I just bought a 99 F250 V10. It just turned 162,000 miles and it's time for an oil change. What weight oil should I use, and should I use synthetic?

 

I think you need to reread your post!
so you bought it at 159k and your changing the oil after 3k???????

i'd stay away from synthetic unless previous owner uesd it

Castrol 5w30 for a that many miles

 

Motorcraft 5W-20, buy it cheap at WalMart. If they have the 5 quart jugs it's a little cheaper but you'll need 6 full quarts. Grab the Motorcraft FL820S filter there too. It's a semi-synthetic, it's great oil. I've tried all the others. Go with the Ford oil and Ford filter. And never, ever use the 'orange' filter.

 

I've got a '99 as well. 95k on the clock now. For the 1999 model year 5w-30 is called for NOT the 5w-20. I also agree with the statement about synthetics. If it wasnt used previously it could cause you more harm than good. And i also agree with Castrol, it is an excellent oil for all engines. High milage especially.

One other note, is that my '99 takes 7 quarts to fill, always with new filter. YMMV.

I would also look at changing fluid in the differential(s), and dropping the tranny pan inspecting replacing filter an fluid. I dont like the flushes for the tranny. But that is my opinion only. And of'course check the coolant. Fuel filter probably needs changing as well.


Welcome to the best dayum forum ever. Enjoy your truck.

T. Father of Zane

 

Thanks for the input everyone. I plan on the diffs and the tranny as well...not sure of the service record.

 

Sorry about the hijack but is there anything wrong with the Fram filter with the silicone anti-drain-back valve? Its a few bucks more than the standard "orange" filter. I believe it's white in colour.

I've used these for a few changes now and I haven't noticed any cold knocking or wierd noises.

 

Honestly, with the exception of a couple stories back many years ago, I think Fram filters are just fine for normal-use vehicles that get a new one every 3-5K. I just don't buy into that "hate the orange filter" stuff.

That being said, I'll never use on in my Excursion! LOL! But only because the Motorcraft filter is sitting right next to for the same price.

I used them all the time in other vehicles and never suffered any damage in the least due to them.

I use them in my wife's Avalanche....hoping to be wrong about them but they haven't failed me yet.

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In reference to the original poster. Use 5W-20 or 30 doesn't really matter. Kamots is correct, that year didn't call for 5W-20. 5W-30 was the spec.

Just get some good quality oil of the correct weight (5-20 or 5-30) and change it 4-5K and you'll be fine no matter what the brand or what brand oil filter you got. I will somewhat concur with the synthetic statement. I used Mobil 1 and found it to evaporate more than others. I use Motorcraft since it is sitting right next to everything else at Wal-mart and is usually cheaper.

 

Saskdiesel, i dont get into the filter debate. I've personally used fram in the past. No issues due to it. In my opinion, and we all know what that's worth, if you use due diligence with your maintenance, i believe it wouldn't matter. YMMV. Good luck.


T. Father of Zane

 

the better Fram filters have better anti-syphon valves. I use the better Fram filters on my wife's SUV just because other brands are so hard to find, and the better Fram filters are OK. The cheapie orange filter, after being taken apart by several independent labs was shown to have a faulty anti-syphon. So pay an extra buck for a better filter. Yes the study was out several years ago, Monsta is right. He may also be right about Fram fixing the valve. But why risk it ? The Extra Guard and/or Tough Guard Frams are OK. But the MotorCraft is the same price, and it is approved by Ford.

As for 5W-20 vs 5W-30; Ford originally spec'd the 30W for the earlier 97-99 V10's. After 2000 and spec'ing 5W-20 for the PI motor Ford said the 5W-20 was now approved for all years V10. Modern oils don't depend on viscosity to protect engine parts. In fact too thick an oil can be harmful when the oil cannot reach the tight tolerances modern engines must be built with to meet EPA regs.

I wanted to use the best oil I could in the crankcase. I tried everything including Mobil 1. But after all that experimentation I went to Motorcraft 5W-20. I run my 415 cubic inches hard alot of the time. I also have piston slap on cooler to cold mornings so good lubrication was paramount to me in making my engine last.

With 130K miles on the ticker now I know I made the right choice in using MC 5W-20. Quaker State, Pennzoil, et'al are all quality products, nothing wrong with any of them. I like using the same, quality product that's easy to find, and a good value for my dollar. Sure Ford recommends Motorcraft, they have stock in it. But they also have to warranty their new engines. And all oils are tested by independent labs. Go with whichever oil you prefer, if you have a preference. If not the MC 5W-20 is one of the better, and a great price.

 

I just had the oil changed for the first time. The garage i use recomended a semi synthetice oil? Does this sound like a good idea? He said i could go 4-5k between oil changes. Any thoughts. i am not clear on the advatages or disadvantages.

 

I have found a full synthetic such as Mobil 1 has a much higher evaporation rate. After 5K miles I'm almost a quart low, and I don't burn oil. With a good semi synth I can keep my costs per quart down around $2 and get the protection of a synthetic while not suffering from evaporation. Which is why I use Motorcraft 5W-20. I frequently bounce my V10 off the rev-limiter so I want the most protection I can get. But I change my oil every 5K so why spend $5 a quart ? And a good semi synth is just a few cents more than full dino oil.