Oil Change Interval
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Oregon
Oil Change Interval
Hello all – I have a 96 F350 gasser with 43,000 miles on it (bought it used a few years ago.) The truck is only used occasionally to haul a three horse trailer, wood runs, dump runs etc. I probably average no more than 200 to 500 miles on it every three months. I always at least start it up once a week and drive it a few miles. I’ve been changing the oil in the truck every 3 months regardless of the mileage although I’m starting to think this is kind of excessive, the oil always looks good when I drain it (I use 10-30 weight Pennzoil).
Anybody see a problem with going 6 months between oil changes? Would it be better to use synthetic oil if I wait 6 months between changes? I’d like to go the most cost effective way but not at the expense of prematurely wearing the engine (seal breakdown, sludge). Thanks for your opinions.
Anybody see a problem with going 6 months between oil changes? Would it be better to use synthetic oil if I wait 6 months between changes? I’d like to go the most cost effective way but not at the expense of prematurely wearing the engine (seal breakdown, sludge). Thanks for your opinions.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
For everyone who posts here, you're going to get a different opinion.
Oil doesn't deteriorate on the shelf - why would it deteriorate inside the motor? If it were me, I would change it at 3000 miles or every 6-12 months, depending on how ambitious I felt. I seriously doubt that it's going to affect longevity of the motor.
Oil doesn't deteriorate on the shelf - why would it deteriorate inside the motor? If it were me, I would change it at 3000 miles or every 6-12 months, depending on how ambitious I felt. I seriously doubt that it's going to affect longevity of the motor.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
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From: Lakewood, Ohio
Originally Posted by 96DRW
I always at least start it up once a week and drive it a few miles. I’ve been changing the oil in the truck every 3 months regardless of the mileage although I’m starting to think this is kind of excessive, the oil always looks good when I drain it (I use 10-30 weight Pennzoil).
and yes, every three months is excessive.
every 3000 miles or once a year is my advice.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Oregon
Thanks for the replies. When I start the truck every week I let it warm up real good. I've heard it can be hard on an engine to only partially warm it up and not get it hot enough to evaporate any condensation. Somewhere I read that once oil is in the engine it can break down and lose it's lubricating properties even if you're not driving that much. As was said, there are probably a lot of opinions on this. I think I will go with with every six months or 3,000k.
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Pkupman82
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jun 27, 2011 08:04 AM
