and dirty it looked - you'd think I had 5000 miles on it, not 2000. There was also a white greasy residue on the inside of my oil fill cap...This is my first vehicle to use a synthetic blend oil so maybe these things are normal but I think I'll be changing my oil at regular 3000 mile intervals.

 

Changed mine at 1500, the dealer gave me the first one free which was nice.--Jack

 

The residue in the filler cap had nothing to do with the type of oil. It is water from condensation. Just before you changed the oil, did you drive it to warm it up, but not for any distance? This would cause the condensation not to be evaporated.

 

Yea, I warmed the truck up before I changed the oil but didn't drive it, it just sat there running for 15 minutes or so.

 

What kind of oil did you refill it with. Did you stik to the Syn/blend or did you go full synthetic. I'm having a hard time finding 5W20 in blen or synthetic. Mobil1 has a 0W20 that says it is formuleted for Fords needing 5W20. I wonder if I should go with this right from the start. I only have a little mor than 200 miles on my screw so will be needing to do my first oil change soon.

 

Screwchief, I use the MC 5w20. I get the 5 quart bottles at the dealer and the single quart bottles at Walmart. The 5 quart bottles are more of a convenience for me. They are not much more per quart than Walmart.

 

Are there aftermarket oil filters available yet? Something other than $Motorcraft$?

 

The filter for the 5.4 is the same one they have been using for years, the fl820s. Again, I get these at Walmart. They are no more expensive than any other, and better than many. They are made by Purolater and equivalent to the Pure One.

 

I couldn't find the 5w-20 synthetic blend oil. I ended up getting it from the dealership. I picked up a filter from my local auto parts store.

 

I plan to change mine every 3-4k miles and if I can't get Mobile 1 Tri-Synthetic I won't drive it!

I tried various combinations in my 90 Mustang when I had it. The best setup I found was using Mobile 1 Tri-Synthetic and a K&N oil filter. When I took the engine apart to hop up the top end I swear it looked brand new and it had 150,000+ miles on it! I was so shocked I left it apart until all my friends could see it for themselves. My oil pressure seemed to run a little lower with the K&N, but it really kept the oil clean. I am sold on Mobile 1 and K&N filters. Pricey, but awesome stuff nonetheless!