Oil question
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Oil question
Hey guys I have a 97 F150 4.6L auto 4x4 w/ 181890miles. It is coming close for an oil change and wondering what brand oil you guys have had luck with. Also what weight should I use for the warmer weather. My manual says 5w30. Would using 5w20 be any better or not?
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From: Chicago Area
I have used 5W20 in my 2001 4.6 for 120,000 miles with good result. You could probably use it in your '97 (and achieve slightly better mileage), but you might find that it uses a bit more oil. Engines seem to break in to whatever viscosity has been used and then will use a little more if a thinner oil is used later. I'd be inclined to stay with 5W30.
Although some are no doubt better than others, the brand doesn't matter significantly for normal useage. I do believe that certain brands as well as synthetic blends and full synthetics are "better" in some extreme cases, but this is unlikely to result in any tangible benefit to you. It's 95% marketing. In other words, you'll never pay back that $5/qt! Just get SM rated oil on sale, and change it per your owner's manual.
Although some are no doubt better than others, the brand doesn't matter significantly for normal useage. I do believe that certain brands as well as synthetic blends and full synthetics are "better" in some extreme cases, but this is unlikely to result in any tangible benefit to you. It's 95% marketing. In other words, you'll never pay back that $5/qt! Just get SM rated oil on sale, and change it per your owner's manual.
Last edited by MrBSS; Apr 10, 2006 at 12:46 PM.
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Elder User
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From: Cottage Grove, Minnesota
I just got changing the oil. Bought a case of Havoline 5w30. Changing the filter on these things sucks oil goes all over the place. I've always taken to my dad's shop to get it changed but he got laid off so now I change it myself. I know mine doesn't consume really any oil.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: St Louis
Use any brand oil that meets both the current API and Ford specifications and call it a day.....
You can buy expensive oil that works just as well as the inexpensive oil, so why bother unless you're a brand freak?
Me, I use the Wally World SuperTech with a Motorcraft filter. Inexpensive and it's done....
Steve
You can buy expensive oil that works just as well as the inexpensive oil, so why bother unless you're a brand freak?
Me, I use the Wally World SuperTech with a Motorcraft filter. Inexpensive and it's done....
Steve
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Posting Guru
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I agree, dino oils are just as good as the syns and at a fraction of the cost. I use to have 0w20 Mobil1 in my truck and switched over to the Castrol which was on sale very cheap and nothing changed in idling or performance, was even a bit quieter with the dino compared to the synthetic...go figure.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: GARLAND, TX
i use castrol high milage for my 99 f150 with motor craft oil filter. been wanting to get motorcraft oil but dont know where to find it :-\......only seen it @ Ford so far.....well in regards to skill life, bro your supposed to use the cup thing that goes ontop of oil tube so it doesnt go everywhere the oil....... and use a pan to put on bottom when your changing filter and draining oil....best thing is to have a good carpet to put on bottom so u can lay on bottom nicely.....now changing differential oil is a mess so watch out! and putting it back too, did my differential this past weekend.....
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From: Chicago Area
I agree that the filter position and orientation could be better, but if you use a Motorcraft filter (or other brand with a silicone anti-drainback valve), you'll get much less spillage when you pull it. Also better for getting the oil up to those overhead cams.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Evansville IN
Originally Posted by projectSHO89
.....Me, I use the Wally World SuperTech with a Motorcraft filter. Inexpensive and it's done....
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Missouri
Anything that's SAE and ford approved, 5w20 or 30. I personally always use motorcraft 5w20 and motorcraft filters, but wouldn't lose a bit of sleep if I switched to another brand that was equally credited.