Oil Change Frequency
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Oil Change Frequency
Have a 2005, F-250 6.0L Diesel with 880 miles on her so far. I checked in the owner's manual and it states that the first oil change is at 7,500 miles. Can this be right? I always thought that one should change out the oil after a short break-in period. What's the opinion out there? And what are your thoughts on synthetics?
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: So Cal
I too am coming up on my first 1K miles. I will dump that out at 1K, then go every 3 to 4K. Changing the oil is such cheap insurance (if U don't do it down at the Stealership). In my case, living in Los Angeles, I sit in traffic going no place, so mileage can't be used as the number one reason to change the oil. Here we either are all going 80 to 90 mph (and we all do when we can) or we aren't moving. There is not much in-between anymore. And if you back east types think I am lying, I dare you to visit. When my VA father leaves after a visit, he is a few years older and leaves claw marks in my dashboard.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Hey Johnny,
I also have a new 05 250 PSD, I changed Oil myself at 1200miles and then on track for maintenance sch; every 5000 miles. do it yourself and save. Check out the Tech Folder
on Oil changes. Good Luck and Congrats on the Truck (Clydesdale)!!!!!!!
I also have a new 05 250 PSD, I changed Oil myself at 1200miles and then on track for maintenance sch; every 5000 miles. do it yourself and save. Check out the Tech Folder
on Oil changes. Good Luck and Congrats on the Truck (Clydesdale)!!!!!!!
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Fairbanks, AK
Once you decide upon your oil change frequency, here's an easy way to to remember oil change time. Change oil at that frequency interval every time. For example, if you decide upon every 3,000 miles, change oil at 3,000, 6,000, 9,000, 12,000, etc... on the odometer. This makes it very easy just to look down at the odometer and know when you are going to change it, no stickers to look at or need to look up in a maintenance log.
Even if you perform your first change at 1,000 or 1,500 miles, perform the next change at your determined interval. If you change it a little early or late don't worry about it either. If you changed oil early at 8,500 miles or late at 9,500 miles, this satisfies your 9,000 mile change. Just perform your next change at 12,000. 500 miles early or late shouldn't kill your engine.
Even if you perform your first change at 1,000 or 1,500 miles, perform the next change at your determined interval. If you change it a little early or late don't worry about it either. If you changed oil early at 8,500 miles or late at 9,500 miles, this satisfies your 9,000 mile change. Just perform your next change at 12,000. 500 miles early or late shouldn't kill your engine.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Dark side of the moon
I changed my first change at the dealership (discounted) at 1700 miles then changed it myself at 7000. The goal was 2k - 6k - 10k, then every 5k so I could rotate my tires and change the oil all in 1 sitting. Also, like Twin said, every 5k by the odo is an easy target for when to change the oil.
I really need to find that myford site again and track my oil changes and such.
I really need to find that myford site again and track my oil changes and such.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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1K for me, then every 5K. As far as synthetics, I love them... my 2005 F350 PSD gets 1MPG improvement, starts quicker, and sounds quieter when running Mobil 1 Truck & SUV 5W40 synthetic. The fuel econ. improvement more than pays for the additional oil expense, especially given today's pump prices.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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I do my first at 3k - then every 3 to 5 depending on how much towing I've done.
Here's a stupid question I should know after owning 3 PSD's now...What is the difference between "Delvac" and "Rotella" vs regular old "mobil 1" or pennzoil? I understand the whole synthetic vs dino deal...I'm asking is there something special about these oils that makes them "diesel" oils or could you use regular old Mobil 1 5w-30 if you wanted to?
Here's a stupid question I should know after owning 3 PSD's now...What is the difference between "Delvac" and "Rotella" vs regular old "mobil 1" or pennzoil? I understand the whole synthetic vs dino deal...I'm asking is there something special about these oils that makes them "diesel" oils or could you use regular old Mobil 1 5w-30 if you wanted to?
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Sewanee, Tennessee
The dealership gave me my first one free, so I had him change it at 3000 miles, then I had it changed again at 7500 miles. I go on a 5000 mile interval thereafter. Cheap (relatively speaking considering the cost of this engine) insurance.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Sewanee, Tennessee
Delvac and Rotella are made for diesels. You will find that the majority of the oils on the store shelf state that they are for use in gasoline engines. Diesels make soot, heat, and oils rated for gasoline engines just don't do the job properly. Make sure whatever oil you use is rated for diesel. Check the owner's manual for the specific grade and weight required for your truck.
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
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Originally Posted by FleetFilterBrian
I drive 3300 miles a month, so I do changes every 8000 miles.
FYI -
This exceeds the max interval of 7,500 miles as recommended by Ford (FYI). Even though you are doing a lot of highway driving, clean fresh oil is key to these motors and the soot that they build up due to EGR's is vital to get removed. I am sure you have a good reason to extend your interval, but Ford makes a point of "bold face typing" the statement... do not exceed 7,500 miles in my manual!!!
Even with synth oils and pass-pass filtration, it's the additive package, viscosity and soot that needs to be monitored. Maybe a quality dino oil that you can resopnably afford to change out every 45 days is the way to go??
Good luck, but just wanted to mention the 7,500 mile rule as stated by Ford.
Jeff
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