Hey guys I have a question regarding oil. You see I recently purchased a 2006 Mark Lt, and it had a sticker on the windshield from Econolube saying that it's next oil change was due at 29000 miles and it also said that they used 5w-30 (didn't say if it was synthetic or dino). Right now the truck has 25,800 miles on it, and I was wondering if it was okay if I went with the Ford recommended 5w-20. I use Mobile extended on the diesel and I really like it, so I thought I would get some Mobile 5w20 ESP synthetic or royal purple . Now I live in south California where the temps are normally 70-90 and was wondering what would be best for the engine as I will only be driving it to and from college every day which is about 40 miles in total, and if it would be bad if I went from 5w-30 to 5w-20. Thanks a lot in advance for the replies guys, really appreciate the help. I am sort of a newb when it comes to this but I am willing to learn ^_-.

I don't know if this is relevant or not. But when I start thee truck the information center displays a message saying low oil pressure for less than a second and then the needle pops up a second later to norm. Idk if this is normal in the F-150 because Ive only used F-250s but this is the main reason why I want to do the oil change.

 

i would go with the ford recommended 5w-20. they recommend it for a reason, i've been using mobile in all of my oil changes (not that many yet) and the truck is running great.

 

Since you have no idea what they dumped in there, I would change it and the filter.

 

I always use motorcraft 5w-20 but whatever oil you use, make sure you use a motorcraft oil filter because of the check valve.

 

I would change to the 5w20.

it's just one of those things you should do as soon as you buy a vehicle.

Ford recommends the 5w20 due to it's fleet testing experience. 5w30 won't hurt the motor, but it will hurt the MPG slightly

 

the new engins have tighter tollerances not needing a heavy oil like 20/50 use 5/20 or what the book says and a motorcraft filter (FL820S) I use WIX filters

 

I would switch it back to the 5W20 while the 5W30 wont hurt it like said above Ford recommends it for a reason. Also when ever you buy a used truck it is good to change the fluids so you know exactly whats in there. I had to take my truck to the local oil changing place awhile ago and they put the same 5W30 in the truck for some reason. They have 5W20 but I guess they just felt like using the 5W30.

 

I would take it back and demand the replace it with 5w20 for free.

those shops are required to put the SPECIFIED oil in unless told otherwise.

 

i run 5w20 in mine. just like it states. motorcraft oil filter and castrol gtx oil. i tried mobil1 and didnt like it. pickup seems to work well with castrol

 

You need to run the factory specified 5W-20, the thinner oil is required due to the closer tolerances in these motors. Motorcraft filters are good, but contrary to air1jpg's remark, they're not the ONLY brand with the check valve. The better quality filters (i.e. Mobil 1) have it. Price and compare, then go with you're own personal preference.

 

i run 5/20 in mine too. I switched to mobile 1 awhile back but am considering royal purple on next change

 

Every filter for this application has the anti drainback valve as do most lube filters. But the MotorCraft and the Wix select are the only ones I know of to have the silicone valve instead of the buna rubber.

 

I Also Use Mobile 1 5w-20. I Also Use K&n Oil Filters. Does Anyone Know Of Any Pros/cons.

I Usually Go About 5000 Miles But What I Am A Little Baffled By Is That I Loose About Two Quarts During That Time. No Leaks. I Have Not Brought It To The Dealer Yet But I Stopped By And Asked About That And They Said It Is Normal!?!? I Am At About 36000 Miles. I Do Tend To Drive Harder Than Most. Before I Take It In Though, I Think I Need To Take The K&n Cai Off So That My Warranty Does Not Get Voided.

 

if you are losing 2 quarts and driving hard, i would suggest going to 3000 mile intervals.

 

If your truck is still under warranty I'd definitely take it in, and no, I wouldn't say 2 quarts in 5K miles is "normal". Reducing your oil change intervals is not gonna solve your problem, you're losing oil somewhere, either burning it or an unseen leak.