Engine oil requirements?
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Engine oil requirements?
I recently bought an 06 Explorer with the 4.6 L V8.
I was doing my first oil change and noticed the manual suggests the Ford Synthetic blend. The reference to the Ford spec seems odd because for me (old school) the reference was always to an API service classification.
What gives with the synthetic and what are the acceptable substitutes.
Sorry if this has been hashed. I checked the FAQ and did a search first.
Thanks
I was doing my first oil change and noticed the manual suggests the Ford Synthetic blend. The reference to the Ford spec seems odd because for me (old school) the reference was always to an API service classification.
What gives with the synthetic and what are the acceptable substitutes.
Sorry if this has been hashed. I checked the FAQ and did a search first.
Thanks
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
I recently bought an 06 Explorer with the 4.6 L V8.
I was doing my first oil change and noticed the manual suggests the Ford Synthetic blend. The reference to the Ford spec seems odd because for me (old school) the reference was always to an API service classification.
What gives with the synthetic and what are the acceptable substitutes.
Sorry if this has been hashed. I checked the FAQ and did a search first.
Thanks
I was doing my first oil change and noticed the manual suggests the Ford Synthetic blend. The reference to the Ford spec seems odd because for me (old school) the reference was always to an API service classification.
What gives with the synthetic and what are the acceptable substitutes.
Sorry if this has been hashed. I checked the FAQ and did a search first.
Thanks
I'm sure you could run any SM-rated 5W20 oil and be just fine, or move to a full synthetic in that same weight if that gives you a good feeling.
So what did you put in the 4.6? There are thousands of discussions on oil weight, brand, etc, in the oil and lubrication forum here. And if you really want to live the motor oil lifestyle, there is always Bob is the Oil Guy where you can make yourself absolutely crazy with information.
Good luck with the Explorer....the 3 valve motor in those is really gonna be gutsy. Watch out for radiator problems.
George
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Old School
George
I already had the 5-20W (bought a case) it was Chevron. It has the "seal" and states that it meets the Ford Spec.
I was just curious about the use of the synthetic. The Motorcraft filter removed did look to be a better filter. I wish there was a place to buy them at a competitive price.
I had two V6 Explorers and used that same oil for more than a total of 100K miles.
I really like the V8. Right now I am getting better millage with it than the 02 with the V6. In mixed driving I get 20.5-21.3 MPG.
Regards
Dennis
I already had the 5-20W (bought a case) it was Chevron. It has the "seal" and states that it meets the Ford Spec.
I was just curious about the use of the synthetic. The Motorcraft filter removed did look to be a better filter. I wish there was a place to buy them at a competitive price.
I had two V6 Explorers and used that same oil for more than a total of 100K miles.
I really like the V8. Right now I am getting better millage with it than the 02 with the V6. In mixed driving I get 20.5-21.3 MPG.
Regards
Dennis
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
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From: Detroit
George
I already had the 5-20W (bought a case) it was Chevron. It has the "seal" and states that it meets the Ford Spec.
I was just curious about the use of the synthetic. The Motorcraft filter removed did look to be a better filter. I wish there was a place to buy them at a competitive price.
I had two V6 Explorers and used that same oil for more than a total of 100K miles.
I really like the V8. Right now I am getting better millage with it than the 02 with the V6. In mixed driving I get 20.5-21.3 MPG.
Regards
Dennis
I already had the 5-20W (bought a case) it was Chevron. It has the "seal" and states that it meets the Ford Spec.
I was just curious about the use of the synthetic. The Motorcraft filter removed did look to be a better filter. I wish there was a place to buy them at a competitive price.
I had two V6 Explorers and used that same oil for more than a total of 100K miles.
I really like the V8. Right now I am getting better millage with it than the 02 with the V6. In mixed driving I get 20.5-21.3 MPG.
Regards
Dennis
I'm using Quaker State 5W20 torquepower full syn in my van's 4.6 and it's doing great (low consumption, looks very clean at 5-6k miles)...but I got 24 quarts for 99 cents each. I have always done 3000 mile changes with the Motorcraft syn blend, but am now going 6-7000 on the full syn.
The Motorcraft filters have some design superiority over many others--the bypass valve is at the base of the filter, and they have an excellent anti-drainback valve. Do some Internet searches if you want to see some filter comparisons. (Just don't use the low-end Fram filters...)
Seems like most of the auto parts stores around here (Detroit area) have the Motorcraft filters in common applications, for very reasonable prices.
Hey, the V6 in the Explorer was never rated for a 5W20 oil...were you using Chevron 5W30, perhaps?
Enjoy the new/used Explorer,
George
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
You see, thats the kicker. When I went to buy oil at my local parts store for my mom's van, I was looking at the different brands, and when I paused at the Motorcraft oil, I noticed something strange. Not only is it one the of the better oils, but it was by $.50, the cheapest oil in the store.
The v6 loves 5w20.
The v6 loves 5w20.
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