oil
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
oil
Loaded question alert, eh? Kind of like asking a room full of Chevy/Ford/Dodge guys what the best truck is, them's fighting words.
The best answer won't really answer your specific question, but anyway... use the API and SAE specification oil that is called for in your owners manual. A general answer depending on where you live is to use SAE 5W30 to maybe 20W50 weight oil With an API rating of I think now adays it should be SG or higher. I think engines from your year were Ok with API SE or SF or higher but don't take my word. BTW there are lots of oil websites with excellent info.
My personal preference is a synthetic in general and Mobil 1 or Valvoline Syntec in particular. I also use Texaco Havoline Synthetic. For Dino my preference is Valvoline. I do not change brands of oil in any of my engines once I start using it, and I do not mix brands or grades/weights. Maybe just personal quirks.
In general most magazine articles say all the name brand oils that meet the appropriate API and SAE spec will work fine with regular oil changes.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
The best answer won't really answer your specific question, but anyway... use the API and SAE specification oil that is called for in your owners manual. A general answer depending on where you live is to use SAE 5W30 to maybe 20W50 weight oil With an API rating of I think now adays it should be SG or higher. I think engines from your year were Ok with API SE or SF or higher but don't take my word. BTW there are lots of oil websites with excellent info.
My personal preference is a synthetic in general and Mobil 1 or Valvoline Syntec in particular. I also use Texaco Havoline Synthetic. For Dino my preference is Valvoline. I do not change brands of oil in any of my engines once I start using it, and I do not mix brands or grades/weights. Maybe just personal quirks.
In general most magazine articles say all the name brand oils that meet the appropriate API and SAE spec will work fine with regular oil changes.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
New User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
oil
Oil is oil. As long as it is API rated and is the right grade and viscosity it meets the same standards. Anyone saying otherwise has bought into the advertising hype. But hey, if you like to spend more money on the name brand stuff,more power to you. I buy whatever is on sale. Change it at 3 to 5 k and a new filter, and your engine will go a long way. I remember Consumer reports concluded the same thing a few years back when they tested different oils and change intervals on an identical fleet of taxis. No detectable difference when the engines were torn down and measured for wear.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 917
Likes: 3
From: Kelseyville USA
oil
You Write >>
I remember Consumer reports concluded the same thing a few years back when they tested different oils and change intervals on an identical fleet of taxis. <<<
Mabe Ken could talk/fenagle or what ever, some one into donating Many cases of oil to the fine FTE members for an " F T E Certified" rateing
__JOHN__Õ¿ö
FTE Club #7
Member-
http://www.cruisin-north.com/
Santa Rosa, Calif.
72 F-250
ICQ#6030753
http://www.ford-trucks.net/users/jbhf250/
https://www.ford-trucks.com/pictorial/big/1972_f250_2.html
I remember Consumer reports concluded the same thing a few years back when they tested different oils and change intervals on an identical fleet of taxis. <<<
Mabe Ken could talk/fenagle or what ever, some one into donating Many cases of oil to the fine FTE members for an " F T E Certified" rateing
__JOHN__Õ¿ö
FTE Club #7
Member-
http://www.cruisin-north.com/
Santa Rosa, Calif.
72 F-250
ICQ#6030753
http://www.ford-trucks.net/users/jbhf250/
https://www.ford-trucks.com/pictorial/big/1972_f250_2.html
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
oil
Matt, the best oil is Mobil 1 synthetic, with the other synthetics very close behind. Most of the dino oils are also very good, but I wouldn't ever use any Quaker State or Pennzoil. I have taken apart engines that were run on these and they are full, and I mean FULL of a waxy buildup that the other oils don't seeem to cause. DF
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
oil
I'll second that DF, I see how pennzoil @ Quaker State look after 5000 miles compared to valvoline. It's not pretty. Working at a lube rack part time I get to see this a lot.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
oil
I use Valvoline in all my vechicles and small engines. In the truck I run straight 30 weight in the spring, summer, and fall. In the winter I use 10w30. I put about 3000-4000 miles on the truck a year and change oil at least 3 times. Expensive but I think it is good practice for a happy engine.
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Hartselle USA
oil
Just my two cents worth. I quit using Quaker State in 1972 when it seemed like there was always some kind of sediment/water in the last bit that came out of the can. (Remember cans?) I've been using Havoline ever since, except Castrol in my boats and motorcycles. Always have changed the oil and filter at 3K-5K. Have NEVER had an oil related or lubrication related problem with an engine. Last truck I traded for my current one was a '95 Z-71 5.7L It had 116,000 mi and still did not use a quart between changes unless I had pulled my gooseneck horse trailer a whole lot during that interval. (Up to 14,000 lbs GCVW) It got the exact same gas mileage when I traded as when it was first broke in. (I checked it regularly). I put the second set of plugs in it right before I traded and the ones I took out had only normal wear and color. No deposits. It's my feeling (IMHO) that using a good quality oil and filters at regular intervals is about as good as it is going to get. You can spend a lot more if it makes you feel better but in 35 years of driving and maintaining all my own equipment I haven't seen the need. P.S. I used Delo 400 inn my 79 Pete with 400 Cummins. Also good luck.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
