Notices
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

First oil change

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 14, 2006 | 09:55 AM
  #1  
Raptor1's Avatar
Raptor1
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Vegas
First oil change

I changed my oil for the first time (first time diesel owner), not too bad of a job. That oil filter is a pretty cool setup. Anyway, the owners manual states the service interval to be 7500 miles between changes. Is that what others are doing? That gets pretty expensive if you drive a fair amount of miles, I thought diesels did not get the oil changed that frequently. I used Rotella T (non-synthetic 15W-40) as well if that makes a difference. Thanks guys
 
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2006 | 10:00 AM
  #2  
T.R.Bauer's Avatar
T.R.Bauer
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
Rotella is one of the best oils in my opinion. I actually change my oil more often than7500 miles (3-5 depending), but I work the truck pretty darn hard hauling campers and pulling boats.
 
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2006 | 10:05 AM
  #3  
Mwachel's Avatar
Mwachel
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
I bought my 2005 X used with 12000 miles on it. I have changed my oil at 17K and I am about to do it again at 22K. I am going to get an analysis done and see if I can push it out to 7500.

I am using non-syn rotella.
 
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2006 | 10:35 AM
  #4  
Beachbumcook's Avatar
Beachbumcook
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 22
Originally Posted by Raptor1
I changed my oil for the first time (first time diesel owner), not too bad of a job. That oil filter is a pretty cool setup. Anyway, the owners manual states the service interval to be 7500 miles between changes. Is that what others are doing? That gets pretty expensive if you drive a fair amount of miles, I thought diesels did not get the oil changed that frequently. I used Rotella T (non-synthetic 15W-40) as well if that makes a difference. Thanks guys
Welcome to the diesel world...

I use Rotella T-Synth. oil (5W-40) and love it. Normal changes are 7,500 miles and 5,000 for severe. Most here change at 5,000 miles due to the shearing of the oil (all brands) by this motor.

Whether you use dino oil or synth oil it doesn't matter. The 6.0L motor thrives on clean and fresh oil of the proper viscosity and rating. The newest oil rating is CI4+ which your Rotella is.

I picked up 1 mile per gallon after swithcing to Synth Rotella and my winter start-ups are easier and quicker!!

I would change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles and consider a fumoto oil drain plug/valve to make the changes even easier (fumoto.com).

Good luck and enjoy.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2006 | 12:39 AM
  #5  
Powerstroke_wannabe's Avatar
Powerstroke_wannabe
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 1
From: Middleburg, FL
Club FTE Silver Member

I guess it's all a matter of perspective. I change my oil with dino Rotella T 15W-40 every 5,000 miles. I wouldn't consider going beyond this interval without an oil analysis. Reasons: Shearing of the oil, buildup of combustion by-products in the oil, and fuel dilution of the oil. I look at an oil change as cheap insurance. Spend $40-$75 for an oil change or spend around $10,000 for an engine change. After spending $40,000 plus for your ride, why get cheap on it's life blood? I've never understood the mentality of short-changing the maintenance after spending so much on the purchase. But maybe that's just me.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2006 | 12:42 AM
  #6  
ford390gashog's Avatar
ford390gashog
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Club FTE Gold Member
most chnage at 5,000 miles the book says 7,500 miles which is the limit. 7500 miles is a long time not to change the oil.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2006 | 01:01 AM
  #7  
Raptor1's Avatar
Raptor1
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Vegas
Great reply's thanks. I think I'll do it every 5000 miles, sounds like good insurance.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2006 | 08:26 PM
  #8  
Tdusseau's Avatar
Tdusseau
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Where are you guys buying the "Rotella T-Synth"? I am using Castrol at the moment and it is not to bad. And can you get away with the 5w40? How light can you go? I do little if no towing the truck really has an easy life so far. And yes the Fumoto valve is the Shiz-nit. A Must have!!!
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 15, 2006 | 08:37 PM
  #9  
T.R.Bauer's Avatar
T.R.Bauer
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
I use 5W-40 in AK. We need it up here. If we didn't have it, our trucks wouldn't start.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2006 | 10:17 PM
  #10  
Beachbumcook's Avatar
Beachbumcook
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 22
Originally Posted by Tdusseau
Where are you guys buying the "Rotella T-Synth"? I am using Castrol at the moment and it is not to bad. And can you get away with the 5w40? How light can you go? I do little if no towing the truck really has an easy life so far. And yes the Fumoto valve is the Shiz-nit. A Must have!!!
I buy Rotella T-Synth. (5W-40) at Walmart. Comes in gallon jugs. If they do not have it, they can order as Walmart is a nationwide dist. I am told.
 
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2006 | 12:03 AM
  #11  
Powerstroke_wannabe's Avatar
Powerstroke_wannabe
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 1
From: Middleburg, FL
Club FTE Silver Member

I was in a Tractor Supply today and noticed they sell the Rotella T 5W-40 synthetic also.
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2006 | 07:06 AM
  #12  
Tdusseau's Avatar
Tdusseau
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Beachbum where are you located. I would like to hear from some southern guys to see how the oil handles the southern summers. Atl, GA here and from MI holy-crap does it get hot down here. Thanks for the wal-mart tip.
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2006 | 07:42 AM
  #13  
Beachbumcook's Avatar
Beachbumcook
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 22
Originally Posted by Tdusseau
Beachbum where are you located. I would like to hear from some southern guys to see how the oil handles the southern summers. Atl, GA here and from MI holy-crap does it get hot down here. Thanks for the wal-mart tip.
I am in Kansas City...not far enough South for what your looking for.

Also check out the site below as they have a good oil related forum to see what others are doing and asking...

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

I personally switched to Rotella-Syn after 50,000 miles and I am now a true believer in synthetic oil. My 6.0L motor likes it better in the winter/colder temps and based on what I read about cold and high heat protection, I know it is working on my behalf in the summer. I am a believer in using only oils that are CI4+ rated and Rotella-Syn is and is widely available at a fair price (reason for decision and not written to insite a riot on the boards).

Jeff
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2006 | 09:14 AM
  #14  
Tym's Avatar
Tym
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Question about this subject in general. I change mine every 7,500 miles because I normally do only a highway commute to work, heavy hauling is infrequent so far. Plus at 5000 I'd have to change the oil every 6 weeks and $50 a pop that's a bit much for me.


Anyhow, the question is, I've changed my oil twice and the first time I put 14qts in and it registered full on the stick, this last time it registered full at 13qts. Am I missing something? I leave the drain plug out until there is less than a steady drip and I'm on flat ground.. Is this normal?

Tym
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2006 | 09:28 AM
  #15  
Beachbumcook's Avatar
Beachbumcook
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 22
Originally Posted by Tym
Question about this subject in general. I change mine every 7,500 miles because I normally do only a highway commute to work, heavy hauling is infrequent so far. Plus at 5000 I'd have to change the oil every 6 weeks and $50 a pop that's a bit much for me.


Anyhow, the question is, I've changed my oil twice and the first time I put 14qts in and it registered full on the stick, this last time it registered full at 13qts. Am I missing something? I leave the drain plug out until there is less than a steady drip and I'm on flat ground.. Is this normal?

Tym
Lets do some math...

Every 6 weeks is 8.6 oil changes (52 divided by 6) = 9 oil changes lets say. At $50.00/change thats $450.00 ($50 X 9).

Using your numbers above... 5,000 every 6 weeks, that equates to 833 per week of driving.... or every 9 weeks at 7,500 miles (833 X 9).

At a rate of every 9 weeks, you would be changing oil 5.7 times (52 divided by 9) or lets call it 6 times. At $50.00/oil change times 6 = $300.

So, in the course of one year. you save $150.00 or $12.50/month or 1 case of cheap beer.

I hope your changing out the fuel filters every 15,000 miles, the air filter every 30,000 miles or so and the tranny every 30,000 miles?

OK, yes you are saving money, but everyone that does oil analysis can show where all oils shear-down to that of a 30 weight and then stabilize... but the fact is that under load and in extreme heat, many of us do not want 30 weight oil... hence we change at 5,000 mile intervals.

Are you doing damage, I would guess not and being highway miles is a lot less stressfull on a motor, but shearing of oil is shearing of oil. I would consider a synthetic oil (raises your cost), but even though it will also shear down, it shears less and will protect better due to the benefits of synth. oil.

Just my .02 worth... good luck and enjoy.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:39 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE