How to keep my engine in top shape?
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How to keep my engine in top shape?
I have an 04 XLT Supercrew 4.6L 3.55ls. I would like to keep this engine in top running shape and make it sound new 80k miles down the road. Are there any additives that I can add into the oil, transmission ect to keep it sounding and running like new?? I know on older trucks, there engines sound like crap going down the road, very loud and missing like crazy...I want to keep this truck for a long time so I’m just asking if there is anything I could do besides keep the engine oil as clean as possiable to make this truck run and sound like new pleanty of miles down the road?
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From: Tigard, OR
First, let me put on my flame retardant underpants....
For what it's worth... I have heard that adding additives such as Slick-50 (do they even make it still?) is not good. Just like using regular oil and then moving to synthetic oil later on is bad too. Starting out with synthetic is okay though.
I think you're money is best spent keeping up with oil changes and tune ups.
For what it's worth... I have heard that adding additives such as Slick-50 (do they even make it still?) is not good. Just like using regular oil and then moving to synthetic oil later on is bad too. Starting out with synthetic is okay though.
I think you're money is best spent keeping up with oil changes and tune ups.
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From: MA
Your best bet is to follow the manufacturers fluid change intervals. Ford has been doing this long enough, to have a good idea of how to keep the vehicle in tip top shape. As for Inbounds comment about synthetic, that is incorrect. It is fine if you go to a synthetic oil later (providing you stay within reasonable viscosity parameters). I have always been under the impression that starting with synthetic is a no-no. You should run dino for the first couple of oil changes, then are fine to switch if you prefer. FWIW, the Motorcraft oil is one of the best on the market from what I have seen/researched. Im sure you can get more information than you ever needed if you hit up the oil and lubrication forum.
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From: Tigard, OR
Originally Posted by WheelMA1
...As for Inbounds comment about synthetic, that is incorrect. It is fine if you go to a synthetic oil later (providing you stay within reasonable viscosity parameters). I have always been under the impression that starting with synthetic is a no-no...
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MJB, my experience is that the best thing you can do for your engine is change the oil every 3,000 miles. I use synthetic oil myself, change it every 3,000 miles, and my wife's minivan runs like new at 8 years and 78,000 miles. WheelMA1, I agree that switching to synthetic does not have to be done right away. You're absolutely right that break-in should be done with dino-oil. However, I'd recommend making the switch within the first 20,000 miles. I switched at 50,000 miles on my old XR4Ti, and got so many gasket leaks, I had to switch back to dino. Apparently, not only does synthetic not sludge, it actually dissolves sludge, so on older engines, the sludge around gaskets is dissolved and if any cracks have formed in the now dry gaskets (dry because the sludge was preventing liquid oil from reaching the gasket) a leak starts. That being said, you should be fine switching on your '04.
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From: MA
Yes, if you decide to switch to synthetic, you should do it while the vehicle is still somewhat "young". As TestPilot highlighted, synthetic does break up sludge that can be masking other issues on older/higher mileage vehicles.
InboundFX4, you are correct that some additives can do more harm than good. I believe it is due to the silicates? in it. I dont know a ton about oil and lubrication, but I am sure the guys in the oil forum can set anyone straight.
InboundFX4, you are correct that some additives can do more harm than good. I believe it is due to the silicates? in it. I dont know a ton about oil and lubrication, but I am sure the guys in the oil forum can set anyone straight.
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Originally Posted by WheelMA1
Yes, if you decide to switch to synthetic, you should do it while the vehicle is still somewhat "young". As TestPilot highlighted, synthetic does break up sludge that can be masking other issues on older/higher mileage vehicles.
InboundFX4, you are correct that some additives can do more harm than good. I believe it is due to the silicates? in it. I dont know a ton about oil and lubrication, but I am sure the guys in the oil forum can set anyone straight.
InboundFX4, you are correct that some additives can do more harm than good. I believe it is due to the silicates? in it. I dont know a ton about oil and lubrication, but I am sure the guys in the oil forum can set anyone straight.
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From: MA
Is this your second oil change, or your first? I changed mine initially at 1k miles, and then 3k later. I switched to synthetic on my 01 F150 on the third oil change I believe. If this is only your first, I say run one more 3k mile stint with dino, then switch. It certainly wont hurt it by not switching (and be cheaper). You can probably switch on your second change, but I like knowing that the motor had some nice dino to help break it in for the first few thousand miles.
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From: MA
The dealer should have no problem changing to synthetic. If they do, find a different dealer. I wont lie, I do not change my own oil. I do not want the hassle of disposing of it (legally). I always bring my vehicles to my local Ford dealer.
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Originally Posted by WheelMA1
Is this your second oil change, or your first? I changed mine initially at 1k miles, and then 3k later. I switched to synthetic on my 01 F150 on the third oil change I believe. If this is only your first, I say run one more 3k mile stint with dino, then switch. It certainly wont hurt it by not switching (and be cheaper). You can probably switch on your second change, but I like knowing that the motor had some nice dino to help break it in for the first few thousand miles.
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mjbesen310,
There's no magic trick to keeping today's engines running young. Like everybody said -- regular oil changes.
By the way, what's with the 80k??? Your 4.6L will be just about broken in right by then. Throw in some spark plugs at 100k, keep changing oil, and you'll need spark plugs again at 200k.
John
There's no magic trick to keeping today's engines running young. Like everybody said -- regular oil changes.
By the way, what's with the 80k??? Your 4.6L will be just about broken in right by then. Throw in some spark plugs at 100k, keep changing oil, and you'll need spark plugs again at 200k.
John
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From: san diego
why do you guys switch to synthetic if you do regualr changes before the dino actually breaks down? my moms care came with mobil1 and its recoomended so thats what it gets but my other car always used dino oil and it has about 115K on it now and it still smooth and has a lot of power. dosen't sound brand new cause there is a little valve chatter and i might need new engine mounts but it still drives great. i change the oil regularly not always at 3K usually a lot later since it stays pretty clean, mostly highway driving. i change the air and fuel filter pretty often too; sticking with the stock stuff none of the K&N or anything. i think that might let it too much dirt with little benefits unless your highly tuned and need every little bit you can get from the engine.
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Originally Posted by WheelMA1
The dealer should have no problem changing to synthetic. If they do, find a different dealer. I wont lie, I do not change my own oil. I do not want the hassle of disposing of it (legally). I always bring my vehicles to my local Ford dealer.
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From: South Jersey
I don't know how this got started, but it's not right. Your new truck came with 5-20 Motorcraft Premium Synthetic Blend. It's already got a synthetic/dino blend in it.
http://www.motorcraft.com/Products.asp?T=2&M=15&PageID=74
The main function of oil after lubrication is to carry heat and dirt away from the moving engine parts. Changing the oil is more important than what oil you use. The lubrication battle has been over for 50 years...they all do that very well. If you read the Amsoil web site they talk about 25,000 mile oil changes changing the filter alone at 12,500. Not in my truck.... I want the dirt flowing out with the oil every 3000 miles. All my oil changes are included in the lease so I guess I'm sticking with Motorcraft..every 3k.
http://www.motorcraft.com/Products.asp?T=2&M=15&PageID=74
The main function of oil after lubrication is to carry heat and dirt away from the moving engine parts. Changing the oil is more important than what oil you use. The lubrication battle has been over for 50 years...they all do that very well. If you read the Amsoil web site they talk about 25,000 mile oil changes changing the filter alone at 12,500. Not in my truck.... I want the dirt flowing out with the oil every 3000 miles. All my oil changes are included in the lease so I guess I'm sticking with Motorcraft..every 3k.